Minnesota Bridge

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 ([email protected]) or call 702-454-5352.   Let’s pack the tables and showcase Minnesota's great bridge community.  

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

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

____________________

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

Bridge Birthdays and Wishes from St. Cloud Bridge Club!

Bridge-Related Birthday “Wishes”

By Connie Nelson

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

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

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

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

So what’s he done lately?

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

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

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

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

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

Unit 103 Board - Updates as Available

 

President:  Patti Huiras

Vice President:  Sue Greenberg

Directors:

        Connie Nelson

        Matt Baylow

        Amy Dutton

        Rajiv Kapadia

        Tom Owens

        Keith Thompson

Financial Advisor:  Lance Chamberlain

 

Patti Huiras

Unit 103 Board President

[email protected]

651-343-2078

Platinum Shines for Cindy and Bob!

We are so thrilled that the Baldersons have now reached the second highest level of accomplishment in our bridge world; Platinum Life Master.  Not many ever reach those heights - and I am so grateful to Bob for his marvelous stories about he and Cindy's decades of success, fun, friendship and much more.

Yet, I must share some "Cindy experiences" of my own - both because they have been so meaningful to me - and because I've been blessed and awed at Cindy's multitude of achievements.  Not only is she a bridge star - but Cindy has "stars" for so much of life, too.
                                                                                                                                                                        I met Cindy at Dayton-Hudson Corporation in downtown Minneapolis.  Cindy managed a wide scope at DHC, and I became her backup helper for "the big guns", special events, travel and much more. Very rapidly I became amazed at Cindy's enormous range of skills and how deftly she handled EVERYTHING - including dealing with "the guns".  I was particularly impressed with how well she got along with everyone and everything and I felt so lucky to be learning from "the master".                                                     
One thing I learned is that Cindy knew how to play bridge, yet between work, her daughter Steff and more, she had stopped playing.  Knowing how capable she was, I immediately encouraged her to start again - and - she did!  We'd often play together, Cindy being wild and fearless and me hanging on for dear life...  But it sure worked and we sure had fun!

If I were to list all that Cindy could do, how much everyone appreciated her, that she was a charmer, hard worker... I'd be typing away for days.  The ultimate was when she and Bob met each other, married, and went on to yet again succeed at so much, be it work, family, friends - or bridge.

We are all fortunate to have Bob and Cindy in our bridge world in a myriad of ways. I look forward to being "wowed" by many more of their achievements... and being so lucky to have these truly special people in our wonderful bridge world.  Congrats again, Baldersons - our delightful, shining stars!

 

                 

 

 

 

 

Baldersons Achieve Platinum!!

The 10K Run!

Bob and Cindy Hit Platinum!
Bob Shares Stories
And I, your Editor, Plan to Do So, Too!
Applause for Cindy & Bob - with MORE TO COME!!

Last week, Cindy and I finally went over the 10,000 Masterpoint mark, with the last push courtesy of Carole Miner, Terry Beckman, Harry Sapienza, and each other. It seemed to take an eternity, with the finish line stretching on and on.

As soon-to-be Platinum Masters, I’ve been informed that we are supposed to wax philosophical at this point in the game. Cindy and I have been playing Bridge together for over 30 years (including a 10-year bridge divorce in which we played, just not as partners). During that time, we formed teams and partnerships with a multitude of players, including (but certainly not limited to) Carole Miner, Peg Waller, Kurt Schaeffer, Craig Satersmoen, Peder Langsetmo, Paul Meerschaert, Peg Kaplan, Billy Kent, Rob Schacter, Mark Krusemeyer, Harry Sapienza, Jerry Lee, Jonathan Cohen, Charlie Nauen, Patti Stuhlman, Ron DeHarportte, John Koch, Terry Beckman, and Dan Sershon.

For many years we traveled around the country, playing in Nationals, Regionals, Sectionals, and whatever, compiling a pretty good record with some great, some good, and some not-so-good results, while having a lot of fun in the process.

Cindy’s favorite team memory is actually quite a bit more exotic—she, Carole Miner, Lynn Deas, Disa Eythorsdottir, Rozanne Pollack, and Cheri Bjerkan represented the U.S. in Beijing, China at the 2013 World Mind Games. They finished 2^nd in the KO, placed high in the other events, and hobnobbed with the best players in the world (it was reported that the food could have been better).

