Minnesota Bridge

GNT Results for 2022!

2022 GNT Results

 

        The 2022 GNT District finals are completed!

 

14 teams competed for the chance to represent District 14 in Providence, Rhode Island to start the Summer Nationals.

4 teams came out on top of their strata.

         

The Superflight will be contested by the team of Kurt Schaeffer, Kerry Holloway, Bob Balderson, and Cindy Balderson.

         

Flight A will be contested by a 6 person team with lots of experience at the national level. Eric Hendrickson, Paul Gutterman, Andrew Caracas, Richard Lawson, Mark Krusemeyer, and Robert Schachter were the winners in Flight A.

 Flight B finalists are Connie Nelson, James Schnepf,         Wayne Reynolds, and Keith Thompson.

 Flight C winners are David Nelmark, Philip Hayne, Rolf Hoyer,   and John Schaefer.

 

Congratulations to our District Winners!

And Good Luck in Providence!

 

        

Keith Thompson

Unit 103 GNT Coordinator

The World According to Keith Thompson - (We are Thankful!)

Keith Thompson is Unit 103 GNT Coordinator - and we are fortunate to have him.  Keith has lots to share with us, for which we are grateful.  So I will share with you what Keith views as the good and bad (no "ugly" from Keith, thanks!)
We appreciate what he is doing - and look forward to what the future brings!
*********************************************************************************************

 Hi All - I am Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator.

 

          The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

          While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you so    that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.

          First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards.

 

Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match; you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south.  All four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

          But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

 

          Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

 

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions? Contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator keithclockt@icloud.com

 

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you wish to do next:

 

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to kim.hayward@acbl.org. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

 

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

 

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

Granite City Sectional is Next Week!

One Week Away!
Connie Nelson

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

Posted by Peg on June 16, 2022 | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The Passing of a Member

We are sad to report that we have lost one of our members.

 

Jeff Dziuk passed away last night, from multiple medical problems.

Jeff was a Sapphire Life Master holding a bit more than 3,700 points.  He was a very long time member of the club, and Jeff did our bookkeeping for years on a voluntary basis.  He had lots of regular partners, namely Larry Johnson.

Both partners and opponents will miss Jeff.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Prayers and blessings to his family and many friends.

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager
Bridge Center of St. Paul
651.490-5430 w
651.271.3500 c

 

 

 

 

 

June 25th - Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held

Unit 103 Membership Meeting to be Held June 25^th

 

While playing at the recent Gopher Regional, several of us wore our name badges identifying us as ACBL Unit 103 Board members.  A frequent question we encountered was: “What does a Unit Board do?”

Well, now is a perfect time to find out!  For the first time post-Covid, we will be holding an in-person Unit 103 membership meeting during the upcoming Granite City Sectional.

 

What Happens at a Membership Meeting?

Come and meet your Unit 103 Board Members -- learn what your Unit does, how Unit 103 “fits” inside ACBL, and hear quick updates on our Unit’s plans and finances.  Feel free to ask us questions or offer suggestions for the betterment

 of this game we all love! 

 

How do I know if I am a Member of Unit 103?

You are if you are an ACBL member and reside within the geographical area of Unit 103 (i.e. most of Minnesota, except Minneapolis and its suburban areas), or you live elsewhere but have retained your membership with Minnesota Gopher Unit 103. 

Other interested persons are welcome to attend the membership meeting, especially anyone considering joining ACBL.

 

What are the Meeting Arrangements? 

The annual meeting will be held on Saturday, June 25^th, during the St Cloud Granite City Sectional, held in Sartell MN this year.  Come and play in the Sectional’s team and pair games played each day from June 23 to June 25, and then join us for the Membership meeting between Saturday’s playing sessions on June 25^th.  The tentative start time is 12:30 p.m..

