Minnesota Bridge

Dr. John Continues to Amass the Masterpoints!

It's December 1.  Perhaps no one will ever read this (too late, Rich - I did!  PK), but I thought I would post an update to Dr. John's advances.

Dr. John regularly plays 300-350 hands each week. (Google "BBO My Hands" and type in Gus94 and see for yourself!)  He accumulates 50+points each month (google "BBO Points") playing 18-board tourneys on BBO.  I only play with him Tuesdays at 7:15PM, but other people with more time on their hands give him several games per eek.  I'm sure that Dr. John would like to be playing face to face again - and I find it amusing that he is now playing 4 times as much as he used to play with the migration to online bridge.

I sure hope I shall get the chance to play with him face to face sometime in 2021!

            Rich Newell

 

Note - Peg again here.  I'm not too swift on what can be done playing online with different friends, but I do believe that some areas area able to "cross over" and play with others from different clubs, cities and states.  

Rich, if Dr. John is willing to play with some "foreigners" (ha ha ha), check around and see if some of our people are available!

 

 

 

 

CBO Special - Tuesday, December 1st

Lots of great opportunities for our CBO Club members.  Not a member yet?  Just sign up!

And please note below the opportunity for college students to participate in being a paid intern, too! 

 

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Tuesday, December 1, which 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.

 

Internship Opportunity! Our friends at BBO are looking for a college student for a paid internship as a Community Engagement Intern. Click here to find out more.

Snowbirds, Sunbirds, and Stayers

Connie Nelson is ready to entertain us and keep our bridge thoughts happy and active as we move from sunshine and autumn leaves to .... winter!  Big thanks to Connie for keeping us busy with changing seasons, fun and BRIDGE!

 

 

October’s early snow and cold caused me to start dreaming about warmth and sunshine.  Jim and I usually take a break each year from “the dead of winter” (i.e. January-March), choosing a different place to go each year.  In early 2020, we rented a condo in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  As we often do, we found that going to the local bridge club helped us make instant connections.   The club at New Smyrna Beach was no exception.  Nice people! 

One encounter did strike me as funny.  When I told someone there that I was a snowbird from Minnesota, they asked me how long we were staying.  I answered one month.  They remarked, “Only those who stay at least three months are snowbirds.  You are a snowflake!”

 

The encounter piqued my curiosity. I did some research.  I discovered that the word snowbird is nearly 100 years old.  It was first used in 1923 to describe seasonal workers who went south for winter work.  But, by 1979, it was being commonly used to refer to older people who flocked south in the winter to vacation.  I also learned that there’s a corresponding term – sunbird – for people who “flock” north during the summer months.

This winter, COVID-19 will keep Jim and me at home.  I thought I’d ask our St Cloud Club about their migration plans, and whether COVID-19 is affecting them.  I also asked if they had a story to tell about differences between other clubs where they play, and ours.    

Snowbirds.  Representing the many of our club who go south each winter, here’s what Tom Buttweiller had to say:

 

Each year, Pat and I go either south to Bonita Springs, Florida, or west to Kona, Hawaii.  We play bridge in each place.  They are dramatically different from each other, and from St. Cloud.  In Florida, we play at a private, for-profit club.  It has a game seven days a week, usually with about 40 tables each time.  The cost to  play is between $10-$12 per person per session.  (St. Cloud is quite a bargain!)  I estimate about half the players are snowbirds.  People are cordial,  but it is all quite businesslike.

Hawaii is a totally different scene. We play at a small club, with a once a week game.  It is very friendly, with not many snowbirds.  The biggest draw is the spectacular place we play. We play in a building with floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides.  It is located on a mountain side, not far from the ocean.  The windows look out over the Pacific, and can be opened to the breeze.  It is not unusual to see whales spouting.  (Tom somehow neglected to contrast that with the windowless lower level of the Labor Home where we usually play!)

Postscript:  Pat and Tom had reservations in Kona for Jan 1 through Mar 19, 2021; they have cancelled them due to COVID-19.  They are hoping to go south, but want to avoid Florida.  They are currently shopping rentals in Nevada.  

Sunbirds.  We also have several Club members who come up to “summer” in Minnesota. 

 

 

Mary and Rick Olson are one such couple.  Mary said that she and Rick originally learned to play bridge while living in Minnesota.  They left MN in 1974, and have lived around the world.  But, they kept their MN lake home, and would return whenever they could.  They now live in Colorado, and each year come back from the middle of May until the middle of September. 