My favorite team Bridge memory was the Kaplan-Kent-Meerschaert-Miner-Balderson-Balderson GNT team knocking Meckwell, Berkowitz/Cohen, and company out of the chance to win their 3^rd GNT title in a row. My favorite personal Bridge memory was making 6H in a National KO by picking off the stiff King of trump offside playing against the Overcall system: an overcall was required anytime the person overcalling had 7 or more points. LHO didn’t overcall, so the King had to be with RHO.

Some other “great” Bridge memories include:

In Seaside Oregon, our team won a Regional KO against a strong team by 51 in a 3-board tie-breaker after being tied in regulation.

In Madison, our team won a Regional KO by 50 against a Pro team after I told my partner, Peder Langsetmo, that “When the ladies return, we compare at halftime and we’re down by 100, we are going to drop out.” (When we compared, we were actually down by 7, which neither the ladies nor Peder and I could believe, but for different reasons.)

Some of the “good” memories include coming within inches of winning the GNT Flight A in Washington D.C. playing with Kurt Schaeffer (a feat which he later accomplished with a different team).

Or, Peg Waller, Cindy, Carole, and I losing to a very strong team in Florida by 1 after being down by 35 at the half and outscoring them 34-0 the second half.

Even some of my “bad” bridge memories aren’t too bad—in Anaheim Cindy, Carole, Dan Sershon and I spent an entire day at Universal Studios as a result of arriving too late to play on Sunday morning (forgetting that the last day of the Nationals they start the play an hour earlier).

Peder and I once played in a 2-day National Pairs event, with 70% and 65% (1^st and 2^nd), and didn’t make the overalls. During the event, we made 4HXX against Alan Truscott and his partner.

To be honest, it was never just about the Bridge. We also always focused on where we were going and how we were going to get there. For example…

We took the train to Portland to play in the Seaside Oregon Regional.

Cindy and I spent a week on the Outer Banks before competing in the Summer Nationals in Washington D.C for the first time.

In Boston, we took a day trip from the playing site to see Gloucester, Massachusetts, the town where they filmed The Perfect Storm (“A quaint little drinking village with a fishing problem”), and were rained out.

In San Francisco we toured Alcatraz, went to a drag queen show, and spent the night in Bodega Bay, eating breakfast at the café where they filmed Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

In Vancouver, we had a ball sightseeing and day-tripping, but Paul Meerschaert almost didn’t make it on the plane in time. Cindy innocently asked him to carry some effervescent bath balls that she had bought, resulting in the drug-sniffing dogs really “liking him” and an extended visit to Customs.

All in all, it’s been 30+ years of great memories, Bridge, travel, and otherwise, that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Here’s to the next 30!

 

Bob Balderson

612-281-5222 (cell)
baldersonbob@gmail.com

 

"Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow."

- Swedish proverb S

More Loss - Matt Baylow Shares More Sad News

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

IS a remarkable accomplishment - which Genny achieved!

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

 

Sad Tidings of the New Year - By Connie Nelson

Should auld acquaintance be forgot 
And never brought to mind?

                                  Absolutely not!                                  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Fall in Love.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                  Let's do it!!!  

 

Balderson Team Wins Grand National Team Qualifier!

Sunday’s Grand National Team Game
And Our Thanks to John Koch
For Sharing the Exciting Finale!

              Tony Ames held a Grand National Team qualifier at Edina this past Sunday and the Balderson team narrowly edged the Grue team, 113 to 108.  The key hand in the Balderson-Grue head-to-head was a well-timed decision by Terry Beckman to balance at the two level with a four-card suit.  Here is Board 13:

♠  A K J 3                          Kerry           Koch            Joey             Terry

♡ K 9 5 4                           1♡                Pass              1NT             Pass

♢ 9 5 4                              2♣                Pass              2♡                2♠!

♣ K 2                                All Pass

Not many would risk hazarding a vulnerable two-level overcall with a four-card suit.  Terry inferred that his partner was short in hearts and therefore likely to have length in spades.  Partner did have four spades and a singleton heart.  It ended in a 7-IMP gain. 