As a final enticement … there is such a thing as a free lunch!  A tasty luncheon will be provided.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Sincerely,

The Unit 103 Board of Directors
Sue Greenberg, President

Matt Belau (Rochester)

Amy Dutton (St Paul)

Rajiv Kapadia (Mankato)

Connie Nelson (St Cloud)

Warren Nelson (Duluth)

Tom Owens (Woodbury)

Keith Thompson (St Paul)

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul (the “Club”) helps newer players!

 

The Bridge Center of St. Paul (the “Club”) helps newer players

                

 

It was gratifying to see our newer players do well at the Gopher Regional.   The Club has several ways it supports these players.   

 

The Thursday Mentor Game   12:30 pm

 

Generally a Life Master mentors a non-life master but two non-life masters can also play together.  From our mentor game several did very well at the tournament .  On Monday, Linda Enrooth and Jan Jansen won the Gold Rush pairs, the first major win for each of them.  On Friday, Gail Baev and Bill Anderson won the Gold Rush pairs with Jan Jansen and Rita Mills 2^nd.   Many others won points, including some gold.  There was a lot of excitement.

 

 

The Thursday “Chat” Game    12:30 pm

 

Also on Thursday we have “Chat Bridge” for true beginners.  We encourage those who just finished one of our Beginners classes to join this game.  The pace is slower and coaches help answer questions during the play. 

 

Several of these “under 20 masterpoints” players competed in their first tournament.  On Friday the Gopher I/N game was too small so they were tossed into the Gold Rush pairs competing with players up to 750 masterpoints.  One pair, Francis Luikart and Laurie Carlson, averaged 46% for the two sessions.  Quite an accomplishment!  Ellen Kluz and Kris Verdin had 53.7% in an Open Side Game on Thursday.

 

 

New Novice game starting in June     Monday evenings

 

It’s a pretty big jump from “Chat” to the Mentor game, so we are starting a new 0-200 Novice game for Monday evenings at 6:30. 

 

Club Manager Kimberly Hayward (651-271-3500) can answer questions about these games and find you a partner.

 

Education offerings for I/N players

 

The Club offers classes geared to Novice and Intermediate players.  Larry Huiras heads this up.  Check our web site for upcoming classes.   www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com    Or do a search on “bc of st paul”

 

 Watch for our “Intermediate – Newcomer Sectional” July 28-30 held at the Club.

 

If you are a newer player and would like to grow your game in the most friendly bridge environment around, there are lots of folks at the Club ready to help.  Our wonderful mentors and coaches, too numerous the mention here, are all Club members who volunteer.   And of course, Kimberly Hayward makes everything go!

 

On behalf of so many …

 

Bill Voedisch

Board President, Bridge Center of St. Paul

Board President Steve Gaynor - Thanks for Superb Work!

BIG BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor

And those who work SO diligently for great
bridge games!

Feel free to see what has been accomplished - 
and more to come!

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting,
May 4, 2022

 

Date: May 23, 2022

To: Steve Gaynor

 

The ZOOM meeting was called to order by Board Pres. Steve Gaynor

 

Board members present: Vicky Smith, Sue Sanger, Jane Schmidt, John Schlundt, Cass Weil and Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Barbara Zipoy, Patty Stuhlman, Linda Brammer

 

Minutes of April Meeting: Approved as corrected. ( Lyndale site available for $700 per day, not $700 per month.)

 

Financial Report: Approved

 

Sharon Anderson Induction: Sharon will be inducted in to the ACBL Hall of Fame on Friday, May 23, at the Gopher Regional Tournament. She will make a short speech. There will not be a reception. Our unit will make a donation in her name to an organization of our choice.

 

Regional Tournament:  Patti Stuhlman report: 155 rooms have been reserved (120 were committed). 550 tables are expected (1/2 of tables played in 2019). Jane will send out the final email today. Volunteers are needed: Caddies-one per day, $35 per session (9:30 to 6:00), Greeters, Standby Partners (will play for free). Players must register vaccinations and receive a wrist band. Tables will be set up on Sunday. 0 to 5 master points will play free in IN games (paid for by Minnesota Educational Fund—up to 150 plays). Credit cards OK. Coffee, tea and snacks will be available.