COVID-19 did not change the amount of time they spent here this year.  What did change was the dramatically fewer number of guests they entertained.  I always knew that many Colorado friends came each year to visit Mary and Rick.  What I didn’t know was that one year, from May to September, they had only two nights without company.  Whew! 

Most of their guests are bridge players.  Two of them – Wendy Turk and Chris Campion – are mainstays at our St Cloud Sectional each June.  Many other guests play at our Club while they are here.  Mary says that their universal comment has been: “What a friendly club!” 

 

Stayers.  This year we may have more “stayers” than usual.  Jon and Sandra Hatch usually go to Arizona every year Dec to April, but – due to the virus - are uncertain about this year.  Sue are Roger Knauss also have not decided about a winter hiatus. 

Here are two people who have decided to stay put: 

 

 

 

 

David Hanson:  Due to COVID-19, we will be spending our first winter in Minnesota in 11 years.  When in AZ,  I play bridge at Sun City Grand, at a large community club.  Interestingly, that club has not arranged any online games…so kudos to Kory and everyone else in Minnesota who has helped keep our club games going.  Hopefully bridge will keep me sane this winter.

Last, club director Kory Solarz says he’ll be here, adding: “I don’t ever go south, but occasionally my game does!”

 

College Bridge Online!

 

Time passes for everyone, including the students at U of MN who graduate and sometimes head for different pastures.  One of those students is Sean McNally, a first class bridge junior at the U - and now at Georgia Tech.  Sean finished first in the tournament with over 75%!  Bravo, Sean!  And something is going on at Georgia Tech; 2nd and third place were Georgia Tech students also!  

Note that our Minnesota players are still active and enthused; so glad to see them up in lights, too.

We are glad Minnesota students are still playing and competing - and we look forward to what the future brings for all of our young bridge players!

Also, Stephanie Threlkeld, ACBL's fabulous Education and Communications Manager would like us to have a look at a youtube created for us all.  Big thanks to Stephanie for ALL she does for us - and enjoy the show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZvqKlR-uPM&feature=youtu.be 

 

Goodbye from Jackson Wahl

Hi Folks:

 

It is with sadness that I announce the end of my directing online TCBC games for the time being. Today's 11:30 Tuesday game will be the last. My fall term is starting, and with attendance dwindling and the closure of the TCBC, it seems prudent to declare them at an end. I have enjoyed these last several months and I treasure the many kind words you all have sent. Thank you for playing.

 

I believe Chip and Teri are still running a Saturday TCBC game, and the St. Paul club runs daily games as well, which you are all eligible to play in. There is no end to bridge, fortunately!

 

Best,

Jackson

The Year of Living Differently

Dear District Presidents, District GNT Coordinators and District 14 competitors,

This year in so many ways, bridge and life are different.  Our thanks to the many people who contribute to our special events, and to our many competitors who are excited to compete against their peers at a national level.

We thank you all for your contributions to our game, and we thank Brian Weikle for his detailed information about GNT in these special times.  Thank you for reading what Brian has shared with us, and we hope that many of you will be able to compete in GNT.

Dear District Presidents and District GNT Coordinators,

The 2021 Grand National Teams qualifying season began September 1. Given this year's unique circumstances, we are providing this summary of important details.

Club Qualifying

Club qualifying is optional. All players who qualified at the club level during the 2019-20 season are automatically qualified for Unit and District play in 2021. Districts may choose to permit club qualifying games to qualify additional players, although we expect that most Districts will not. Such games must be team games and submitted to ACBL Live for Clubs in an ACBLscore file.

District Finals

Districts which completed their GNT Finals in 2020 may choose to send those winners to the National Final in 2021. Districts whose Finals were not completed in 2020 must hold District Finals in 2021 to qualify teams for the National Finals.

Player Eligibility

Player eligibility status is "frozen" from the 2019-20 cycle. In other words, players are eligible for the same flight they were eligible for in 2019, no matter how many masterpoints they have won in the meantime. Similarly, players are eligible to play in the District in which they lived in August 2019. Players who have moved to a new District will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Action Required (by Oct 1, 2020 please)

Determine whether your District will be permitting club qualifying games. Notify ACBL (specialevents@acbl.org) and the clubs in your District.

Determine whether your District will hold District Finals in 2021, or whether the 2020 winners will represent your District at the National Finals. Notify ACBL (tournaments@acbl.org) and any affected players.

If you are holding District Finals in 2021, send the dates and sites to tournaments@acbl.org. Note that, as in past years, District Finals may be held online. If Finals are played face-to-face, they must be held after March 1, 2021.