          Paul Meerschaert advises his partners to be reluctant in taking sacrifices against freely bid games and slams unless the expected loss will be negligible.  Two of our matches were decided by questionable sacrifices.  Here was Board 2:

                     ♠ A 8 7 5 3 2

                     ♡ K Q 9

                     ♢ J

                     ♣ A 10 9

♠ 6                                    ♠ J 10

♡ 7 6 5 3                          ♡ J 8 4

♢ A 10 6 5 4                     ♢ Q 9 8 3 2

♣ Q 7 2                             ♣ J 6 4

                     ♠ K Q 9 4

                     ♡ A 10 2

                     ♢ K 7

                     ♣ K 8 5 3

          Vulnerable against not, South at both tables opened one notrump and West overcalled two diamonds, promising diamonds and a major.  At our table, North-South found their spade fit, invoked Roman Keycard, and settled in five spades. 

At the other table, Bob and Cindy Balderson reached six spades.  East, however, detected a five-five diamond fit and played partner for slightly better cards, and took the seven diamond save.  This was doubled and went for 1,700.  (The defenders grumbled for about two seconds that they passed up on the 2,000).  This was 14 IMPs, and more than offset our side’s failure to reach a grand slam on the previous hand.

          Later in the round, Board 16 showed up:

                      ♠ 8 5 3

                     ♡ K 6 5 3

                     ♢ 6 3

                     ♣ Q J 8 5

♠ K 6 4 2                           ♠ A Q J 10 9

♡ A 4 2                             ♡ 10 9 7

♢ 7 5 4 2                           ♢ A Q 9 8

♣ 4 2                                 ♣ 6

                     ♠ 7

                     ♡ Q J 8

                     ♢ K J 10

                     ♣ A K 10 9 7 3

          I was East and I opened one spade.  South overcalled two clubs, and Terry bounced into four spades.  North, noting the favorable vulnerability, tried five clubs.  There was no double, but South had only ten tricks in clubs, while four spades would have been two down. 

The lesson of these hands is that unless you are very sure of the relative values of the hands, there is nothing wrong with defending the opponents’ game (or slam) contract.

          One last deal deserves discussion—Board 1:

                     ♠ Q 10 4 2

                     ♡ Q J 10 9 5 4

                     ♢ 4

                     ♣ 10 9

♠ A K 7                             ♠ 9 3

♡ A K 2                             ♡ 7 2

♢ K 7 6                             ♢ A Q J 9 5 3

♣ A K J 8                          ♣ Q 7 4

                    ♠ J 8 6 5

                     ♡ 8 3

                     ♢ 10 8 2

                     ♣ 6 5 3 2

          At our table, North began with a weak two hearts.  This was passed around to West, who doubled with his 25-count.  East and West were playing Lebensohl, so East’s three diamonds promised eight points or so.  West could reasonably visualize 11 tricks and he took what he viewed as a practical leap to six notrump.  The queen of clubs and the sixth diamond brought the trick total to 14.

          Is there a better approach in dealing with these hands?  Yes.  When a player has a powerhouse and needs to find something extra, he should cue bid the opponents’ suit.  In this instance, the cuebid asks, “Do you have your minimum, or do you have anything more?”  In this country, a player announces a minimum by returning to his bid suit.  Thus, with ♠Jxx ♡xx ♢AQJxx ♣ xxx, he bids four diamonds. 

Many European players are a mite more sophisticated: their negative response after a double and cuebid is a one-step suit, i.e. three spades.  Any other bid shows something extra.  For example, four diamonds might show ♠Jxx  ♡xx  ♢AQJxxx  ♣ xx, i.e. an extra diamond.  The takeout doubler can ask again by cue bidding a second time, i.e. four hearts.  This time with the actual hand, ♠xx ♡xx ♢AQJxxx ♣Qxx, East would bid five clubs.  The point of all this is that the powerhouse hand does not have to make a unilateral decision on his second bid.  All he needs to do is to have confidence that his partner will continue to cooperate in response to his cuebids.

          The Brits call the one-step response “Herbert.”  In the old days when I was playing a lot with Tony Ames, we used Herbert negatives whenever we doubled and next cue bid.  Responder made a “Herbert negative” with up to 3 or 4 points.  The powerful hand then scrambled to find a decent landing spot.  Responder’s rebid of the major showed five.  Consider these hands:

You                        Partner

♠ K 6                      ♠ 8 5 4 3         

♡ A 10 4                 ♡ 9 7 6 3         

♢ A K 6                  ♢ 4        

♣ A K 10 5 3          ♣ 9 8 7 2 

South      You             North      Partner

1♠             Dbl             Pass         2♡

Pass         2♠              Pass         2NT

3♣           All Pass

After the cuebid, partner bids the next strain to show a bust.  Conventional bidders may get too high here if they have to rebid hearts to deny extras.

