Minnesota Bridge

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

from Steven Gaynor (e-mail: stev1249@comcast.net) 

(C): 612-708-7563   

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!

JUNETEENTH, 2022

 

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL as of the date above.  These events and dates are subject to being changed by the local regulating authorities.

 

COLOR KEY:   NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS;  MINNESOTA SECTIONALS; DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS;

                              WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

 

2022

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, Iowa        

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

Aug  3 - 5      Sizzling Summer Sectional @ Southdale Mall, Edina, MN

Aug   20        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Aug 22 - 28     REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep             International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs

Sep 12 - 15     D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct    4        Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct  6 - 8      Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 24 - Dec 4  FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec   1         I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Dec 9 - 11    Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN

 

 

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN

 

2022

Jul 15 – 17     Sioux Falls, SD

Aug 26 – 27    Hills, IA

Aug 27 – 28    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  8 – 11     Urbandale, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Dubuque, IA

Oct 14 - 15     Davenport, IA

Nov  4 – 6      Waterloo, IA

 

Aug 26 – 27    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  7 – 10     Urbandale, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Dubuque, IA

Oct 20 - 22     Davenport, IA

Nov  3 – 5      Cedar Falls, IA 

 

 

NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022

 

2022

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (I/N REGIONAL)

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (open sectional)

Sep 15 – 17    Wausau, WI

Oct 13 – 15    Marquette, MI

Nov 11 – 13    La Crosse, WI

 

This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website.  I do not have authority to schedule events. But I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. 
Please contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections to this calendar.  

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 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

 

We are SO LUCKY! Connie is Going to the Gopher; Hope You Follow Suit!

I’m Going to the Gopher.   

Hope You Follow Suit!

By Connie Nelson

The 2022 Minnesota Gopher Regional is one week away.  We are ready and waiting.  Now, we just need you – the players!  Each day offers a variety of two-session and single-session events with games for players of all experience levels.  Six days await you (May 23-28, Monday-Saturday) to play bridge, win gold masterpoints, and more.

Personally, I can’t wait.  For the first time in three years, I recently played my first face-to-face, multi-club bridge game at the ACBL Unit 103 Awards Luncheon.  There was something so energizing about being back amidst the camaraderie of new and familiar faces, and that friendly competition.  I found myself sitting up straighter and my heart beating faster.  I was more focused on the bids, the play, and my defense than I ever was playing online.  I loved it!

Now, come and enjoy the Gopher with me.  Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel, at 34^th Avenue & American Blvd in Bloomington. Games start at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• Make your room reservation today. Call (952) 854-9000, and ask for discount code MGB. Single or double rooms are only $99/night, and suites are $129.
• Before leaving home, check current COVID positivity rates and ACBL protocols on our website: ly/gopherregional. Currently, Hennepin County is rated “medium” and masking is optional.
• 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. 
• When you arrive, please park on the top level of the hotel’s ramp. Parking is free.
• 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. Pre-register by sending a picture of your vaccination card to mgb2022vaxproof@gmail.com; then simply show your photo ID at the Desk.  Or show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.
• Pick up your free Gopher Regional pen, pencil, and sticker at the Information Desk. You will also find information on game schedules and area attractions.
• Grab a cup of free coffee or tea.  Off-site and on-site dining is conveniently nearby.  Onsite, the Caribou Kiosk will offer a $10 lunch, or $5 pizza & beverage, daily.
• Find a partner or teammates at the Partnership Desk. Please come an hour before the session in which you are interested.  Or, better yet, email Partnership Chair Sue Grue at suegrue@gmail.com prior to May 23^rd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games. This year, cashless transactions are preferred.  All major credit cards will be accepted.  Please understand that due to COVID protocols, we will not be able to offer change for cash payment.  Canadian players, please identify yourselves to ensure you receive the promised discount.
• Have a great time, and Go-Pher the Gold!

You may think that only experienced players attend Tournaments.  Not true!  Intermediate and Newcomer players are encouraged to attend too.  You can play in an I/N game that only players with fewer than 299 masterpoints can enter.  There are Gold Rush games for Gold Points for players with under 750 masterpoints. You can “Go-Pher” it, and try a stratified open game.  You pick and choose.

And breaking news!   Thanks to a grant from the MN Bridge Education Foundation, players with fewer than five masterpoints can play in the I/N games for free!  And, free lessons will be given from 2:00-2:30 Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area.  Bring your lunch and learn. 