Send your District's Conditions of Contest to specialevents@acbl.org.

2021 GNT National Finals

The GNT Finals will be played, in person, at the Summer NABC in Providence, RI.

 

Sincerely,

Brian Weikle

Manager, Bridge Operations

ACBL Field Operations

CC: ACBL Board of Directors

CBO Club Special Tournament this Saturday!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Tuesday, September 1, which 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.

 

If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don't have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

 

Discounts for Juniors playing in online tournaments!

2020 Online Schedule

Juniors playing in ACBL Sanctioned regionally rated online tournaments are eligible to have a portion of their entry fees rebated so that your final cost is only $5 per session.

Just email online.tournament@acbl.org and let them know when you played. Discounts will be applied for tournaments after 7/1/2020.

The Bridge Center of St. Paul

 

 

Sept 2020 Club Calendar Online... 

 

Wow. We made it to September! We're still missing you all desperately. Adele Boettner is doing well in her new place. Betty Salber is also on the mend and she's been playing more regularly now. 

 

SCHEDULE CHANGES

 

We are changing just a few things in our schedule. We are once again adding a section to the Wednesday evening Pool game. This time however it will be a 0-1000 mid-flight game at 6:15. We will be doing something similar on Friday morning. First, our 9:30 0-500 game will become 0-300, then in addition to that and our 9:45 Open games, we'll add a mid-flight 0-1500 game at 9:40. Now you have three to choose from. Lastly, Saturday morning the noon game will change from 0-500 to 0-750.

 

Remember, now on BBO the lower MP sections benefit the upper sections, so even though we'll have separate groups playing, the scoring won't change dramatically for the higher MP groups.

 

UPCOMING SPECIAL GAMES

 

ACBL is offering a gift for Labor Day. All points next Monday will be doubled, with no extra entry fee. So, come play on September 7 and earn a few extra black points.

 

Here is the most exciting news!!! For the week of September 21 to 27 all club game masterpoint awards will be doubled and then 25% of that award will be GOLD! Yes, you heard it here, 25% gold for all you win that week. There will be a $1 increase in table fee, but lots cheaper than going to a Regional, right? During that week we will offer an expanded schedule including nightly Open Games.

 

CALENDAR

 

To make things easier (we hope) a PDF of the September calendar is attached.

 

LESSONS

 

Intermediate Chat has resumed online. It is Tuesdays at 1pm. Coaches take 4 players off to a BBO table and use Zoom to talk through the hands. It's almost like before, but quieter, no hearing the table next to you.

 

Chat Bridge has also resumed. We need to get 10 players to have an actual game, but that doesn't always happen. Please come if you are 0-20mp and would like a 1 on 4 lesson. When we don't have 10 players we still go to tables with coaches, much like Intermediate Chat.

 

Beginning Lesson Series will start on September 14. Registration is on our website homepage. Please let friends know about this if they've been wanting to start or review this wonderful game. These will take place on Zoom & Shark Bridge, another Bridge website designed for teaching.

 

--

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager

Bridge Center of St Paul

651-490-5430 w

651-271-3500 c

Paul Meerschaert and Passion for the Game!

 

In this day and age of uncertainty about our daily lives, I want to take an opportunity to thank some of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure with whom to share this game.  I for one pray for the day that I can play “Real Bridge” face to face again.  I am not a fan of playing online, not so much the specter of possible cheating.  Cheaters will cheat no matter the venue.  I just miss the people, and the pleasure of being in a room full of players all enjoying this pastime together.  Even if it is only done in pairs of two. 

While the list of players I have played with is long indeed, and I have learned things from many not mentioned here.  Yet I would like to publicly thank a few that I have had the pleasure of having a working partnership with over the years.  So, in no particular order these players are:

Robert Schachter – A brilliant mind that not only pays attention to all the little details, but has helped me understand the importance of paying attention to the odds when other information is not available.  This may seem like a simple thing  But it is something that is easy (at least for me) to forget about at times.

While using my limited Math skills is important, the greatest gift that Robert has brought to our partnership is the ability to laugh off, and forget about bad results; just focus on the next hand.  Again, easier said than done, for myself and I think many bridge players.

While I will not mention all of our past successes a few stand out.

2^nd in the Silidor Pairs in Philadelphia 2018

Making the 3^rd day of the Platinum Pairs in Philadelphia 2018

And in general - I can honestly say a slew of + scores on defense, missed by many others!

