Minnesota Bridge

D14-Wide ONLINE PAIRS GAME - Check it Out!!

Matt, who helps us with a variety of wonderful bridge events and needs,

Is sharing THIS with US!

Lucky, lucky!  It's coming up!   Check it out - and - PLAY!!!

D14-wide ONLINE PAIRS GAME

Sunday October 16th - 6:30pm

 

WHAT:  It’s a District-wide online pairs game, sanctioned by

the ACBL and BBO; just like other online bridge games, only 

with the potential to be much, MUCH bigger (read: lots

more masterpoints). . .with an entry fee of $6

 

WHERE:  The comfort of your own living room.  Just sign on

to BBO like any other online game, you’ll see this game listed

- then register with a partner and let the cards fly

 

WHO:  You - anyone that is in District 14 is eligible to play in

this mega-online game.  While you must be a member of

D14, your partner does not have to be - so you can play

with anyone that you want (around the country or around 

the world!)

 

WHEN:  Sunday October 16 at 6:30pm.  The game will be

available for signup two hours beforehand

 

WHY:  100% of the proceeds from this game will go to the

D14 Grass Roots Fund, which helps to sponsor D14 GNT 

Finalists as they move forward to the Nationals in Chicago

next summer

Summer will be winding down - Fall Bridge Events are On Their Way!

Once again, summer is winding down before I expect it. But it's State Fair time and school starts next week, so it must be true!

On the plus side, there is a lot to look forward to in bridge this fall in Unit 178.

 

September Schedule of games is attached. Here are some highlights:

Board-a-Match game resumes, Wednesday evening at 6:15

On September 7, Keith Thompson and Tony Ames are restarting the ever-popular Board-a-Match game. Games will be held every other Wednesday at 6:15 pm at the Edina Senior Center. The schedule for 2022-23 is attached.

BAM is a team game without complicated scoring like IMPs, so every board is win or lose and a single extra overtrick (or undertrick) can be a huge difference.

Teams need to register by contacting Keith (keithclockt@icloud.com, 612-239-2667) or Tony (ynotsema@aol.com, 952-200-3871). They will help you form a pair or team, too.

New location for Saturday games starting Sep 10

The Saturday FTF game at 1:00 p.m. is moving to the Eden Prairie Center Community Room as of September 10. It's in the basement next to the main rental office and restrooms.

Enter on the East side through the Von Maur store, or on the South through the food court. Take the elevator, located in the center of the mall, down t the basement. It's very similar to the Southdale Center where we had the recent sectional tournament.

Lessons this fall

Tony Ames is offering beginning bridge lessons this fall on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm at the Edina Senior Center. Lessons start September 13 and continue for 8 weeks. Contact the Edina Senior Center at 952-833-9570 to register.

Alternatively, the Bridge Center of St Paul is offering beginning bridge lessons Monday evenings at 6:30 starting September 19, both online and in person. A second series will be held online only on Wednesdays evenings starting September 21. Check out the website for more information or to register http://www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com/

Chat bridge continues

Chat bridge continues every Tuesday at 12:45 at Studio 1. It's a great way to practise and improve your game after you've taken lessons. A number of players have "graduated" to the limited game at the same time, there's always room for more. Contact John Schlundt for more information. john.schlundt@gmail.com

Gopher Regional Tournament very successful!

Tournament chair Patti Stuhlman reports that the Gopher Regional tournament last may was very successful. Attendence exceeded expectations, and the tournament even made money. Congratulations and thanks to Patti and her team!

Feedback was generally positive, and suggestions will be taken into account in planning next year's Gopher. I know they've started working on it already.

Milestones

Congratulations to these players who have reached new levels:

• Junior Masters: David Gregg, Carol Hagelee, Carol Lord
• Club Master: Mary Stark
• Sectional Masters: Patti Richardson, Jeffrey Knapp
• NABC Master: Marc Ashton
• Bronze Life Master: Mark McGree
• Silver Life Masters: James LaFave, Michael O'Leary

The End IS Near!

The End is Near
So Get Qualified Now!

