Minnesota Bridge

Information from Brian Weikle for Summer NABC at Providence

Brian Weikle Updates Us for Summer NABC
and
For The Fall NABC

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

For Summer  from July 13-24, the NABC will be held at the
Providence Convention Center

For Fall the NABC shall be at the Phoenix Convention Center

(no bridge play at the Hyatt)

 

 

 

Bridge - The AMAZING Game!

Bridge offers a wealth of fun, fascination, learning, friendships - and sometimes WINNING!  And part of all this (plus plenty more) is a function of bridge being unique for each of us.

When I first learned bridge, I was in college in Madison, Wisconsin.  I played a myriad of different card games.  Oddly enough, bridge was NOT one of them - until some encouraged me to learn a bit.  I might have remained in the "oh, I'll play a game or two every few weeks" status. But others "took me on" - and I got hooked.  

Some of us have such amazing abilities, their game "clicks" and they become talented "faster than a speeding bullet!"  Joey Grue was one of those people.  I remember watching him play a hand, get doubled and go down some # of tricks.  Had it been me - I might have had some tears after that.  Joe?  No way!  It was on to the next hand.  And easy for those more experienced to see that this guy had talent and No Fear!

All of us who have played for some time are aware that abilities can be extremely different from one another.  Some - forever - stick to the "game every week or two" crowd - and that satisfied them.  Others became more and more intrigued.  They'd watch, they'd listen, they'd learn from those who had been playing longer.  And their games grew and improved.

The last couple of years, due to Covid - and more - have altered our bridge world more than we might ever have imagined.  Yet it doesn't mean that we should forget this fascinating game.  Neophite?  Frequently winning intermediate?  Another player with Grue "DNA" in their blood?  Whatever works well for our players - they should keep on!  

I'd love to see many of us express their feelings about a game that has intrigued millions for ages.  Have stories that thrilled you to no end?  Did you become a Life Master - or a Grand Life Master?  Did one of the most exciting aspects of bridge grab you - a WIN?!

Whether you are someone starting to stick their toes into this fascinating yet sometimes frustrating and challenging - or someone who has done so amazingly well, you are known around the world - realize this.  The game can be what YOU want it to be - which includes a lifetime of blasts!  And if you wish to do so, we'd love to hear YOUR experiences about this amazing game!  Please drop me a line - and grab your stories for those who are learning - and may one day end up a super star, too!

 

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

Deana Liddy Shares ACBL BOD Changes
For the Future of NABCs

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Deana

 

 

Let's Fall in Love.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                  Let's do it!!!  

 

Sharon Anderson - To be Inducted Into the Hall of Fame!

Hall of Fame adds Three

It’s great to be back at an NABC even though
many of the celebrations and ceremonies are still
on hold. This year, the Hall of Fame committee
has chosen three individuals to join the ranks of
fellow bridge luminaries: 
Sharon Anderson with the Blackwood Award, and John Swanson and Ron
Von der Porten as recipients of the von Zedtwitz Award.

 They will be inducted at one of the three ceremonies next year.

Blackwood Award

The Blackwood Award is given to individuals who have made major contributions to the game of
bridge outside expertise at the table.

Anderson, who is from Eagan MN, served on
the Board of Directors for 12 years from 2009 to
2020, including a term as president in 2012. She
continues to serve on the District 14 board, where
she has been a fixture for over 40 years.

But it was her work on the ACBL Educational
Foundation that drew the attention of the Hall of
Fame Committee, said chair Mitch Dunitz, who
serves alongside Anderson as the co-chairs of
development for the Ed Foundation.

“It’s imperative more than ever to grow the
game and get more young players,” Dunitz said.
“She’s been a guiding force on the Ed Foundation.
She’s a fantastic volunteer. She has so much energy."

Anderson joined the foundation as a trustee in
2011 and has been involved in various capacities
since then, returning as a trustee this year after
serving as a volunteer most of the years in between.
She pushed for the reorganization of the foundation
that took place in 2017, aimed at drawing
leadership from a wider talent pool and bringing
a focus on evaluating the long-term impact of the
projects supported by Ed Foundation grants.

Leadership was a focus for her both in her
working life and in bridge organization. Before
retiring in 2002, she spent 25 years running a
leadership center at the Hubert Humphrey School
of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
She served on the boards of more than 100
organizations, many of them nonprofit.