Jim Hall – A Brilliant player, that I am fortunate to have played with and from whom I learned so much.  Jim had many fine attributes and skills at the bridge table, his card play, and his defensive acumen were both top-notch.  Perhaps though his best gift to me was that playing with him gave me access to many fine teammates and players I might never have gotten to know.  From Jim Nash, to Bill Kent, from Alan Stout to Pierre Flatowitz (Sorry Pierre I am pretty sure I am misspelling your name) and many others.  I was fortunate to have many fine results playing with Jim, some of our successes that stand out are:

9^th place in our first National event together.  Bobby Nail Pairs 1998 in Orlando

6^th place in the Blue-Ribbon Pairs.  2004 in Orlando

Just Making the 3^rd day in three other Blue-Ribbon Pairs

To name a few!

Peggy Kaplan - Without a doubt the fiercest competitor I have had the pleasure of playing with.  If nothing else I always knew when playing with Peg that I was going to get her all at all times.  She too has bestowed upon me the gift of introducing me to players far beyond my ability.  To learn from and to have the pleasure of playing against.  While mostly online this list includes, Nick Nickell, Ralph Katz, George Jacobs, Claude Vogel, Steve Beatty, Walt Schafer, Richard Pavlicek and son Rich Jr, and many others.  I have many fine memories of my times playing with Peg or Pegs (my nickname for her).  They include:

Our first Event together.  Winning the Last day Swiss at the Fall Nationals in Boston 1998.  Highlighted by bidding and making 5 slams in one 7-board round against a strong Pair.

Winning our first 11 matches in the San Francisco North American Swiss 2012

Beating Meckstroth-Rodwell, Berkowitz- Cohen, Becker-Strul in the Championship Flight of the Grand National Teams Washington 2009

Among the many!

Peg Waller – One of my longer partnerships.  One of the things that I learned playing with Peg, was just learning.  Let me explain.  While I am sure this was not intentional on her part, I always got the feeling that she never really thought that much about my skills at the bridge table.  This in turn got me thinking of ways to better my play, and accelerated my learning.  So, in truth I have her to thank for probably the largest growth spurt I had playing this sport.  One thing stands out from my times playing with her though; she taught me to enjoy the successes at the table and to stop obsessing about the poor results.  Very keen of her to spot this quirk in my personality and point it out to me, so that I could work on it!

Our successes include:

Many top finishes in National events, including commonly being in the top 20 in the National Mixed Pairs

2nd Place finish in the 0-10,000 National Swiss in Washington 2016

My first Regional Pair Win (it was a long time coming for me) Mason City sometime in the late 90’s

Bob Balderson – A fine all-around player and one of the fiercest competitors I have played with.  Bob’s strength is his ability to play effectively against the opponents.  Myself, and a lot of you have learned this game as one where you work in concert with your partner, as a team.  Two against two in essence.  Bob has the ability to do this as well as we can, but he seems to have an innate sense of knowing when he needs to take over and “play against the opponents”.  Truthfully this was at times annoying.  But that was my gut reaction speaking and upon reflection I came to appreciate this skill that he has.  It is hard to describe but the more you play with him, the more one appreciates it.

I had many successes playing with Bob, they include:

My partner when beating Meckstroth-Rodwell, Berkowitz-Cohen, Becker-Strul in the Grand National Teams Washington 2009

Representing District 14 in the Championship Flight of the Grand National Teams, at least 10 times!

Winning many KO and Swiss events at both the Regional and Sectional level.  His specialty!

Michael Lee Howland – The most remarkable thing playing with Michael was simply his remarkable smile when at the bridge table!  Michael and Carole Miner share this trait, which is what makes playing with both of them truly a treat.  Michael has an innate sense at the table which is hard to define (Carole Miner has this too!)  I do not know what this remarkable trait is exactly but I do know that the two of them combine to create many opportunities at the table not normally seen.  Let’s just say the opponents seem to make more mistakes against these two players as anyone else I have played with.  I don’t really know how to describe this skill, but one thing I am sure of, is that it is not random luck.  Perhaps they just create havoc!

While I played in only one National with Michael, we did play into the 2^nd day of the Blue Ribbon’s and missed day 3 by just a hair.

I did win many Regional games with Michael and enjoyed them all.

And with his help and inspiration developed my own Club system.  While this system is not perfect by any sense.  It has something that has given me great joy and a sense of accomplishment!

Carole Miner - I have mentioned Carole previously in my tribute to Michael Lee, as they both share similar traits.  I always thought they might make a great partnership.  I can envision these two creating some enormous games together!