 

Sectional: Report by Barbara Zipoy and Linda Brammer : Edina Community is not available. Lyndale site is not ready to commit. They will negotiate only  with Tony Ames who will do so. August 3, 4, 5. is suggested date. Other sites considered include: St. Paul Bridge Center (Unit 103}, Oak Marsh, New Brighton, Crown Plaza. The exact date must be determined—Wed, Thur, Fri, something on Sat?, something at night?. Motion: August 3,4,5, Wed, Thur, Fri, moved, seconded and approved. Patti suggested we combine with St. Paul for a fall Sectional at Oak Marsh or New Brighton.

 

Bridge Center Search: Letter sent in March by Sue Sanger and Task Force received little or no response. They said this is not a good time to plan for a new bridge center. Suggested to revisit at a later time. Barb Zipoy: “Does it have to be non-profit? St. Paul and Rochester are not. Who would run it?” Estimated start up cost could be $50,000! Keep looking.

 

I-pads: Steve suggested we purchase two I-pads so robots can sit in. Should directors play? Nobody wants sit outs. Talk to Tony and Scott.

 

Membership Meeting: Steve suggested we have a brief meeting at the Regional, morning session, to introduce new board members—two are needed. Any volunteers?  Names for possible members should be sent to Steve.  Members leaving the board are: Vicky Smith, Richard Cottle and Jackson Wahl .

 

Old Business: Has website been updated? Chip Blu said the game schedule has been updated. Lessons? Teri said not enough have signed up. Barb suggested a charity game for the Educational Fund.  

 

Next Meeting: Early June

Adjourned

 

Steve Gaynor is Helping Us - Make Bridge Great Again!

BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor!

Lots of info for all sorts of bridge!

Be sure to peruse around - and - see
WHATS UP!!

 

LOCAL FULL-TIME BRIDGE CENTER:

 

Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6^th Ave, North St. Paul, MN 55109 651-490-5430 6th Ave, North St www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com

 

Minneapolis area face to face games:

 

Monday-Wednesday-Friday:  Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN

 

Thursday:  Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN

 

Tuesday-Saturday:  Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

 

Contact Tony Ames at 952-200-3871 – ynotsema@aol.com

 

Contact Scott Smith for Wednesday and Thursday – htimswttocs@yahoo.com

 

 

 

OTHER POPULAR BRIDGE SITES:

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog:   www.mnbridge.com  

 

Keep up-to-date on all sorts of happenings in the world of Minnesota Bridge.  There are links to lots of other bridge sites including a list of other sanctioned duplicate games in MN.

 

Unit 178.com

 

News about bridge in Minneapolis and the western suburbs

 

American Contract Bridge League (ACBL):  acbl.org

 

See how bridge is administered; check your masterpoints; get tournament schedules; locations of clubs.

 

Bridgebase online:  BBO.com  - Watch, learn and/or play bridge online.  Currently offering ‘Virtual Club Games’ that benefit your local bridge club and pay ACBL masterpoints to the winners.

 

Bridge Winners:  bridgewinners.com - Players from all over the world share experiences, hands, opinions about everything bridge. 

 

 

 

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AS OF APRIL, 2022:

 

May 23 - 29     GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

 

Jun    2        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

 

Jun 23 - 25     Granite City Sectional @ 850 19^th St. South in Sartell, MN

 

Jun 29 – Jul 2  REGIONAL @ Waterloo Center For the Arts in Waterloo, IA

 

Jul 21 - 31     SUMMER NABC @ PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI

 

TBA             Aquatennial Sectional @ TBA

 

                                                                                                                                                                 GOVERNANCE                                

 

 

 

WBF (World Bridge Federation):  Over 100 countries have national Bridge Organizations that are part of this main organization.  They administer world-wide events and championships including the Bermuda Bowl (held every 2 years); Olympiad or World Mind Sport Games (held every 4 years); Rosenblum Cup (held every 4 years).