“She’s really good at thinking about
volunteers,” said Joe Jones, executive director of
the ACBL. “She makes people feel important. She
gets the best out of people.”

For Dunitz, the selection was personal. “She’s
a mentor to me,” he said. “Everyone she touches
has the same reaction.”

Share Your Stories in Austin with Minnesota!

The Fall Nationals are Underway!

 

We'd love to hear what's happening for Minnesotans in Austin!

If you have a bit of free time, please share your stories with us!

Whether you wish to highlight amazing feats at the table - 

Minnesotans who have won events - or were right "up there" -

Thrills and chills - or a heartbreak so close that demonstrates how tough bridge can be.

For those of us who could not make it to Austin, we'd be delighted to hear about highs and lows, fabulous plays, fun in Austin when not At the Table - and more.

Those at the Nationals - if you are able to share the good, bad and the ugly,

we'd appreciate it Big Time!!

THANKS!!

 

 

 

Fall Nationals - Austin in Winter!

A Return to Nationals!  Austin's the Spot!

I assume that most of us know that the Fall Nationals are currently in play in Austin, Texas.  Afraid that with another year of Covid, I do not have a "lock-down" set of information that NABC's would normally have in more reasonable times.  Our bridge buds have varied opinions on whether they ought to head to the southwest - or not.  Many details about the Fall Nationals are understandably different.  Yet that does not mean that players from all over won't be there!

Alas; I am one of the "stay homers".  But I would like to do my best to share with our state and our district to see how the upper Midwest is fairing in the southwest!  Thus, if YOU are one of those who felt "gotta finally compete at the Fall Nationals!" - I'd love to hear from you, if possible!  Is it relatively easy to play under the unusual conditions of Covid?  How's attendance?  If you've already began to compete - how's it going?  Applause for you and your partner?  Or still warming up for a big game?

I know that the numbers will be down.  Nevertheless, I'm sure that many of us (like me!) want to hear about it all so we can live vicariously!

Our best wishes to everyone in Texas currently, and to those who are planning to arrive a bit later.  We hope that whether you are one of our top stars -  someone attending their FIRST NABC - or a player who is beefing up their game and getting better and better -  you might share with us how these Fall Nationals shake out.  We'd love to hear about your games and your adventures!

Best of luck to all!  Have loads of fun, mingled with highs and lows...  And if you feel like sharing your games, highs, and lows after returning home - I know everyone would be thrilled to hear about it!

Bridge is a many splendored thing...  we hope YOURS in particular is in Austin!

Tony Ames - FIRST Grand Life Master AND ACBL Tournament Director!

Tony Ames

Grand Life Master AND Grand Director!!

 

Tony Ames began playing bridge at the kitchen table in the late 50's.  Tony would play the dummy's cards as his mom called out what to play.  Some years later, Tony began to play "real bridge" with other budding freshman players at St. Johns University in Collegeville.  Greg Vasterling came from Cretin, then to St. Johns on the 4th floor of Bennett Hall, where they met John Koch, an advanced sophomore.

The boys had talent, with Tony and John attending sectionals, regionals and national tournaments.  I was graced with good luck to play with them on many outings, with Tony and/or Dick Bruno from Chicago as my pards.  Tony and I would play during week events, with Dick coming in for the weekend, so he and I could play with Tony and John at the other table.  We had great times, heading to St. Louis, Lake Geneva and Oconomowoc, Wis - and not infrequently beating some Big Talent!  In one regional, we won 3 KO's and 2nd in a Swiss!

What I remember most about Tony's game, however, is that I knew NO ONE who was as nice and kind  a partner as he.  Twice, once at an NABC and once at Lake Geneva, we had costly losses.  I would classify the LG one as about 95% MY FAULT - but Tony was right there apologizing for our disaster!  Needless to say, I laughed and said NO WAY - and with neither of us upset we moved on to the next hand.  And the NABC?  Most were in slam going down 1 - but our jaunt to SEVEN earned us a double - and a bottom.  Again, Tony was calm and kept us on track with his easy going demeanor.

 

For those who have not yet read their ACBL Bulletin, Tony has become Minnesota's 3rd Grand Life Master.  Yet Tony has achieved another title that no one else has accomplished:  The first ACBL tournament director to be a Grand Life Master!  Tony's team faced a number of elite professional and world-class teams in Orlando's 2004 Senior KO's. Yet none could catch Tony, John, Rod Beery and Mary Egan.