Daily “Lunch and Learn” Topics

• Tuesday, May 24. Negative Doubles  with Larry Huiras               

Learn the secrets of negative doubles.  You will be surprised!

• Wednesday, May 25. DONT with Greg Caucutt

We will discuss the Do's and DONT's of one of the most popular conventions for Disturbing Opponents’ No Trump (i.e. DONT).

• Thursday, May 26. Responses to Overcalls with Connie Nelson

Your partner bids over an opponent’s opening bid.  What kind of hand does she promise?  How do you respond?  Come learn some common partnership agreements - and why they are useful.

• Friday, May 27. What do You Know, Joe?  with James Schnepf

A good detective picks up clues to help determine what to do next.  So does a good bridge player.  What clues can you pick up from the bidding and opening lead that will help you decide how to play the hand?

We are excited to have our face-to-face tournament back and look forward to seeing you there.   If you have any other questions, visit our website at: bit.ly/gopherregional, or contact me at Connie@psg.us.

Our BIG THANKS to Connie - 

And All the Others who are working SO DILIGENTLY
 
So we can have a SUPERLATIVE GOPHER REGIONAL!!

Sunday is YOUR Opportunity!

Have YOU had the Great Opportunity
to Play in the Collegiate Initiative?

Yes - or No
You should jump at this chance on Sunday the 15th!

Remember to play in the CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, May 15! We will award masterpoints and special prizes! First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.

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.

 

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

The MN Gopher is Back! - By Connie Nelson

Connie Nelson Gives us The Scoop!
The MN Gopher is BACK!

 

Co-Chairs Patti Stuhlman and Warren Nelson are happy to announce that the 2022 MN GOPHER REGIONAL is back for face-to-face tournament play.  Everyone is welcome!

Six days of tournament play will start on Monday, May 23^rd and run through Saturday, May 28th.  We have a streamlined schedule, with sessions starting at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. 

Each day offers both two-session and single-session events that pay Gold and Red points.  Open Pairs, Gold Rush Pairs, and Bracketed Swiss Teams will be held each week day, as well as single-session I/N Pairs and Open Side Pairs.  On Saturday, we will have offer Stratiflighted  A/X and B/C/D Swiss Teams, along with the I/N Pairs and Open Side Games.  Regardless of your experience level, or whether you can play two sessions or only one, a game is waiting for you! 

The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel in Bloomington (34^th Avenue South and American Blvd), near the Mall of America.  Our bridge tournament rate is only $99/night for single or double rooms ($129/night for suites).  This special rate is available through May 8^th by phone or online, using code MGB --- so reserve your room now!

To ensure the safest and most hospitable playing environment, all ACBL protocols regarding proof of COVID vaccination and masking in effect at tournament time will be followed, and Zero Tolerance enforced. 

If you need a partner, no problem!  Please contact Tom or Sue Grue at (suegrue@gmail.com) or call 702-454-5352.   Let’s pack the tables and showcase Minnesota's great bridge community.  

We can’t wait to see YOU back at the tables! 

“Go-Pher” the Gold!   “Go-Pher” the Fun!

____________________

For more information, check out: bit.ly/gopherregional, or go to “ACBL Tournaments.”

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.

 

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

ACBL Board of Directors - Schedules for NABC's in The Future

Deana Liddy Shares ACBL BOD Changes
For the Future of NABCs

 

The recent action of the ACBL Board of Directors may be of interest to you.

 

The ACBL Board of Directors just voted to change the schedule for NABCs going forward, likely starting with Providence, to hold NABC events at 10 am and 3 pm.  NABC+ events may possibly start at 3:30 since they need more time - in line with what is happening at regionals and sectionals all over the country. 

 

Apparently the majority of players want such a schedule and thus that is what is happening.  Lesser events may be held in the evenings, such as side games and horizontal side game events. But nationally rated events will be in the daytime.

 

So regional and sectional tournament chairs may schedule as they wish.  Nevertheless, this seems to be the "new normal" all over the country. 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you.

 

Deana

 

 

We Can Make it If We Try!

This is my guess - and just that - but - my guess is that if we rally round the flag - and the greatest game ever - BRIDGE - that we can turn around what significant challenges we've faced in the last couple of years.

I remember when I first began playing bridge (many MANY moons ago!)  The game was fascinating - yet so challenging.  Tournaments were held in huge spaces around the Twin Cities - with tables after tables of players having a fabulous time.

Now?  Too often events are cancelled.  Or we just can't get enough folks to come out.  Or people are too concerned about health and/or safety - so they don't attend.