 

ACBL: North American bridge organization encompassing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.  It currently has about 150,000 dues paying members and is headquartered in Horn Lake, MS (suburban Memphis). 1-662-253-3100.

 

USBF (United State Bridge Federation): Administers events leading toward WBF world championships to determine the teams from the USA that will compete in the Open, Women’s, Junior’s and Senior’s competitions.

 

ACBL DISTRICT 14: One of 25 Districts in the ACBL.  It encompasses Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North and South Dakota.  There are over 4000 members in this district’s 9 units.

 

ACBL UNIT 103 (Gopher): Encompasses over 800 members all in MN except for Minneapolis and most of its’ western suburbs (see below).

 

ACBL UNIT 178 (Viking): Encompasses about 800 members mainly located in zip codes beginning with 553 and 554.

 

Playing in a TOURNAMENT!!

New or Intermediate Bridge Players: 

The MN Gopher Regional is for You Too!

By Connie Nelson

Have you only recently started to play Duplicate bridge at a local Club?  Or, are you an advancing player at one of the lower masterpoint ranks?  Are you curious about whether you should even consider attending a Tournament at this stage of your bridge journey? 

The answer is: Yes –“Go-Pher” It!  Come join us at the MN Gopher Regional May 23-28.  Every tournament player once attended his or her “first” tournament.  This year could be your turn! 

Regional tournament play gives you opportunities to meet other bridge players, improve your bridge skills, and ask questions of higher-ranked players.  We offer games for every level of skill or masterpoint rank, as well as opportunities to learn and socialize. 

For instance, the MN Gopher has offerings specifically intended for Intermediate or Newcomer (I/N) players, i.e. players with fewer than 300 masterpoints.  These offerings include:

• I/N single session games are held every tournament day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. If you want to see what a tournament is like, try one of these. Placing high enough will earn you Red  
• Entry fees to I/N games are at a reduced price - only $10 a session. Remember, only players below 300 master points may play.  While these games award reduced master points, they allow you to compete against only your peers.
• “Lunch and Learn” lessons will be held between games Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area. Bring your lunch and attend a free mini-lesson taught by area players.

What’s it like to play in a tournament? 

One of the first places you’ll want to find is the Information Desk.  There you will receive information about the types of games offered, the locations they will be played, as well as a small welcome gift. 

Stop next at the Health and Safety Desk.  Everyone at the tournament must be fully vaccinated.  Show your ID and vaccination card and you will get a plastic wristband to wear during the tournament.

To play, you don’t have to pre-qualify or pre-register.  You just show up, meet your partner, register, pay for the event you are interested in, and play.  If you have time to play only one game or one day, that’s fine. Alternately, you can play as many days or games as fits your schedule.  Which games you play at a tournament, and when, is totally your choice. 

If you don’t have a partner, contact Sue Grue (suegrue@gmail.com, or 702-454-5352,  before May 23^rd and ask that a partner be found for you.  If you ever find yourself at a tournament without a partner, go to the Partnership Desk, and ask for help in finding or requesting a partner or teammates. 

If you’d like, you could “Go-Pher” other kinds of games other than I/N.  Unlike IN games, you would be playing against all levels of players.  However, most events are stratified or bracketed, meaning you are scored against players within similar MP ranges. 

For $15 a session, you could try games like:

• Gold Rush Pairs, a two-session event where no player entered can have more than 750 points. A section top or placing overall earns some Gold points!

 

• Stratified Pairs and Side Games, open games that award master points to tops within masterpoint strata or ranges.

 

• Bracketed Swiss Teams, where you sit N/S at one table and your teammates sit E/W at another table. Both tables play the same 6-8 boards and then compare results. Win a match, win master points!

So, if you are curious and considering the MN Gopher Regional, just come!  “Go-Pher the Fun” on May 23-28.  We hope to see you there.

For more information on the Tournament, visit:  bit.ly/gopherregional 

And our big thanks to Connie for our newer players!