You                        Partner

♠ K Q 8                  ♠ 10 9 7 4   

♡ A                        ♡ 8 4 3               

♢ A 10 9 3             ♢ K Q 8 5     

♣ A K 9 7 5            ♣ 8 4             

South           You         North         Partner    

1♡                Dbl         Pass            1♠             

Pass            2♡           Pass            3♢

Pass            4♢           Pass            5♢

All Pass

This time you have questions about spades as the trump suit, so you cue bid the enemy suit.  Partner has extras and bids his second suit, leading to a diamond game.

Our best wishes to the Balderson Team
as they battle in the Grand National Teams

We hope everyone enjoyed the fine event
Great seeing everyone - and Thanks for Competing!

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!!

 

 

 

An 86.9% Game!!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Thanks, Peg!

 

 

Bill Voedisch

"aktite"

 

We Got Chat Bridge - We Got Joey Grue - We Got Our Bridge Players

Who Could Ask for Anything More!

 

Chat Bridge Returns!

 

Session on Tuesdays at 12:45 at Mayflower Church (106 East Diamond Lake Road, Minneapolis). Play a hand, talk it over, get advice from experienced players -- it's a great way for newer players to practice the game and learn more.

 

 

Special Holiday Event at Edina Senior Center -- with Joey Grue

GNT Qualifier with Special Guest Joey Grue

 

Joey Grue is the 31st ranked all-time MasterPoint holder!  He has won 34,661.75 as of 11/06/2021!! 

Joey will be here on Sunday, Dec 12 at the Edina Senior Center 1:00 for a face-to-face Grand National Team qualifier!

 

Pre-registration for this event is required.  Please submit your request for inclusion to [email protected] or to Judy Nassar 952-474-3653.  Include your team members.

 

Only 15 teams will be allowed to enter this event, due to Covid-19 space limitations.  Proof of Vaccination will be required.  If not already supplied, you can send it to [email protected] 

 

 

Friday Games on Hiatus

 

There will be no F2F games on Fridays at Mayflower Church until January 7.

Tuesday games continue.

EDINA SPECIAL ****** HOLIDAY EVENT!

 

 Holiday Grand National Team Qualifying!

Sunday - December 12, 2021 - 1PM

Edina Special Holiday Event Features

Our Superbly Talented Guest - Home Town Boy

***Joey Grue!***

Proof of covid vaccination must be provided

A copy of your vaccination card can be emailed to ynotsema@aol
Or bring the vaccination card with you

 

     $8 Per Person - $32 Per Team

         Stratified A, B & C

 Please bring something good to share if you are able 

Reservations Appreciated

Contact Judy Nassar
952-474-3653

Home Again, Home Again - Jiggity Jig!

Steve Gaynor sent this message to me from a recent regional in Detroit.  I love how many of us did indeed struggle and sweat as we began to learn the mega-complexities of our amazing game!

Here is a fun hand from the regional in Detroit last week.    It meant a lot to go back home where I struggled so in my first 12 years of bridge and come away with some good results.  I told one of the players who is currently in his struggling era that his turn will come, just stick to it.  

 

Board 26 – All vul – Dealer East

A K 10 7 6 

K 6 5 

Q J 10 9 8 

                        ---

9 5                                           8 2 

Q 10 9 4                                  A J 8   

A K 4                                       5 3

A Q 9 6                                    J 10 8 5 4 2

 

Q J 4 3                        

7 3 2 

7 6 2 

K 7 3

E          S          W         N

P          P          1N        2D*

P          2H**     P          2S

3C        3S        4C        4S

P          P          5C        P

P          X          All pass

Jean & I went to Detroit to play in the first live ACBL regional since the pandemic started.  Several ACBL dignitaries were also in attendance like Executive Director Joe Jones, BOD president Georgia Heth, Director of Operations, Greg Coles and District 12 BOD representative, Dennis Carman.

After the defense took two spade tricks, North shifted to a diamond.  Unsure of how to play trumps, Jean decided to use the Murray Applebaum Discovery Play (play side suits to get info on distribution before tackling trumps) and hooked the hearts.  Finding North with three, she now played South for all the missing clubs, figuring that North would not enter this auction vulnearable without 5-5.  Plus 750 was worth all the matchpoints and helped us to a nice overall finish in the two session regional pair event.  Murray, a consistent winner of open events was also one of most charming, witty players who graced the Twin City bridge tables.  I hope he was up there watching his famous play succeed.