 

In the early days, Tony the Tiger could be pretty wild, bidding like a crazy man.  Fortunately, Tony calmed down a bit (though he says he can still deliver some "crazy") - helping him to achieve both his title and history first.

 

We in Minnesota are so fortunate to have Tony, as a fine player and as an superb director.  He began directing at the Grand Slam Club in 1996 when The Great Larry Oakey retired.  And Tony added new refinements to the games with pre-made boards and hand records.

 

2003 potentially could have been the end of Tony's bridge career.  Home from the nationals, Tony was teaching a class at the TCBC. Suddenly, as students watched, Tony's normally fine discussions and explanations had turned into gibberish.  Yet Tony had the good fortune that Paul Meerschaert was there, who whisked Tony to the hospital as he was having a stroke!  Tony explains that ultimately some abilities were compromised.  Yet as we know, his bridge talents WERE NOT!

 

Huge congrats to Tony for not only achieving GLM status, but for also being in a class of ONE to handle being a fine ACBL Director, too.  And put me down as always being amazed at Tony's ability to be both so very talented and perhaps THE kindest guy around at the bridge table!

 

District 14 2019-2021 Grand National Team Champions!

Many thanks to Minnesota's Brian Weikle, Director in Charge and Manager, Bridge Operations for excellence in reporting our most recent competition for Grand National Teams in District 14!

Congratulations to those who won the opportunity to compete! 

Best wishes to the winning teams as they battle in the National Finals on July 14!

 

District 14 crowned its 2019-2021 Grand National Teams champions this weekend. A total of thirty teams across four flights entered the competition back in May, with each flight coming down to a four-team Knockout final.

In the Championship flight, the mostly-Minnesotan team captained by Mike Flader (Steve Gaynor, Rich Newell, Barry Purrington) defeated the Twin Cities based squad led by Tony Ames (Judy Nassar, Keith Connolly, Vern Swing) in a closely-fought final match. The Ames team led by 9 IMPs at the half, but a strong third quarter put Flader’s team ahead for good. They held on to win by 22 IMPs in a match that featured strong play at both tables. Records are somewhat incomplete, but I believe only Barry Purrington has previously represented the District at the National level.

In Flight A (0-6000 MPs), the team led by Eric Hendrickson (Paul Gutterman, Richard Lawson, Andy Caranicas, Mark Krusemeyer, Robert Schachter) dominated a group led by Bill Voedisch (Dennis Cerkvenik, Jonathan Cohn, Andrew Clements) by over 100 IMPs. The core of the winning team (Hendrickson/Gutterman and Lawson/Caranicas) have owned this event in recent years, winning in 2013, 2015, 2016 and (also including Krusemeyer/Schachter) 2019. Before graduating to Flight A, at least one member of this team was on the winning Flight B squad every year but one between 2003 and 2011, including a National title in 2010.

In Flight B (0-2500 MPs), the top two teams both qualified for Nationals. The Iowa-based winners were led by Steph Baumann (Dan Walker, James Graves, David Johnson) and defeated Diane Henson’s team (Larry Henson, Mark Lasoff, David Trevor). The Hensons previously represented the District in Flight C in 2007 and 2008.

Finally, Flight C (non-Life Masters under 500 MPs) was won by a St. Cloud area team led by Sue Knauss (Robert Nairn, Dale Larson, Beverly Berg). They held on to edge a Twin Cities squad led by Thomas Botten (Arne Langsetmo, Marc Ashton, Rolf Hubmayr) by 7 IMPs.

Congratulations to all of the winners! The National Final begins on July 14; it will be played online as part of the NAOBC.

Thanks to all of the players who competed this year. Thanks also to our new District GNT Coordinator Jade Barrett, and to the folks at Bridgebase for providing us with a place to play. (Next year, I hope to see you all back at the table!) Thanks especially to Tournament Director Kimberley Hayward, who ran the preliminary rounds in all four flights as well as assisting with the knockout finals.

 

Brian Weikle, Director-in-Charge

Brian Weikle

Manager, Bridge Operations

ACBL Field Operations

Back in Time - Rob Schacter and Paul Meerschaert High Up in the Platinum Pairs!