Carole too is a tough competitor, and while she can at times be tough on her partner it is always obvious that her intent is to get the most out of her game.  The best part of playing with Carole though is just simply witnessing the joy she gets out of playing.  It is both evident, and greatly appreciated.

While at times I have been hesitant to put some partners in what I know will be tough contracts, I never hesitate with Carole.  She loves to play hands, and does it as well as any of my other partners.

Our list of successes are:

Two top 10 finishes in National Pair games.  Providence 2014, St Louis 2013

My partner finishing 2^nd in the National 0-10,000 Swiss

My teammate for many Grand National Team Championships including knocking off Meckstroth-Rodwell, Berkowitz-Cohen, Becker-Strul in Washington 2009.

Sharon Smith/Snell/Meerschaert – As most of the lessons I learned from this remarkable lady have nothing to do with Bridge, they are MINE and MINE alone!  She did however instill in me the wonders of getting to know as many of the remarkable people that play this game as I could.  While I admit to this not being one of my strengths, it is a skill I am still working on.  I have her and another lady to thank for introducing me to the importance of comradeship and appreciation for others.

Alexandra/Sandy Fisher - The second wonderful addition to my life, and also the one that reminds me how remarkable the people who share a passion for this game are.  Again, most of her lessons are MINE and MINE alone.  While far less experienced than me she had reminded me of the power of the preempt.  Watch out folks this bundle of positive energy loves to preempt.  And I love to watch the havoc that ensues!

For all those partners out there that I did not mention in this short tribute, know that I remember my times with you as well and treasure them!

That’s it, I just wanted to let everyone know that despite my, at times grumpy behavior, I appreciated everyone in our bridge community and cannot wait to be able to do so again in person.  Be well everyone, stay safe, and I will see you on a better day!

Comments from peanut gallery Pegs!

In Minnesota we are blessed with all sorts of players who have passion for bridge.  Some have  more talent than others; some are more social than fierce.  Yet so many appreciate one another and literally for decades have reaped the fun and the fascination and the wonderment of our game.

Right at the head of the class is Paul - a fellow who has super talents, loves to learn, is fun is smart and has lots and lots of friends.

Thanks to Pauls for this most interesting column - and thanks to all our Minnesotans who also have the passion and love to play The Greatest Game!

 

 

The Longest Day - 2020

 

BRIDGE CENTER OF ST PAUL'S LONGEST DAY(S) GAMES

 

 

As usual the ACBL and the Alzheimer's Association have teamed up to hold Bridge events. All games this upcoming Saturday and Sunday, June 20 & 21 will be Alzheimer's games. For you, the price is the same, but you'll receive double black points.

 

ACBL is donating 100% of what they collect in table fees. BBO is going to donate 50% of their fees. We will charge the usual $5, BBO gets $1, ACBL $4. So for each game $4.50 of your money goes to Alzheimer's research. 

 

We will have an expanded schedule which will include our usual games on Saturday and Sunday, with additional short (18 board) games, 4 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.

 

Enjoy bridge online - and do good, too!

 

SATURDAY - June 20

 

8am         18 Board Open Game

10am       18 Board Open Game

12pm       Usual 0-500 Game

12:30pm  Usual Open Game

2:45pm   18 Board Open Game

4:30pm   18 Board Open Game

6:30pm   Usual Open Game

SUNDAY - June 21

 

10am      18 Board Open Game

12pm      Usual Open Game

12:30pm Usual 0-750 Game

3:30pm   18 Board Open Game

5:30pm   Usual Open Game

 

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager

Bridge Center of St Paul

651-490-5430 w

                 651-271-3500 c

THREE Online Bridge Games for Minnesota!

 

Hi All - Time to enjoy Minnesota summer - and -

Lots of online bridge!

Fabulous player and director, Jackson Wahl, shares exciting news!

 

Hi Folks--

 

I'm excited to announce that, with the end of my school year, I will begin to hold more games for the TCBC starting on Monday, June 8. Many people have requested additional games at more times, and in particular many people have indicated interest in limited games with different limits. I have revised our schedule as seen below in an attempt to hold games at different times than are already available in the Twin Cities. Here is the new schedule:

 

Monday, 3:30:             Open and <300

Tuesday, 11:30:           Open and <500

Wednesday, 11:30:     Open and <300

Thursday, 9:30:           Open and <500

Friday, 3:30:                Open and <500

Saturday, 9:30:            Open

 

I'd like to remind everyone that the TCBC is peering with both the Bridge Center of St. Paul and with the clubs run by Tony Ames. This means that all players who are regulars at any of those clubs may play in games run by all three clubs online. Please pass this new schedule onto friends from St. Paul and beyond!