Murray Applebaum was a long time Minnesota player and a true character.  I, like Steve, do hope that Murray is looking down on our Minnesota contingency of competitors and remembering the years and years of fun, excitement - and occasional agony! - that we all face At the Table!

 

Remebering Krzysztof Stanislaw Frankowski

Stephen Jackson shared this recent obituary about one of our players.
We are sorry to lose Krzysztof and appreciate Stephen's memories
of his long time partner.

I first met Kris through duplicate bridge and he was my favorite partner for a number of years.  He allowed me to audit some computer classes which helped me start my career in programming.  Elaine and Kris attended my wedding.  After he retired from the U he would spend time back in his native Poland and I lost track of him over the years.  He had a large impact on my life.
My condolences to Elaine and their sons. 

 

Krzysztof Stanislaw Frankowski

 

 

 

Frankowski, Krzysztof Stanislaw age 89, died peacefully on Sunday evening, August 22 after suffering a massive stroke 9 days earlier. He is survived by the family he loved and who loved him: wife Elaine, sons Michael (Aerine) Caerwyn and Daniel (Melissa) Frankowski, grandsons Quinn, Neal and Aiden Caerwyn, nieces Barbara and Anetta, cousins Barbara and Wojciech, and his cat Onyx.

 

Krzysztof was born on July 25, 1932 in Bolimów, Poland, immigrated to Israel in 1958 and to Minnesota in 1965 where he was a founding member of the University of Minnesota Computer Science Department. He retired from the University as Professor Emeritus. After retiring, he continued to teach occasionally at the University of Lódz as an adjunct, turning one honors class into a forthcoming book, "In the Footsteps of Programming Teachers." He collaborated with two strong researchers. With Chaim Pekeris, he studied the mathematics of the physical world, including the wave functions of helium, and Dirac's equation in Kerr-Newman geometry. With Milton Sobel, he investigated statistical functions, such as Dirichlet integrals and distributions.

 

Kris's many enthusiasms included his sons, his music, mathematics, tournament bridge, animals, foreign travel, tomatoes, and chocolate. He grew up in Poland where he completed degrees in music and mathematics, immigrated to Israel where he completed his Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the Weizmann Institute of Science, finally arrived in the U.S. where he taught in the University of Minnesota's Computer Science Department for over 30 years.

 

He played the piano and led choirs, first in Israel and then in the U. S. proudly leading the Topola Choir of Minneapolis. He called his wife "motek" (hebrew for sweetheart), and his sons, his "oaks" when they were young. He thought one goal in life was to have fun, and he certainly did his best. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined.

Published on September 5, 2021

Bridge Happenings in Unit 178 - Come and Get It!

Hello again, Bridge Friends!  We have lots of exciting news!

Return to in-person bridge?

YES!

Face-to-face bridge games have resumed, and we’re so excited to see all our bridge friends again. Because Covid-19 is still out there, proof of vaccination is required: email a copy of your vaccination record to [email protected], or bring it to your first game. No snacks, please, and bring your own beverage in a closed container. Wearing masks is strongly encouraged.

Schedules may change, so check the bridge blog for the latest information.

MONDAY:  11:45 AM – STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected].

TUESDAY:  1:00 PM – I/N GAME ONLY.  Starts Aug 17. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.  Director, TBA.

WEDNESDAY:  11:45 AM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.  Director,  Director, Scott Smith, 612-845-8090. 

THURSDAY:  12:00 – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.  Maple Grove, MN.  Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected].

FRIDAY:  1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected] 

SATURDAY:  1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected]. 

 

On-line Bridge games

YES!

Of course, online bridge continues on www.bridgebase.com for those of us who enjoy playing from the comfort of our home or patio or beach or ...

MONDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS - Director, Tony Ames

TUESDAY:  9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director – TCBC Staff

TUESDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

WEDNESDAY: 12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

THURSDAY:  9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS – Director, TCBC Staff

FRIDAY:  1:15 PM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director, Tony Ames

FRIDAY: 7:15 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, Director, Tony Ames

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog

Lots of good information online at www.mnbridge.com – also current schedules for both on-line and in person bridge games.

 

A new Bridge club?

While the board of Unit 178 is not directly involved in running bridge games, we are working to establish a bridge center in the west metro with a space to call our own.  This would mean establishing a not-for-profit organization to run it, with a board independent of the Unit board. If you are interested in serving on the board or helping to organize & raise funds, please reply to this email. Also, if you know of a suitable space for rent (about 3000 square feet, with adequate parking, restrooms) please, please let us know at this email, [email protected].