Unit 103 MASTERPOINT RACE AWARDS CELEBRATION!!

2021  UNIT  103  MASTERPOINT  RACE  AWARDS  CELEBRATION

LET’S  ALL CELEBRATE!!

 

WHERE:        Bridge Center of St. Paul

                         2603 6^th Avenue E., North                                                                                            St. Paul, MN 55109

WHEN:               Saturday, April 23, 2022                         

TIME:               11 am         Free Lunch for all players, awards presented, followed by a Unit Championship, approximately 12:30 pm; entry fee $6.00. (Award winners play free)

Please RSVP by April 15 ,2022, to Bridge Center of St. Paul, 651-490-5430, bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com,  or sign-up sheet at the Bridge Center. 

Questions? Contact the Bridge Center or Sue Greenberg, rdbcmanager@gmail.com

Proof of vaccination and ACBL/CDC masking in place.

 

 

Spring Has Sprung for Tony Ames - and Bridge for Us!

Tony is not only a master playing at the bridge table--
He's also superb at organizing bridge for everyone!
Check out all the details below!

 

Face-to-Face Games

Monday - 11:45 Edina Senior Center - 5280 Grandview Square

Tuesday - 12:15  Lesson - 12:45 - 0-750 average - 6001 Lyndale Ave S.  Mpls

Wednesday - 11:45  Edina Senior Center

Thursday - 12:00  Maple Grove Community Center - 12951 Weaver Lake Rd 

Friday - 1:00  Edina Senior Center

Saturday - 1:00  6001 Lyndale Ave S.  Mpls

 

Online Games

Monday - 12:30

Wednesday - 12:30

Thursday - 9:30 (0-500)

Friday - 7:15 pm

Tony Ames

Bridge Birthdays and Wishes from St. Cloud Bridge Club!

Bridge-Related Birthday “Wishes”

By Connie Nelson

Once again, we are SO fortunate to have Connie Nelson alert
to what's happening in St. Cloud's neck of the woods!
Connie - we are so grateful to you for the news you share - 
The applause you deliver to those who are doing well.

AND - we are DELIGHTED that a fun and exciting 
success on your part is popping up on YOUR birthday!

Enjoy, everyone! Here's CONNIE!!!  
*************************************************************

On February 10, Robert Nairn of the St Cloud Bridge Club turned eighty-nine years young.  You may recall that I’ve written about Robert before. He was our “Rookie of the Year” in 2018, when he won the Unit 103 Mini-McKenney race for the 0-5 master point range.   In 2020, he won the 50-100 Mini-McKenney race not only for Unit 103, but across all of District 14.  In 2021, he was one of four St Cloud players who became District 14 GNT Flight C Champions, and represented District 14 in the National GNT competition.

So what’s he done lately?

As I mentioned, his 89^th birthday was on February 10.  On that day, Robert shared that his “birthday wish” was to partner with each and every member of our St Cloud Club.  He said, “I hope to accomplish this before I turn 90!!!” 

And, I’m here to tell you…. he is making great progress.  As of March 17, he has played a Club game with thirteen different partners – and there were only fifteen games held during that time period!   He also has ten more players already scheduled for a game.   I think he’s going to make sure his birthday wish is granted, don’t you?

You know that old saying, “Leave a legacy for bridge.  Encourage others to follow suit!”  To me, Robert is blazing quite a living legacy exemplifying the love of bridge  --- as well as sharing that love of the game with many different partners.

The second birthday “wish” involves me, Connie Nelson.  My birthday is February 29^th, and I had a milestone birthday coming up… one of those where the front number changes.  To state it plainly,  I was turning seventy and I had my sights set on making my Silver Life Master before I did.  On February 28^th, I received my 1000^th point in Club play and accomplished my birthday “wish” in the nick of time.  That was really fun! – and made that front-number change a little easier to take.

So make some bridge-related birthday wishes yourself!   It turns out they are quite attainable.