 

Please also note that guests continue to be allowed, as long as they play with a player on the approved list. Please let me know in advance if you wish to play with a guest.

 

Both of the other games in the Twin Cities are moving to a $5 entry fee, and, in solidarity with them, I have also chosen to modify the entry fee to $5 (which seems to have become the national standard).

 

Finally, I'd like to remind you to review the alert and announcement procedures for playing on BBO, particular if you are unfamiliar with online play. They are not the same as in-person alerts. Here is a decent tutorial on how to alert.

 

Hope to see you all soon!

 

Best--

 

Jackson

More Silver!

 

Kim Hayward, Club Manager at the Bridge Center of St. Paul, also wants to alert us to the many opportunities to play online bridge and win SILVER POINTS!

Below Kim's message, you will find a useful chart of what to do and where to go!

ENJOY!

 

Many of you are on the player list for BBO Virtual Club games at Twin City Bridge Center, Edina, Plymouth, Metro Bridge or Bridge Center of St Paul games. You can now attend any and all games in those clubs. 

This week the ACBL is offering 100% Silver points for all games on BBO Virtual Clubs and a 3X multiplier on the usual club point rating. This is not a STAC, but just your usual games with bonuses. Fees this week will be $6 per player.

 

The attached file is the full schedule for all the clubs. Included are the director contact numbers if you have trouble getting into a game or have any questions. 

 

After this week you are still authorized to play in any and all of the games around the Metro. Thank you for your continued support helping all of these clubs through this difficult time.

--

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager

Bridge Center of St Paul

651-490-5430 w

651-271-3500 c

 

Silver Points at the Twin City Bridge Center

 

Hi Folks -

 

I'm writing to let you know that next week's Virtual Club games, held on Monday the 25th through Sunday the 31st, will all be worth three times as many masterpoints, and that the points earned will all be silver. Twin City Bridge Center will be holding its usual schedule and usual games during the week. We will be charging $6 to cover the extra table fees, which matches the price at St. Paul. I hope to see you all there - let me know if you have any questions!

 

I have an additional point to discuss as well. It is important for everybody who plays in the online games to know how to alert bids and speak to their opponents. Online, you alert your own bids by typing in the box where it says "alert" before you make the bid. (You can also click the "alert" button to indicate that the bid is alertable.)

 

Note that your opponents can see what you typed as your alerted bid, but your partner can't! If you'd like to know about an opponent's bid, click on the bid itself. If you do that, a text box will appear on their screen, and they should type what it means. If you aren't satisfied by their response, private message them at the bottom of the screen by clicking on the blue button with "->Table" and selecting "Private".

 

Everyone should be watching the chat at the bottom of the screen as well; if your opponent asks for clarification, you have a responsibility to clarify bids.  The meanings should NOT be discussed in the whole table chat until a hand is complete. 

 

Thanks for your continued support of the online games!

 

Best - 

 

Jackson Wahl

More Online Games & Updates!

 

 

 

 

Jackson Wahl, our newer college bridge competitor above, now rising star AND director, shares more online bridge news with us!

Jackson; thanks for all you are doing to keep our Minnesota bridge community playing and having fun online!

 

Hi Folks--

 

Thank you all for your valuable feedback regarding the time and length of TCBC games. I've come to the following decisions:

 

1. Limited Games

 

There has been an outpouring of support for limited games. Because of this, I am adding a third game limited to less than 750 masterpoints on Thursday morning. Like Tuesday, there will be two sections, one Open and one <750. For now, we'll keep Wednesday restricted to less than 750, but I may open it up if we don't get enough tables. If you like the restricted games, keep on coming to them - I need to consistently hit 6 tables in order to keep those games running!

 

2. Timing of Games

 

I am shifting Saturday's game to 9:30 AM. The 9:30 votes more than doubled the 11:30 votes, so the choice is clear. For those who asked for earlier Tuesday/Thursday games, or more later games, I fear I can't make that happen - for now, I have classes, and my schedule is a bit restricted. I'm trying to provide a variety of times that work for everyone!

 

3. Board Timing

 

In a huge majority, more than 70% of people preferred a slower game. It is incredibly frustrating to have a tricky hand or slow opponents and have to get your board adjusted, especially if there are multiple ways a hand could have gone. With 6 minute boards, only about 50% of tables finished on time; with 7 minutes, about 90% finish in time. If it's a quick round, the game will automatically progress to the next round when everyone's done, too. Therefore, we are moving back to 7 minute boards for the time being.