 

Need a partner?

Send a message to [email protected] with your contact and any pertinent information like approximate number of Master Points or preferred system. We’ll try to match you with someone who has similar skills.

And there is the partnership tab on BBO, too.

 

Unit 178

The 2020 awards ceremony was held online, and followed by a game with Unit 104 where awardees played for free. Both 2019 and 2020 winners of the Ace of Clubs and mini-Mackenney were honored. Ace of Clubs awards go to the players in each unit who earn the most MPs in club games during a calendar year; Mini-McKenney race includes all MPs won in a year at ACBL sanctioned tournaments and clubs. Online points were included this year, because that was the only game in town.

 

Milestones

Congratulations to the following members who have reached new heights in Master Points the last several months:

Junior Masters: Beverlee DeCoux, Jeffery Knapp, Michael Eggert, Loren Flicker, Andrew Kline, Jean Reissner, Rhonda Stein, Alan Kasdan, Beverly Kasdan

Club Masters: Nancy Anderson, Bon Nguyen, Jeffery Knapp, Betsy Rausch, Betsy Michel

Sectional Masters: Grace Dow, Holly Eastman, Ann Gray, Thorwald Hansen, Ginny Kruse, Tom Loftus, Linda Rosedahl, James Wronski, Margaret Kinney, Analise Sawkins

Regional Masters: Cynthia Andrews

NABC Masters: Elizabeth Hasselman, Julia White, Shirley Billigmeier, Rolf Hubmayr

Life Master: Gary Rowland, Kay Provine

Silver Life Master: Louis Tesler, David Goodrie

Ruby Life Masters: David Trevor

Gold Life Master: Cezanne Martin

Sapphire Life Masters: Judy Hansen

Diamond Life Master: Roark Johnson

Emerald Life Master: Brian Crossley, Ronald DeHarpporte

Grand Life Master: Tony Ames – Congratulations, Tony!

A Letter from ACBL Unit 178 President - Steve Gaynor

Steve Gaynor has been working hard for Unit 178 - 

And we are most grateful!

Big thanks to Steve - and we look forward to both growth in our area

And more people returning to games as they have a wonderful time!

 

 

Hello to all my bridge playing friends. We have certainly had some tough times in the past year and a half, but we are glad to be able to get back to face to face bridge. Games have already started in Edina, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, and at the St Paul Bridge Center. More games will start in Minneapolis within a week or so. A comprehensive list of games is found below. This includes some online events that will certainly continue for those who choose to play from home. Your participation in our locally sponsored games is very important, whether in person or online. 

 

A lot of volunteer work has gone into establishing these games and it will take more volunteer work to keep them going. Since we do not have a dedicated bridge center in the western metro, we have rented space in several locations, which means tables and chairs may have to be set up and taken down before and after games. We call on the players to help us with that. If we all do what we can it will not be much work for any individual. 

 

Health safety rules for the games have been decided. Proof of Vaccination is required, and masks are highly recommended. We ask that you send vaccination proof that will be kept on file for all games on the list below. This can be sent to [email protected] or texted to 952-200-3871.You may also bring it with you to the first game at which you play and the director in charge will have it recorded. 

 

We are looking for space that we may call our own so much of this information is subject to change in the future.  We encourage you to keep your eyes open to revisions. The best place to find this is to check in with the Minnesota Bridge Blog at www.mnbridge.com.

 

We are also looking for directors, teachers, mentors, other people who would like to become involved in helping bring this wonderful game we all love to more people. It is a pastime that can last as long as you live. Please consider sharing it with your friends and relatives.

 

We are currently working to develop a schedule of classes some of which will be offered by popular teachers Teri Blu, Keith Thompson and others. 

 

Feel free to contact me if you have further questions. The contact info for the game operators provided below. Contact them about the specific games.

 

Thanks for being a member of the ACBL and I hope to see you all at the tables soon!

 

Yours,

 

Steve Gaynor, [email protected]

 

612-708-7563

 

LIVE GAMES:

 

 

MONDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected].

 

TUESDAY: 1:00 PM –  I/N GAME ONLY.Starts Aug 17. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.Director, Keith Thompson.

 

WEDNESDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected]. 