Nice News for March and April - Games at Plymouth Bridge!

PLYMOUTH BRIDGE

Edina Senior Center
5280 Grandview Square

Fridays - 12:45pm

MARCH
18TH - GNT Qualifier and Practice ($8)
25TH - Stratified Pairs ($6)

APRIL
1ST - Stratified Pairs ($6)
8TH - Swiss Teams Fundraiser ($7)
15TH - Sectional at Clubs ($8)
22ND - IMP Pairs Club Championship ($6)

Directors & Partners - Tony Ames
952.200.3871

Special Event Sunday, March 20TH - 1PM
Please bring something good to share!

On-Line "Last Chance Qualifier & Practice"
Thursday March 31ST - 6:30PM

Proof of Covid vaccination must be provided.
You can email a copy of your vaccination card to
ynotsma@aol.com or bring it to your first game.

 

Looking for a Unit Secretary for Unit 103 Board Meetings

Unit Secretary:

Take the minutes of the Unit 103 Board meetings (currently on Zoom 4 to 6 meeting per year), email Board correspondence, announcements, keep unit records and digital documents current.

Position receives a small stipend and reimbursement for any related expenses.

Contact Patti Huiras 651-343-2078 or email patti.huiras@gmail.com to apply for this position.

 

 

 

Are You a Beginner Bridge Player?

Then YOU are In Luck!

 

Long time Bridge Instructor, Teri Blu, Is Offering an 8 Week Beginner Bridge Course!

 

The course will be held at the Edina Senior Center - and shall be held from 
Tuesday, April 5th, through May 24th

For information and registration, please call:  952.833.9570

(Additional classes will be held in Summer and Fall)

Bridge is an incredibly fascinating, challenging and amazing game!

Be certain to look into this marvelous opportunity; you'll be delighted!

 

 

 

2021 Unit 103 - Masterpoint Race Awards Celebration!

Sue Greenberg Has NEWS!

Unit 103 is Having It's Masterpoint Race Awards Celebration!

Let's ALL Celebrate!

At the Bridge Center of St. Paul - 2603 6th Avenue East
                                                         North St. Paul, MN  55109

WHEN?
Saturday, April 23, 2022

TIME?
11AM 
Free Lunch for All Players
Awards presented

A Unit Championship at 12:30PM Will Follow

Entry Fee is $6.00  (Award winners play for free)

Please RSVP by April 15, 2022 to the Bridge Center of St. Paul
651-490-5430
bridgecenterofstpaul@gmail.com
Or use the sign-up sheet at the Bridge Center

Questions?
Please contact the Bridge Center or Sue Greenberg
rdbcmanager@gmail.com

Proof of vaccination and ACBL/CDC masking in place

Looking forward to seeing EVERYONE there!

 

 

 

Making Minnesota Bridge Great Again!

If I were to guess, my guess would be that a great many of us have been confounded by bridge in Minnesota during the last couple of years.  Some of us, without clubs holding games, went to online bridge in an effort to be able to play.  Others went to different states, maybe to grab some weather warmer than minus 15 - or because those areas had more "freedoms" to play at the table instead of from our bedrooms.

Frankly, some of us decided to simply engage in other activities; any sort of bridge became
"less" because current bridge became less familiar.

Some decided to take the current change as an opportunity to take a trip somewhere, learn new activities - or simply decided that they would wait until things calmed down - and then they'd decide what made the most sense for them.

It does seem like improvement IS beginning to come to bridge!  Won't be the same everywhere; we can't predict what coming months will do.  Yet, I do think it IS a good time to at least cogitate on a variety of ideas.  For many of us, bridge has been a highlight - or THE highlight - of our lives!  So if we can "pump it up again" - that would be super.

If we could all take a bit of time and think about what we - and others - could do to "save bridge"  - that would be fabulous.  I'm betting there are all sorts of fine ideas.

We could get some of our newby juniors to learn bridge.  Elite players could "do good" both by teaching some, meeting those who are new to the game - or just trying to "up" their game and get better and better.