                                           

 

State Fair time means the end of summer, and the end of summer is the end of North American Pairs qualifying. The North American Pairs event is one of the two grassroots events where people can compete against pairs at their own level from across North America. These qualifiers only happen during the 3 summer months of June, July , and August. You have be qualified at the club level in order to compete in the finals. The top finishers in the finals will get to play in the spring Nationals in New Orleans next March. 

The finals will be held online Saturday October 1st and Sunday October 2. The top three pairs will qualify for Flight A, while four pairs each from Flight B and Flight C will go to New Orleans. All pairs will play 4 sessions of 24 boards. You must play with the same partner throughout the finals.

In order to play in the District 14 NAP Final, players must be members of District 14 and have qualified for their masterpoint flight or a higher flight in a NAP Club Qualifying F2F or online game.

Flight masterpoints are determined as of the June masterpoint cycle run by ACBL data Processing on May 6, 2022. Any points won but not included in this cycle do not affect masterpoint eligibility.

Flight A is open to all Players.

Flight B is open to Players with fewer than 2,500.

Flight C is open to Players who are Non-Life Masters with fewer than 500.

 

Our local clubs are doing their part to help qualify people for a shot at the Nationals. On Monday, August 29 the Bridge Center of St. Paul hosts a North American Pairs qualifier face to face during their 10:00 AM Open game. Also on August 29, the Plymouth Bridge Club has a face to face NAP qualifier at 11:45 AM. 

 

Tuesday, August 30 finds both clubs again hosting NAP qualifiers. The Bridge Center of St. Paul again uses the 10:00 AM Open game for qualifying, while the Plymouth Bridge Club will have a qualifier for the 0 to 750 game at Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave South, in Minneapolis. This game starts with a mini lesson at 12:15, and game time is 12:45. 

 

On August 31, the very last day of qualifying, all three online games from the Bridge Center of St. Paul will be NAP qualifiers. Those game times are 9:15 for 0 to 500 masterpoints, 9:30 for the 0 to 2500 Flight B competitors, and an Open game at 9:45.

 

So lots of opportunities to get qualified for the North American Pairs. Not only will you play for free if you make it to New Orleans, there will be a travel subsidy should yours be one of the pairs making it through the October finals. Check your schedule, call your favorite partner, and get to work on that ticket to the Nationals. I hope to see you there!

 

See what you can do, and protect your health by all means!

 

Thanks.

 

Keith

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS! FOR OUR 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!
AUGUST 15, 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

Aug 19 – Sep 3 World Bridge Series, Wroclaw, Poland
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 2 – 4 I/N REGIONAL @ EL ZAGAL SHRINE IN FARGO, ND
Sep 2 – 4 Open sectional in conjunction with regional in Fargo, ND
Sep 12 – 15 D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct 1 – 2 District 14 NAP Finals (BBO online)
Oct 4 Yom Kippur starts (evening)
Oct 6 – 8 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Oct 13 NLM Sectional @ Sartell CC at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, 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 2023

2023 Jan Junior Fund Month – Games @ local clubs

Feb 2 - 5 Winter Sectional @ Eagan Community Center in Eagan, MN

Mar 11 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Mar 9 – 19 SPRING NABC @ MARRIOTT AND SHERATON IN NEW ORLEANS, LA

Apr Charity game month – games @ local clubs
Apr 5 – 6 Passover Seders
Apr 9 Easter
Apr 13 – 15 Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

May Grass Roots FUNd Month – games @ local clubs
May 22 - 28 GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

Jun 15 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Jun 22 – 24 Granite City Sectional @ at 850 19th St. South, Sartell, MN

Jul 3 - 9 REGIONAL IN West Des Moines, IA
Jul 13 – 23 SUMMER NABC @ SHERATON GRAND IN CHICAGO, IL
Jul 26 – 30 Summer Sectional @ TBA in Minneapolis, MN

Aug 5 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 7 – 13 REGIONAL @ Mid-America Conf. Center in Council Bluffs, IA

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 24 Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct 26 – 28 Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 23 – Dec 3 FALL NABC @ MARRIOTT MARQUIS IN ATLANTA, GA