Fun to look back at bridge when we could play face to face!

3 years ago, Rob and Paul had a fine showing in THE toughest pair event around!

Here's to more successes - and getting to be with one another soon!

 

Hi Minnesota Buds - Joseph Jones has news for all wishing to play at ACBL NACB Tournaments that we're going to have to hold on for a while.  I know most of us much prefer to see our friends from all over the world, enjoying a yummy dinner in between rounds as we discuss hands and even do a tad of site seeing.  But Joe will explain why we are unable to do so right now - and I hope everyone keeps on enjoying virtual bridge at their favorite MN club - or "sneaks down" (LOL) to their favorite club in Miami, Tucson or California for a toasty, roasty great game!  (Or stay home in bed and turn up the thermometer!)  Peg

Dear Member,   Due to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, the ACBL has canceled the 2021 Spring North American Bridge Championships that were scheduled for March 11-21, 2021 in St. Louis, MO.     ACBL officials and local volunteers have worked tirelessly with the host hotel and local government officials, and, sadly, the event cannot be held as scheduled because the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge and the vaccine roll-out is slower than anticipated. Please know the health and safety of our members and our employees is of paramount importance to us.   Due to the attractiveness of the location, the ACBL is working to negotiate rescheduling an NABC in St. Louis sometime in the future. Members will be notified if and when those dates have been finalized.   We will continue to offer chances to play and win black, silver, red and gold masterpoints® on Bridge Base Online. Details of ongoing and special events along with Virtual Clubs can be found at acbl.org/virtual.   Sincerely, Joseph Jones ACBL Executive Director January 11, 2021

Premier Flighted Pairs - Fall North American Online Bridge Championships (NAOBC)

Great opportunity to play in the Fall NAOB Championships Premier Flight Pairs!  Compete against players from all over as you battle at home!

 

The newly flighted Premier Flighted Pairs event – part of the Fall North American Online Bridge Championships (NAOBC) – is this weekend. Don’t miss your chance at gold points and an NABC title!   The NAOBC Premier Flighted Pairs event features four sessions over Dec. 5-6 (Sat.-Sun.) with 24 boards per session. The top 50% of Saturday’s field qualifies to play in Sunday’s final.   Flights are set at Open, 0-5000, 0-1500. All members not playing in concurrent semifinal/final knockout matches are eligible to play.   Entries ($100 per pair per event for Open flight, $80 per pair per event for 0-5000 and 0-1500; players qualifying for the final play free) will be sold on Bridge Base Online two hours before game time for each flight.   Click the button below for detailed schedules, masterpoint awards, security information and an FAQ. Learn More Catch the film about the exhilarating, brainy world of bridge that keeps making headlines! “Aces and Knaves” will be available to screen online Dec. 13-16. Tickets are $15 and include access to the director’s live conversation with champions Boye Brogeland, Christina Lund Madsen and Mike McNamara (Dec. 13). Click here for trailer and tickets.

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!

 

 

Pizza - Strategy - Bridge - Qualify!

 

GNT Swiss Team Qualifier - March 1st - TOMORROW!

 

Steve Gaynor is holding a GNT Swiss Team Qualifying game at the TCBC this Sunday. This is YOUR opportunity to chomp on yummy pizza, gain tips on team game strategies, compete with your favorite teammates and ULTIMATELY perhaps even win a subsidized trip to the Summer NABC GNT event in Montreal! 

Steve has the details below - just DO IT!

 

GRAND NATIONAL SWISS TEAM QUALIFYING 

MARCH 1, 2020

 TWIN CITY BRIDGE CENTER

6020 NICOLLET

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419 - 612-861-4487

 

12:00   PIZZA LUNCH IS SERVED 

12:30  TALK ON TEAM GAME STRATEGY 

1:00      GAME TIME

Qualify for District 14 GNT 2020 - Eat Pizza! - Take Two!

 

GNT Swiss Team Qualifying Alert!

A funny (ho ho ho) thing happened on the way to the GNT Swiss Qualifier this past weekend.

SNOW!  LOTS and LOTS of it!

So as many of you are aware, there was no event and NO PIZZA last Sunday :(

The very good news, however, is that Steve has rescheduled for Sunday March 1st! (Yay Yay Yay)

Reminder details below!