Can we alter this tragectory?  You betcha!!  

Let's put together more efforts to get juniors, young players, those who have retired and all sorts of other bridge players to return to the good old days where we had SO MUCH FUN wild horses couldn't keep us away from the bridge table!

Will it happen overnight?  Unlikely - particularly with temperatures of 15 below zero - and colder!  Or some who still aren't ready to "belly up to the Bridge Bar".  Yet plenty of us do wish to see tables and tables of players... to help newbies and retirees realize what a magical game bridge is.

Whether you're a super star Grand Life Master -  or - someone who is intrigued by our game - yet still clearly inexperienced - 2022 can be OUR YEAR!  Please share your thoughts - your hopes - and do what you can so yet again - we can see room after room of players returning to the game we love!

 

An 86.9% Game!!

Bill Voedisch, long time bridge player, lover of the game and Minnesota businessman, is sharing a bridge accomplishment that occurred earlier this year in March.  Bill has done a great deal for our bridge world - our state - and for helping others.  Bill recently sent me this story - and wow wee; it is SOME STORY!

 

Very few of us EVER are able to achieve what Bill did.  (I once achieved a just under 80% game at a club  in Omaha.  Bill's win puts mine to shame!)  Bill's story is below.  Try to keep your eyes from bugging out when you see what he did!  And let's give him a round of applause for this mighty feat!!

 

Something happened in bridge that I sorta dismissed in March.  I recently went back and found it, an 86.9% game on BBO.  I now think this was a special experience that, of course, I will never repeat.  Also, just turning 77, my bridge accomplishments are pretty much behind me, so this took on some importance. 

 

This game happened in a BBO Instant Matchpoint Tournament on March 27.  Competing in a field of 15, each player gets a BBO robot partner, and we play the same 12 boards against two BBO robot opponents. 

 

I've had some big games going after 8 or 10 hands - only to fall apart and end up below 80%.  Before this game my high scores on BBO Instant Tournaments were 80.60% and 79.96%.  But this time the good scores just continued through all 12 hands!

 

Below are the details.  First are my results on each of the 12 hands.  Next is the standings for the field of 15 showing my 86.9%, and the 30.65% margin of victory.

 

 

 

I contacted BBO and asked how this game compares to the history of all instant tournaments played.  And further, how did the margin of victory over 2nd place compare to the history of margins of victory?  The answer:  We don't know; we don't track this stuff.

 

Do I remember anything special about this game?  Nothing really.  I must have made no major errors in bidding and play, and the same for my robot partner in both bidding and defense.  When does that ever happen. The opposing robots are programmed like all robots, so I really have no clue there. 

 

Thanks, Peg!

 

 

Bill Voedisch

"aktite"

 

Plymouth Bridge IS BACK!!

We are happy to report that Plymouth Bridge

Will soon be Up and Running!

 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
16023 Minnetonka Blvd
Sanctioned Games –Fun and Masterpoints

Saturdays 1 P.M.
Beginning July 31— Club Championship($5)

AUGUST
7 North American Pairs ($6)
14 Charity Stratified Pairs ($7)
21 IMP Pairs Club Championship ($5)
28 NAP ($6) ~~ Last One!!

SEPTEMBER
4 Stratified Pairs ($5)
11 Grand National Team Qual ($7)
18 Club Championship ($5)
25 GNT Qualifying ($7)

Club Manager & Partners ~ Tony Ames
952-200-3871
Director-in -Charge ~ Keith Thompson

 

COVID Rules -- Bring your own beverage;
Proof of covid vaccination must be provided.
You can email a copy of your vaccination card to
ynotsema@aol.com or bring it to your first game.

Upcoming on October 30 The Scary Pairs (and Tony’s B-day!)

Barb Zipoy Sends the Scoop on In Person Bridge Games!

We're seeing face to face games start up again!  Barb has the details!

The Edina 1145 Edina Senior Center has in person bridge games on Monday and Wednesday.

Tuesday at 1PM an Open Game is held at the Mayflower Church on Diamond Lake Road and 35 W.

Thursday has a 12 noon start for an open game at Maple Grove - Friday a 0-750 game at Mayflower Church.

Saturday 1PM you can find an Open Game at Bethlehem Lutheran in Minnetonka.

Plus some St. Paul games are also in person; the Saint Paul Bridge Center website should have details.

For our own joy and fun - and for the future of our game - here's hoping more and more of our players - and new ones, too! - return To The Table!  We want to see The Greatest Game return with lots of folks and players of all ages!  Check with Barb for more - and - THANK YOU BARB!!