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN
2022
Aug 26 – 27 Hills, IA
Sep 2 – 4 Fargo, ND
Sep 9 – 11 Urbandale, IA
Sep 23 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Sep 23 – 25 Sioux Falls, SD
Oct 7 – 9 Omaha, NE
Oct 14 - 15 Davenport, IA
Nov 4 – 6 Waterloo, IA
2023
Jan 12 - 15 Urbandale, IA
Jan 27 – 29 Cedar Rapids, IA
Feb 17 – 19 Davenport, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Hills, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Waverly, NE
Apr 14 – 16 Ft. Dodge, IA
Apr 27 – 30 Urbandale, IA
Apr 28 – 30 Mt. Pleasant, IA
Jun 2 – 4 Bismarck, ND
Jun 9 – 11 Sioux City, IA
Jun 10 – 11 Cedar Rapids, IA (I/N)
Jul 14 – 16 Cedar Rapids, IA
Jul 21 – 23 Sioux Falls, SD
Aug 25 – 27 Hills, 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 - 2023
2022
Sep 15 – 17 Wausau, WI
Oct 13 – 15 Marquette, MI
Nov 11 – 13 La Crosse, WI
2023
Feb 3 – 5 Ripon, WI
May 5 – 7 Green Bay, WI
Jun 8 – 11 Woodruff, 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.

Thanks, Steve Gaynor

The Young Man Who Will Be King!

Youth World Bridge

 

Anshul Bhatt becomes youngest World Champion

 

By

 Fernando Lema

 -

11th August 2022

 

 

Anshul Bhatt becomes youngest World Champion World Youth Bridge Championships U-16

 

Thirteen-year-old Anshul Bhatt became the youngest World Champion after winning the under-16 World Youth Transnational Bridge Championships in Salsomaggiore, Italy on 10 August 2022.

Darwin Li from Toronto, Canada was Mumbai-based Anshul’s partner.

“We congratulate young Anshul Bhatt on this stupendous win. His gold medal and championship win have the potential to do to the game of bridge what Vishwanthan Anand’s early success did to chess,” said Gianarrigo Rona, President of the World Bridge Federation (WBF).

A total of 27 pairs from across the world player in the Under-16 category qualifying rounds where they played three boards against each other in a full round robin schedule (3 * 26 boards) spread across three sessions on Monday and Tuesday. The top 12 qualifying pairs went into the finals where they played a two full round robin schedule (4 * 11 boards) on Wednesday. Anshul and Darwin emerged as the winners.

This is the second award for Anshul Bhatt at the World Bridge Youth Championships. He is the youngest recipient of the Joan Gerard Award, which aims at rewarding aptitude, fair play, good sportsmanship and a friendly international spirit, rejecting any discrimination. Anshul had won the prestigious award at the age of eight in 2017 at the World Youth Open Championships in Lyon, France.

According to the World Bridge Federation, the Transnational events give players a unique opportunity to play in partnerships and teams with friends from other countries – maybe partnering friends that they have made online during the pandemic and can now finally meet face to face in competition. It is in this spirit that Anshul and Darwin, who had only played with each other online before this tournament, decided to play as partners.

I was tremendously fortunate to meet Anshul Bhatt, the youngest person at age 8 to compete - and win - in the world.

I had met Anshul's father in Omaha for Warren Buffett's amazing event, being flabbergasted at the talents, abilities, and wisdom of Anshul.

As you can see below, Anshul's abilities and stardom (Ted Talks, anyone - anyone)
rocketed to moon.  Anshul became a star immediately, and appeared to have the strength and abilities of a young man as his Ted Talk impressed around the world.

I played some with Anshul as he learned more in a few days. Yet it soon became obvious that this fine boy learned quietly, confidently, and brilliantly around the world.

I dearly hope that those who meet Anshul continue to follow him.  I feel confident that as time passes, Anshul shall clearly grow into "the greats" as he himself becomes one and a star himself.

Do your best to learn about Anshul yourself.  He shall surely be one to cause thousands to have joy, mega abilities and striking talents for years to come!