 

Steve Gaynor is holding a GNT Swiss Team Qualifying game at the TCBC this Sunday. This is YOUR opportunity to chomp on yummy pizza, gain tips on team game strategies, compete with your favorite teammates and ULTIMATELY perhaps even win a subsidized trip to the Summer NABC GNT event in Montreal! 

Steve has the details below - just DO IT!

 

GRAND NATIONAL SWISS TEAM QUALIFYING 

MARCH 1, 2020

 TWIN CITY BRIDGE CENTER

6020 NICOLLET

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419 - 612-861-4487

 

12:00   PIZZA LUNCH IS SERVED 

12:30  TALK ON TEAM GAME STRATEGY 

1:00      GAME TIME

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Superflight = open to all 

Flight A = 0-6000 

Flight B = 0-2500 

Flight C = Non-life masters to 500 

Flight C will play separately if at least 3 teams enter.  Your flight eligibility is based on your Masterpoint holding as reported on your September, 2019 ACBL Bridge Bulletin.  Masterpoint awards are ½ Red and ½ Black. 

Entry fee is $8.00 per player.  THIS INCLUDES LUNCH!  Full-time students under 26 pay ½ price. 

Call Steve for partnerships and teammates – 612-708-7563 – [email protected]. 

Please report your team’s pizza topping preference.  We will accommodate all requests. 

Show your support for Swiss team games and the GNT event.  This is your first step toward earning a generous ($2000/team) subsidy to play in the GNT national finals this July at the Summer North American Bridge Championships in Montreal, Canada!!!! 

Somebody has to win!  Why not you?

District 14 Grand National Teams Finals - April 18-19

 

SAVE THE DATE! - PLAN FOR THE DATE!

GNT District Finals, April 18 & 19, 2020. 

(Flight C is 1 day only on April 18.)

The Grand National Team (GNT) Finals will be held at the Edina Senior Center at 5280 Grandview Square in Edina MN on April 18 and 19. 

Qualification is required; be sure to get qualified at the club level by playing in a GNT qualifying game. 

Check with your local club for times and dates for the qualifiers.  Two qualifiers coming up include one at the Twin City Bridge Center on 2/9/20 with pizza at noon, lesson at 12:30pm and game time at 1:00pm. The other qualifier is at the Bridge Center of St. Paul on 2/18/20 at 10:00 am.

1st place winners in each flight receive $2000 District 14 subsidy to attend the NABC event in July 2020 in Montreal, QC.  For flights B & C, a 2nd place team may attend the NABC if there are at least 8 teams in their flight.

Click on GNT Flyer or open attached informational flyer for more information on the GNT and combined IMP Sectional.

Larry Henson - District 14 GNT Coordinator - [email protected]

MACNAB GNT - Flight C - District 14 Representatives at NABC Las Vegas 2019

 

MNBridge often highlights the triumphs and successes of our super stars. As it should be; they have worked hard over the years to study, improve and attain their strong abilities.

Yet, we also herald those who are first learning our game - particularly when they are not young kids.  Fascinating and fun as bridge is, it is also very complex, challenging, and not at all easy to master in one fell swoop. So as we applaud our stars, we also are very proud of those beginners who rise to the occasion to dip their toes into the mystery and majesty of our game.

Connie Nelson, along with District 14 Flight C teammates Sue Knauss, Roger Knauss and Jim Schnepf took on the challenge - and ended up representing our District 14 in Las Vegas this July.  Connie saw my request for any interesting stories from those who attended the Summer NABC.  And she then wrote this marvelous story of her team's adventures there.

Thank you so much, Connie, for sharing your team's story. Congratulations on your win in District 14 to be our representatives! 

A big thank you, too, for all our newer players, be they teenagers, retirees or somewhere in between, for dipping your toes into the world's greatest mind game!  

 

“On July 16^th, the District 14 Flight C Grand National Team of Sue Knauss, Roger Knauss, Jim Schnepf and Connie Nelson flew to Las Vegas to attend the national tournament.  All four of us are members of the St. Cloud Bridge Club, and had won the qualifying event held down in Urbandale, Iowa earlier in the year.

 

At the national event, twenty-six teams were playing in Flight C, representing all of North America (i.e. the US, Canada and Mexico).  Our team definitely hoped – and expected – to make it into the sixteen teams that went on to play the second day.  But, the last day our team competed was the first day!   