 

2020 UNIT 103 MASTERPOINT RACE!

          LET’S  ALL CELEBRATE

             AWARDS CELEBRATION  

               

                                  WHERE:               Zoom meeting + virtual game                                            

                                  WHEN:                 Saturday, April 24,                                                      

                                  TIME:                   11:45 am Zoom meeting;

                                                                Winners announced

                                                               12:30 pm:  3 flighted

                                                                                  virtual games

                                                                  0-300  *  0-1000  * Open

                                                               Game entry fee $3.00 

                                                                       

(Top three award winners in each category will be reimbursed the entry fee.)

The Zoom link for the awards presentation will be sent out in an email blast at a later date. 

Watch for it in your inbox!

Tuesday Evening Swiss Teams Returns to the Twin Cities!

Tony Ames, both one of our top players and one of our finest directors, posted the results for the initial offering of the Tuesday Evening Swiss Teams.  Congratulations Harry, Barry, Kerry and Michael Lee Howland (MLH - your parents couldn't rhyme you, too?!?)  A nice finish for their team, and so great to see people enjoying the fun of battling as teams for a change, too.

I also asked Kerry if he would write up a little bit of what happened that evening - and he most cordially obliged.  Big thanks to Kerry, congrats to their team, and hope all of our players had fun with our new event!  Kerry's story comes next, results after that...  And I hope that more of our competitors will rally to the next Tuesday Evening Swiss Teams event!  
******************************************************************************************************************

The Plymouth Bridge Club has a new Swiss Team event every Tuesday night. After ironing out a few glitches, the Swiss format has been approved for prime time.

 

Harry and Barry invited Kerry and Michael (not rhyming any more) to play with them in the inaugural event.  We played last night.

 

One positive swing came on a slam hand. I held AQxxxx Qxxx x xx. Michael and I play precision, so most hands not opened 1C have fewer than 16 HCP.  Our weak two’s are 8-13, thus opening 1S and rebidding 2S shows 14-15 without jumping.

 

I opened 2S, pard bid 3C (relay to3D, then showing 5 hand types).  I bid 3D, pard bid 4C (exclusion for Clubs). Double by David Neiman, pass, we play R2D2 (redouble and double show second step 0 or 3), so pass shows 1.

 

Michael bid 6S, and held KJxx AKJx, AKxxx, void. Easily makes 7. 

 

A fun way to start the season.

 

Kerry

 

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

Subject: Tuesday Evening Swiss Teams

Reply-To: ynot6934@aol.como

Winning all 4 matches for a VP total of 61, Harry Sapienza, Barry Purrington, Kerry Holloway and Michael Lee Howland won the initial offering of the Tuesday Evening Swiss Teams.

Results were:

 

Rank	Name	Score (VP20)	Points
1	bpurringto+hsapienza,Kellog+MNgoofer	61.00	0.80
2	Cbalderson+Windsurff,Peg Waller+Ron1005	54.00	0.56
3	darlene789+jn55345,dlweiss+vswing1	47.00	0.40
4	rharha+sharonroe,tempport+bxley	45.00	0.24
5	ice33+farmboy7,caught1+njskag	33.00	0.08
5	laz49+slamster,dytrevor+dgoodrie	33.00	0.08
7	Long Lake+lvettel,slomovas+lmlhopkins	26.00	0.08
8	Nancy w T+fishtuc,L D Schram+Mike Stein	21.00	0.08

Help! I Need Somebody!

With the seismic events that have happened around the world - and to our game - bridge is quite different in a number of respects these days.  Additionally, it appears that MN Bridge is not receiving stories from players: problem hands, amusing incidents, thrills and chills!  It's also great to know what's happening to our newer players, our top experts and more.

As I am not able to play bridge right now (but I'm a committed kibitzer), I would like to call on YOU, our Minnesota devotees, to submit any stories, hands, triumphs, heartaches and the like that you think would be of interest to our players.  Long or short; technical or belly laughs - feel free to send 'em in!

Bill Voedisch was kind enough to offer a "wowzer" of a quickie!

At last nights St Paul Swiss, Denny and i had a 2,000 score.  That's their contract, doubled, red, down 7. 

19 IMPS for the good guys!

 

Wow - somebody sure needed some help last night!  And thanks to Bill for sharing his and Denny's story.  If you haven't racked up a big number ever - you haven't lived!  Play at your favorite game and see how high you can go!

 

And - thanks in advance for sharing YOUR bridge tales!