I recall how - many moons ago - this newby player (yours truly!) would meet people, be helped, be thrilled when something went great - and not so much when I didn't know what I was doing, etc.  

Whoever would like to participate in such adventures, meet new people, start again to be with friends At the Table instead of their bedroom... I'm betting that not only would it be loads of fun - but - we could start building up again - irrespective of age, ability, free time, willingness to help - and so forth.  Sound appealing to you?  I hope so!  And if you have ANY fine ideas for making bridge great again - BRING IT ON!!  I and others will be SO THANKFUL!!

Peg

More Loss - Matt Baylow Shares More Sad News

..................

It is with a heavy heart to report that Genny Rice passed away this week,
peacefully in her sleep.  

 

Always with the sunniest of dispositions, Genny will be missed both at and away from the bridge table.  Genny "went out on top", having just scored a 74% Speedball game and coming in 1st out of 228 pairs with her longtime partner, Greg Caucutt, in what would be her last bridge game, having died the following afternoon.  

 

Getting to be 93 years old and still able to play bridge is a remarkable achievement in itself, and she was most recently honored as the RDBC's newest Diamond Life Master.  She loved a party and was always dressed to the nines!  

 

Genny's family is considering having a celebration of Genny's life, details yet to be finalized.  Sue Greenberg will have an update for us as she gets that information.

 

****************************************************************************************************************

Peg here - sharing my memories of a lovely, fun lady - just as Matt described.

 

Genny and I used to have a number of conversations online.  She was such a delightful, fun, caring and kind lady!  My guess is we didn't have ANYONE who didn't enjoy being with Genny....  In addition to her kindness and lovely manner, she was a good bridge player and loved being around everyone.
I don't think that I knew Genny had just become our latest Diamond Life Master!  
Kudos to Genny and her great accomplishment.  I can see her up in the universe - and I hope she is as nice to herself as she's always been to others!

As Matt has said, we will hear more from Genny's family; I look forward to that.
And I welcome any of our bridge players who would like to share their memories of Genny to do so!

So tough to lose another of our precious bridge players....  
Yet - as Matt remarked above - being 93 and STILL able to play a great game

IS a remarkable accomplishment - which Genny achieved!

I used to see Genny's great smile at one of our tables.  Now I shall think of her smile in Heaven.

 

Sad Tidings of the New Year - By Connie Nelson

Should auld acquaintance be forgot 
And never brought to mind?

                                  Absolutely not!                                  

From August-December, 2021,  my husband Jim Schnepf and I lived in Athens, leading a semester-long Study Abroad to Greece for the College of St Benedict/St John’s University.  While away, we were repeatedly saddened with news from home.  Four deaths from among our St Cloud Bridge Club occurred in those four months.

Vern Schlemmer died on August 7^th.   Vern was a solid bridge player who always made the most out of any hand he was dealt.  Our Club manager Kory says of him, “Vern didn’t have the master points, but I considered him an A player.”  Vern fiercely loved bridge and our Club.  Living near Alexandria MN, he drove one and a half hours each way to attend at least one weekly game.  At one of the last games he played, knowing that his health was failing, Vern bought pizza for everyone.  He stood and said a “thank you” for the joy he had received from playing bridge and from our St Cloud “bridge family!”  It brought tears to many eyes.  God speed, Vern!

Gloria Mize’s death on September 16^th left behind a huge hole in our Club.  Gloria served our Club in so many ways - she directed the Wednesday game; she initiated and supported a 199er side game; she taught bridge lessons; and she telephoned endlessly to arrange partnerships.  Gloria was a skilled player who earned nearly 2500 master points, and was an inspiration to many.  She encouraged all of us to continue to learn and better our game, and to play with love for the game!