A student of Grade IX at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) in Mumbai, India, Anshul has been regularly participating in various open category local, national, and international tournaments. He won the Junior National Bridge Championships (U-26) in Mysore, India, in August 2018, and the Junior National Bridge Championship (U-21) in December 2021.

Anshul has diverse interests and an insatiable curiosity that extends from the sciences to the humanities. He enjoys reading books by Philip Pullman, JK Rowling, and JRR Tolkien and is a die-hard Star Wars and Avengers fan. He loves to cook, to play board games, and to write short stories. Every evening, he looks forward to playing squash, cricket, football or going cycling with his friends.

ABOUT WORLD YOUTH BRIDGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ANSHUL BHATT IN MEDIA TEDx TALK:

Bridge: A Game for Life by Anshul Bhatt

Business Standard, May 2018: Meet Anshul Bhatt, a bridge champ at eight

Mid-day, September 2017: This 8-yr-old boy plays the right cards

World Bridge Federation, September 2017: 
Joan Gerard announcement

Indian Express, August 2019: Bridging the age gap

World Bridge Federation, August 2017: 
Video interview with Anshul Bhatt

World Bridge Federation, August 2017: 
Anshul Bhatt conducting the oath taking at the opening ceremony

France TV: Interview with Anshul Bhatt

 

Steve Gaynor - A Gift to Us!

Moving Forward

And THANKS to Steve Gaynor!

Steve has been delightful in helping MN Bridge with so much of what has been happening!

Please join me in thanking Steve for all that he has done
And all that he continues to do!

You and Steve DO ROCK!!! 

 

Hello

 

I want to express my personal gratitude and congratulations to all of you for presenting a fine bridge experience for our members.  

 

All of you put in a lot of time and effort but it paid off in a positive experience for just about everyone who attended.   It was what our area needed coming out of the pandemic and I know many of the participants are counting the days until our next sectional.

 

Final figures posted today on the ACBL website were 158 tables (26+ per session), 1271.80 masterpoint won by 182 different players. It was a win/win all the way especially considering we experienced income over expenses.

 

Again, great job everyone, you all rock!

 

Cordially yours,

 

Steven Gaynor, President, ACBL Unit 178 (Viking).

We are On Our Way!

Our Apologies for Problems

But - We WILL be On Our Way!

Looking forward to connecting again very soon!  And appreciate your understanding!

Hold On to Your Hats!!

It’s almost time for the SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SECTIONAL!

When?

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

August 3, 4 and 5

Where?

Southdale Mall, lower level, below Hennepin County Service Center

Paid/Team games everyday at 10 AM and 2:15 PM.

 

Best entrances are #8 (Dining Pavilion) and #13 by Hennepin County Service Center

Escalators and elevators at both entrances

Bring your favorite partner!

And let’s play bridge!

Thanks!

Vicky Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Gaynor To the Rescue - Part Two!

Steven Gaynor (stev1249@comcast.net)

 

Unit 178 2022 Mini-McKenney - Halfway Standings

 

(All points won – local, online and tournaments)

 

     0 to 5   

 

Rita Stensgaard                      7.18

Randi Hogan                           6.58

Ellen Kluz                                5.54   

 

     5 to 20   

 

Richard Trachy                     13.16

Connie Falkenstein              12.10

Jean Reissner                      10.81

 

   20 to 50

 

Robert Chipinski                   20.07

Tom Pokonosky                    15.96

James Brink                          12.68

 

     50 to 100   

 

Jeffrey Knapp                       18.13

Peggy Lockwood                  16.30

Ken Rich                               15.77

John Cracraft                        15.77  

 

     100 to 200   

 

Thorwald Hansen                 25.36

Robert Diamond                   26.94

Dan McElroy                         23.47

 

     200 to 300   

 

Tom Sneed                           24.66

George Holmquist                24.23

Nora Walker                         18.05

 

     300 to 500  

 

Rolf Hubmayr                      78.97

Barry Bershow                    64.77

Thomas Botten                   52.41

 

     500 to 1000  

 