 

When we sat down to play our very first game, Jim and my opponents were a seasoned 11-year-old Brandon Ge and a 14-year-old Jonathan Yue, representing the San Francisco Bay area.  They absolutely creamed us! Out of a possible 20 victory points, we received 2 and they 18!  (To assuage our egos a tiny bit, this young Bay Area team went on to take 2^nd overall in Flight C.) 

 

From that first game on, we were playing “catch-up.”  While we gained some ground, it didn’t prove to be enough to advance.  As humbling as that was, it was still a GREAT experience playing at the Nationals!  You encounter players from around the world.  We played against pairs from England, Trinidad, China, Poland, Canada and India.  Sue and Roger Knauss even received an invitation to go and visit someone they met from Paris. 

 

And the conventions Jim and I encountered!  Some had names that even sound exotic:  Mexican 2 Diamonds, Polish 1 Club, Snapdragon, Extended Walsh,  and Leaping Michaels are just a few.  People were very friendly and clearly explained any unusual conventions.  

 

In sum, I would highly encourage more Flight C people to enter the National Pair qualifier event coming up October 5^th and 6th in Urbandale, and also the National Teams when that once again comes around.

 

See you at the bridge table!”     

 

Sincerely,

Connie Nelson

Collegiate Competitors in Las Vegas 2019

 

A delight to see our fine collegiate competitors doing so well in Las Vegas - and - having a great time, too!

ACBL has posted many photos of winners and an event for collegiate players while there.  A super time had by all - and - we hope for today's juniors, that many will be the super stars and experts in years to come!

 

Collegiate Bridge - Las Vegas 2019

 

Our thanks to Eric Hendrickson for sending this excellent shot of our University of Minnesota collegiate competitors in Las Vegas.  We are most proud of our students from U of MN and Carleton College - and happy to present overall finishes in their challenging events.

While Minnesota teams did well in the Collegiate Bridge Bowl event, they did come up against some formidable and very experienced opposition.  Here are the results of the qualifying game that selected 4 teams for the semi-final matches.

Two Minnesota pairs, both from Carleton, placed in the overalls of the stratified pairs.  Congratulations to Sarah Emmons and Jackson Wahl, who finished 5th in Flight B.  And same to Jeffrey Boitnott and Sophia Maymudes, placing 4th in Flight C.  All results from the stratified pairs are here.

In the Collegiate Bridge Bowl Champion Pairs, we are proud of these pairs who finished overall!

Sean McNally and Morgan Johnstone were 6th in Flight A.

Zhongqi Zhao and Zeren Shui finished 5th in Flight B and 2nd in Flight C.

Sarah Emmons and Jackson Wahl finished 7th in Flight B.

Allie Clark and Sophia Maymudes were 5th in Flight C.

Final results for this pair event are here.

Given that many of the other players have both had much more experience than some of our Minnesota competitors and very in depth expert training, we are especially proud to see our players doing so well in the Collegiate events. Congratulations to all!  And thanks again to Eric, who continued to send out proud updates about our players.

And - an apology from your webmaster. As some of you know, I became ill just before the NABC began and was unable to attend. Unfortunately, not only was I thus unable to take any photos, I've been somewhat impaired and thus not able to do a good job of reporting this tournament.

I truly do hope that any and all Minnesota competitors at the 2019 Summer NABC will forward to me results, hands and any other items of interest from their experiences in Las Vegas.  My pleasure to share them with everyone and let people know how you did!

I do hope to be "up to snuff" in the near future!  Thank you for your understanding.

 

 

Las Vegas NABC Starts Wednesday!

 

The Summer NABC starts tomorrow; Wednesday July 17th. First major event on the agenda is GNT.

We wish all four flights of District 14 GNT winners the best as they try to best all other Districts!

Looking forward to seeing loads of Minnesotans in Las Vegas - doing well and having loads of fun, too!

 

GNT Open Flight

Bob Balderson Jr - Cynthia Balderson -  Carole Miner - Paul Meerschaert 

 

GNT Flight A

Erick Hendrickson - Andy Caranicas - Richard Lawson - Paul Gutterman

 

GNT Flight B

Justin Graver - Matthew Campbell - Jamie Radcliff - Jeff Buckwalter

 

GNT Flight C

Connie Nelson - James Schnepf - Susan Knauss - Roger Knauss