One day after Gloria, David Warne died on September 17^th.   Dave was a strong competitor who played with many partners.  He wasn’t a slow player, but he was deliberate.  You could almost see his brain whirling as he carefully played each hand.  He was a strong, kind competitor.  A St Cloud State University professor, David was one of our “young” players and was only 68 when he died.  Frankly, I still have a hard time believing that he won’t be returning to the bridge table. 

On October 17^th, Roger Mord died a month later.  Roger enjoyed reading, following current events, playing bridge, gardening, and family.  Roger played in the 199-er games, often with his partner Joan Sand.  We will remember Roger as a very friendly competitor at the Bridge table, who brought a quiet integrity to all he did.

And, speaking of sad tidings, I would be remiss if I didn’t honor two other players who died earlier in 2021.

Jim Ferris died on April 7^th.  A local realtor for many years in the St Cloud area, Jim came to play occasionally in our 199-er games.  He enjoyed the game, and was always a gentleman at the table.

Betty Landsberger died on June 25^th.  St Cloud Bridge player Deb Ampe recalls Betty lovingly.  Betty and Deb were first cousins – and Betty was Deb’s favorite.  Deb summed Betty with one phrase, “Betty had a love for bridge, and an even bigger lust for life!”  Eighty-nine years young when she died, both Deb and I loved it when Betty would “flirt” with the younger male players calling out: “Hey, good looking!”  We all will miss that ever-present smile in her eyes and the quick tease on her lips!

Our Club sends peace and comfort to all family members and friends who knew these beloved players.  Rest In Peace! 

Let's Fall in Love.....

Have you played bridge for more than a short while?  If so, then you likely are aware that it simply doesn't stay the same forever.  I remember when I went to college in Madison Wisconsin - learned to play all sorts of card games - and even a little bit of bridge.  From Madison, I headed to grad school and ended up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!! I fell in love with Minnesota - then met a relative who enjoyed bridge.  

He encouraged me to occasionally play in St. Paul - so I did.  And although he was a super smart guy and quite nice, too - we rarely played a lot.  Though I enjoyed our games, I truly was a beginner, had a long trek from Minneapolis to the north - and didn't learn that much.

THEN I met a guy who asked me to play one evening - and we were second in an event!  Boy was I excited - especially when we were given trophies that were almost as tall as I was!  That was it; even though I still did not play a huge amount of bridge, playing more - and/or kibitzing - was a true treat.

I have been playing bridge literally for many decades....  so I've seen extreme changes over the years; some good and some not so wonderful.  I surely recall having regionals where almost every seat in TWO BALLROOMS were taken by players; THAT'S how many of us were fascinated and excited by bridge!

As we all know, though, the last few years have brought changes that truly are distinct from decades of our games.  Some have been good - but others have been painful and sad as we see so many games dwindling....  I know that there are some who think that the "death knell" of bridge is on its way...  And while it is impossible to predict, my view is one of hope that much that is not so hot now  will change greatly for the better.  And yet again, we'll see new players and juniors and retired folk - along with talented super stars - returning to the game like no other.

My goal?  I have a few.  One is as I mentioned; as fear of covid diminishes, we'll see more players return.  And once that happens, more will become intrigued with bridge, irrespective of their expertise and/or their beginning experiences.

I think that my greatest hope is that we will see many fall in love again.  Some will simply enjoy a game of bridge every week or two.  Others will become so fascinated, games will grow and grow - beginners will turn into intermediates - and then perhaps experts - and/or super stars!

Whether you are a casual player or one of Minnesota's amazing top players - I hope your enjoyment continues on - and more and more of us return to being bridge lovers!

We can do it!  Please share YOUR THOUGHTS about bridge in 2022.  What are your thoughts for growth?  What do you think creates the most fun and fascination?  What are the most thrilling bridge experiences you've had - and - the most crushing?

I do have my own thoughts that I hope to share.  And please do join me!  Many of us have fallen in love with bridge in the past - yet current circumstances have made playing more challenging for many.  We can fall in love again.   We can create the fun and amazement.  We can entice non-bridge players to be with us!

                                                  Let's do it!!!