Rick Gavin                            65.75

Marc Ashton                         63.97

Michele Grindal                    58.25

 

 

     1000 to 1500  

 

Gary Knippenberg             103.77

John Schlundt                     70.66

Marylou Doerrie                  59.45

 

     1500 to 2500  

 

Sandy Fisher                      141.61

John Dunstan                      65.83

Jill Flader                              62.78

 

     2500 to 3500

 

Aly El-Selehdar                  109.42

Eric Hendrickson                 86.70

Joel Kramer                          75.58

 

     3500 to 5000  

 

Joseph Koester                 128.07

Judy Hansen                      115.55

Jean Boettcher                  107.75

 

     5000 to 7500  

 

Michael Flader                  114.52

Susan Jackson                    94.55

Kerry Holloway                    55.23

 

     7500 to 10,000   

 

Bob Balderson                   181.79

Cynthia Balderson             159.64

Brian Crossley                    141.95

 

    Over 10,000  

 

Paul J Meerschaert           306.45

Steven Gaynor                  153.03

Michael Cassel                  142.79

Steve Gaynor - To The Rescue!

What's Happening?

Steve Gaynor does a marvelous job of keeping us up to date!

Thanks, Steve - and - below is LOTS of info for us!

Unit 178 2022 Ace of Clubs – Halfway report

 

(Points won only at clubs – online or face to face)

 

     0 to 5   

 

Randi Hogan                        6.38

Rita Stansgaard                   6.49

David M Gregg                     3.83

 

     5 to 20   

 

Richard Trachy                   12.35

Connie Falkenstein            12.10

Jean Reissner                      5.93

 

     20 to 50   

 

Robert Chipinski               20.07

Tom R Pokonosky            11.97

James Brink                     10.7

 

     50 to 100  

 

Tom Lofthus                       14.48

Ken Rich                            13.92

John Cracraft                     13.92

 

     100 to 200   

 

Robert Diamond               26.94

Thorwald Hansen             20.16

Margaret Kinney              19.09

 

     200 to 300  

 

George Holmquist           24.23

Stan Jurgensen               17.64

Tom Sneed                      17.57

 

     300 to 500  

 

Barry Bershow                  63.43

Rolf Hubmayr                    29.04

Mary Stern                         28.43

Gary Stern                         28.43

 

     500 to 1000   

 

Rick Gavin                         62.46

Marcia Eaton                     56.31

Morris Eaton                      56.31

 

     1000 to 1500  

 

John Schlundt                  66.13

Marylou Doerrie               53.00

Gary Knippenberg           41.07

 

     1500 to 2500   

 

Sandy Fisher                      138.59

Carl Hartness                       50.21

Cindy Moat                           44.16

 

      2500 to 3500  

 

Aly El-Selehdar                  109.42

Chuck Cummins                   60.52

Eric Hendrickson                  53.31

 

      3500 to 5000   

 

Joseph Koester                   95.07

Judy Hansen                        92.39

Jean Boettcher                    53.23

 

      5000 to 7500  

 

Susan Jackson                    62.60

Roark Johnson                    33.50

Michael Flader                     25.45

 

      7500 to 10,000  

 

Brian Crossley                    122.40

Phil Schwarz                       108.98

Judy Schwarz                     108.98

 

      Over 10,000  

 

Paul Meerschaert              171.10

Steven Gaynor                    69.40

Michael Cassel                    67.38

Come One - Come All to the SIZZLIN' SUMMER SECTIONAL!

The SIZZLIN’ SUMMER SECTIONAL - It's Coming!!

August 3, 4 and 5, 2022.  Wednesday through Friday.

 

 Exciting pair/team games every day at 10:00 and 2:15.   Entry fee $12.

                                                                       

New site: Southdale Mall, lower level

below the Hennepin County Government Center (near Fitness Center). 

                                                         Free Parking

Lots of lunch options on the premises – and convenient shopping too!  

 

CDC/ACBL COVID guidelines followed (vaccinated or masked).  

Tournament chair: Barb Zipoy     barbzipoy@gmail.com

Partnership chair:  Vicki Smith       vsmith2945@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

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.”