 

Whew! To recap the schedule:

 

Tuesday, 11:30, Open and <750

Wednesday, 3:30, <750

Thursday, 11:30, Open and <750

Friday, 9:30, Open

Saturday, 9:30 Open

 

Thanks again! See you on BBO!

 

Best--

 

Jackson

Twin City Bridge Center - Online Games News

Spring is here! Many online games are available - and locally from the Twin City Bridge Center!

Rising junior star Jackson Wahl is now also a director! 

Please help Jackson help out our Twin City players, by voicing your views on game specifics!

Thanks - and - enjoy your games!

 

Hi Folks:

 

I am announcing one change to the upcoming online TCBC games, and I am soliciting widespread feedback on two issues that I have received many comments on. If you feel strongly about either of these issues, please send a reply, and feel free to ask others to send me notes as well. I'm hoping to provide the best product to satisfy the most people!

 

1. Additional Limited Game

 

First is a change I've already decided on. Due to the great turnout at last week's Wednesday afternoon game, I have decided that we will continue to restrict that game to players under 750 masterpoints. In addition, Tuesday's 11:30 game will now have two sections: one Open section and one under 750 section. This will satisfy both those who would like a stronger Open game and those who would like to escape playing all the experts in Open! The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games will continue to have just an Open section.

 

2. Timing of Games

 

In my initial poll, I provided three options - 11:30, 3:30, 6:00. 11:30 was the overwhelming favorite choice, but 3:30 garnered some votes. However, I have recently received several requests for more 9:30 games, and I am considering moving the Saturday game to 9:30. Would this be a positive change, or would you prefer the game to remain at 11:30?

 

3. Board Time Requirements

 

I originally asked people if they preferred 7 or 6 minutes per board, and a large majority preferred 6 minutes. Accordingly, after a couple of weeks of 7 minute boards, we transitioned to 6 minute boards. However, I find myself having to adjust several boards every round, and some have expressed displeasure with the shorter time limit. Would you like to see some or all of the games move back to 7 minute boards, or would you like them to remain at 6?

 

I look forward to your feedback on #2 and #3! Thank you!

 

Best,

 

Jackson Wahl

TCBC - Jackson Wahl Schedule Updates

 

More changes from TCBC Director Jackson Wahl. 

Have fun playing and good luck, all!

Over FIFTY THOUSAND people playing bridge online!  

Get your bridge fix with Jackson and BBO!

 

Tuesday, 11:30 AM

 

Wednesday, 3:30 PM

 

Thursday, 11:30 AM

 

Friday, 9:30 AM

 

Saturday, 11:30 AM

Shelter With BridgeBase Online!

No tournaments ... no club games ... no nothing for bridge addicts! 

But actually - there is!  Big thanks to Steve Gaynor for pointing out the myriad of opportunities there are to play with your favorite partners and teammates.  In recent days, with all the shut downs, more than 32,000 people have been playing daily on the online bridge website!  Check it out - have fun - and stay safe at home!

 

 

Sheltering in place?

You still have chances to play bridge, win black masterpoints and support your local club!

 

The ACBL has partnered with Bridge Base Online (BBO) and The Common Game to offer exclusive online events every day, whether you play solo or as a pair. 

The newest chances to win are the special daylong tournaments (one each day), which begin Wednesday, March 25. Every day you’ll have until midnight Eastern to play 18 boards with BBO’s robots. You can pause and restart at anytime – even in the middle of a hand.

In addition, more time slots have been added for the already popular Support Your Club pairs games (now at 10 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Eastern).

For more information and an FAQ about both games, visit acbl.org/ClubSupportOnlineGames.

Please note our updated phone numbers for U.S. callers.

• Main Line:662-253-3100
• Member Services:662-253-3191
• Club Support:662-253-3181

Coronavirus Slams the Bridge World

 

Storms have swept through the world - and bridge in Minnesota has not been spared.

As many of you know, most now (if not all) of our bridge clubs are temporarily shuttered. 

The Edina IMP sectional scheduled for April is canceled.  Our 2020 District 14 GNT that was scheduled in April is tentatively scheduled for May 17th and 18th.

If you are wondering about any specific events or clubs occurring and when, please first check with the club or tournament chairperson to confirm what is happening. And, if you have an event scheduled and wish to share with everyone that there is a change, do contact me. I will get the details and alert all.

These are extraordinary times. We hope that everyone is safe, being as careful as possible - and - we surely hope, too, that in the not too distant future, we can be competing and enjoying the company of all our bridge friends.