 

THURSDAY: 12:00 –  STRATIFIED PAIRS. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.Maple Grove, MN.Director, Scott Smith, 612-845-8090. 

 

FRIDAY: 1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected]  

 

SATURDAY: 1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, [email protected]. 

 

 

 

ONLINE GAMES:

 

 

MONDAY:12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS - Director, Tony Ames

 

TUESDAY: 9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director – TCBC Staff

 

TUESDAY: 12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

 

WEDNESDAY:  12:30 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Director, Tony Ames

 

THURSDAY: 9:30 AM – 0-750 PAIRS – Director, TCBC Staff

 

FRIDAY: 1:15 PM – 0-750 PAIRS, Director, Tony Ames

 

FRIDAY:  7:15 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS – Minneapolis Grand Slam Club, Director, Tony Ames

 

Todd Flowerday - Our Newest Author, Aiming for Learning and for Life Master!

I am grateful to receive another article from Todd Flowerday, a recent transplant to Minnesota - and - a young man who - like most of us - is fascinated by bridge!  Todd takes us from his plans to play with partner and good friend Bob, to his first foray into IMP pairs and his highs and lows. For those of you who are not "old timers" at the table, though, I hope that Todd and all the others realize this.  No matter how hard you study, learn and battle at the table - no one gets 'em all right!  That is part of the challenge and the fun of bridge...  

I look forward to more of Todd's years of learning, of more young people becoming entranced by our game as so many Minnesotans have for decades - and for expressing it all for all of us!  Thanks, Todd!

P.S. For Todd and all the others who haven't been competing for years and years - even THE BEST have incredible disasters now and then....  just not anywhere as often as the rest of us!

Letters

So, my Washington partner and good friend Bob recommended we do the NAOBC. He’s determined—maybe more than I am—to get me those last two-point-something gold so I can drop the “N” from LM. He’s also pressing me to go to Austin for a few days this Fall. Given that I still work for a living and don’t have the means of travelling to those North American events that lack the “O,” this might be my only chance to compete on the continental level.

Open IMP pairs?

Why not, I replied.

I wasn’t free for any event that touched on a weekend, so it was the Wednesday/Thursday session. He said IMP wasn’t his favorite format. I’ve never played one but rumor had it you treat it mostly like you play a team event. Bid your vulnerable games. A little less aggressive on NV games and small slams. And this rule seemed like a refugee from party bridge: don’t double anybody into game. So I’d have to pocket my favorite card in the bidding box. Boo.

The only time I felt as outclassed in a competition was a flight A NAP in Seattle. (My work schedule didn’t permit a B or C effort.) Bob and I didn’t finish bottom, but darn near it. I looked at the final masterpoint awards and the top pair had earned 24 gold. 24?! I joked to my friend that if I knew the payout was so generous maybe I should’ve tried harder.

I knew I was in the soup at this “O” when we drew a world champion in round 3. Then another. Then a Bridge Bulletin columnist. That wasn’t counting the profiles that listed DLM, ELM, etc.. We actually got a marginally good board against a famous author my daughter likes. Louis Sachar is a GLM, but his BBO profile didn’t mention the G. My dad was a jeweler, but this event had more gems and gold than I ever saw in his showcases.

What’s my assessment of an IMP event? Glad/not glad you asked. My friend and I had three bad boards in session one and four in the nightcap. That was about 75% of our losses, over 60 IMPs. Otherwise, it was like Chinese water torture, a point here and a point there over the other 41 boards. If we had played well—no big errors, that is—I think we would have placed around the top of the bottom third.

One thing I noticed being an “N” competing against P’s and E’s and D’s is that a good effort might still be a minus. Some genius bid a rare 6NT against us, and though we got him to think right up to the time limit, he was still one of a few who made it. Minus-12 on the third hand of the day.

World Champions never fumble the basics. I was most displeased with getting in the wrong contract and dropping a trick because I lost my concentration. Minus-200 instead of a hundred. Another 3 down the drain. My highlight was endplaying a weak jump overcaller for something like plus 2. Oh, and near the end of the event, I did double a 2NT for plus 300 and maybe 6 IMPS. It felt good to break the rule and not get punished.

I ask myself, did I learn anything? At this point in my bridge competing, the few gold points will come—that’s just a matter of time. I want to keep learning things so I can become a better player. I want to get good enough so that the LM really means something, and that it’s not just a participation award.

I’m going to keep playing up. Next time I find myself in the alphabet soup, I’ll be a little bit better prepared.

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!