 

Minneapolis Grand Slam Club - 2019-2020

MGSC President Dave Neiman at a recent MGSC Function

 

Dave Neiman, President Extraordinaire for the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, welcomes all bridge players to the new 20190-2020 season!

On Friday, September 6, 2019, the Minneapolis Grand Slam Club reconvenes for our 82nd consecutive season of friendly, tournament-quality bridge.

Join us Friday nights at the Edina Senior Center throughout the 2019-2020 season for a variety of duplicate pairs and team games. Most all games pay extra masterpoints without additional cost.

We welcome players of all skill levels who enjoy the competitive aspect of duplicate bridge.

You can find the schedule here.

 

 

Long Time MGSC Members Having A Ball!

 
New this year:  Game time is now 7:00 pm (15 minutes earlier).  Card fees for members remains at $6, while non-members pay $8. Extra fees for special games are paid by the Club. Card fees for full-time students remains at $5.

All games are stratified.

 

 

Juniors & Long Time Players at the MGSC

 

Not new but worth mentioning:  All games are single-session.  Where the schedule lists two games as #1 and #2, they are connected simply for the purposes of MGSC awards; you may choose to play in either or both of those games.

Once again, we will be running an extended team competition alongside the weekly game.  Format is under review and will depend on the number of teams registered. More information on this event will be provided soon. Team registration is now open.

The Club continues to offer the Player Pool, which guarantees a partner for all pairs games. We want you to come and play with us, and we don’t want the lack of a partner to stop you. (You can even volunteer to BE the Pool person; see below.)

Club membership remains at $20, $10 for full-time students.

 

 

Everyone Enjoys Bridge at the MGSC!

Membership perks include discounted card fees, 4 free Club Nights, the weekly bulletin, and a hefty discount to the end-of-year Party.

The Club provides coffee free of charge at each game. We invite players to bring treats to the game to share with everyone.

The Club website is at http://grandslammn.org.  You can find the full schedule here as well as the team registration page and a signup sheet to volunteer to bring treats, sell entries, or be the Pool person.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the Best Bridge Game in Town!

 

The Road to Northfield

 

As all of us in Minnesota are aware, this winter has been a toughie. Your webmaster, also known as Carleton College Coach Peg, planned to visit with her students a week ago. A snowstorm, however put paid to that. Then a week later, news reports of dense fog and some icy roads worried me a bit. Fortunately, however, I tested the waters (so to speak) and found that the trip to Northfield wasn't too bad. Wonderful news, as spending time with my college bridge students is always a treat! 

 

 

I was delighted to meet a new player, Charlotte. We had the opportunity to play a few hands together; I was both impressed at how well Charlotte was doing at this early stage. And she has already adapted to UDCA (upside down leads and carding); woo hoo!

 

 

Another newer player was in the mix, too; Owen. Owen and some other Carleton students played in the MGSC KO event this year. Wise people to realize that you get better by playing against tough competition!  

 

 

The rest of the competitors from Sunday are "old hands" - so to speak!  I continue to be delighted in how well they are playing, how rapidly they are picking up concepts - and how much they are enjoying the game. When I asked whether they preferred to have some discussion or play, there was a resounding "let's play!"  And - so we did.  On this hand, able Jeffrey was declaring, with last year's club president, Alexander, at his left, partner Sophia and this year's president, Thomas on his right.

 

 

When Thomas had to take off early, Coach Peg was inducted into the fray. I partnered Alexander, and as is usually the case with our game, some hands were quite intriguing!  Club vice president Allie joined us and we forged on!

 

Alas. On not one but two of the hands, guess who (you get ONE guess!) managed to find the losing decision on both. Yes; Coach Peg it is!  As we compared, I could feel inside my bones the students wondering; "Gee, how did Peg get not one, but two hands wrong?!"

A good question.  I presented the two hands in 3 parts on Bridgewinners (a most interesting website for bridge players, if you are not familiar with it.)  Links to the hands are presented below the line. 

 

 

Yet speaking of "lines" - the bottom line is that everyone had a fun day playing our favorite game.  This sure looks like lotsa fun to me!

More photos and the Bridgewinner links below. My thanks to all the Carleton students for their keen interest in this incredible card game, their strong efforts to learn more and more - and their putting up with their coach when she doesn't get 'em all right!

Also - big thanks to Professor Mark Krusemeyer, who also played with us on Sunday. Mark is camera shy so no photos.  But at the table, Mark is a fine partner and bridge educator!