Minnesota Bridge

Spring is Coming Sectional - March 1-3

 

Does this look like spring to you?  Nah; not to me either!  Nevertheless, irrespective of cold, snow or whatever else the heavens deliver to us, we are going to have the Spring is Coming Sectional at the Twin City Bridge Center from March 1-3.

A fun schedule is planned, with games for both experienced players and 499er's, too.

The Spring is Coming tournament flyer can be found on the left website column.  Check it out, grab your favorite partner - and - warm up your winter with a hot game!

And before you know it - spring actually will be here!  (I hope!)

 

 

Minnesota Winter Super Silver Tourney 2019 Results

 

Despite a "warm up" (odd choice of words!) to the record breaking frigid weather we are having this week, the Minnesota Winter Super Silver Tourney in New Brighton turned out a pretty good crowd. Competitors enjoyed pair/team games, 499er games, plus a Swiss Friday night. Saturday, the final day of play, had two 2-session games; one for Life Masters and one for non-LM's.

 

 

When all the events concluded, one guy earned the most masterpoints:  Kerry Holloway. Kerry snagged 35.33 masterpoints in 7 sessions of play.  Your webmaster, Kerry's partner for all but one event, was 2nd with 32.26.  Joe Koster, Gary Knippenberg, Tom Knier, Barry Purrington, Carole Miner, Mike Cassel and Frank Knier rounded out those who earned over 20 masterpoints.

The full list of masterpoint winners is here.  And overall results for each event are here.

Intermediate/novice players were treated to two "lunch and learn" sessions. Our thanks to Mike Flader and Steve Gaynor for expertly conducting them.

 

 

Additionally, appreciation goes to Tournament Chair Larry Huiras, and to the lady who manned the partnership desk, Patti Huiras.  Super contributions!  Big thanks!

 

 

Let us not forget, either, our two fine directors:  Bjorgvin Kristinsson and Kim Hayward. Integral for a smooth running tournament!

 

And - a final fun feature of our tournament - our young super star, Ben Kristensen, who competed for a couple of events. Did a lot of us wish to get our photo taken with our uber-talented college player?  You bet they did!  (Gotta stand in line to be in the limelight with Ben!)

Thanks to everyone for braving the icy roads and elements to enjoy our favorite game!  More photos below!

Speaking of January ....

In addition to Jean's wonderful report about June - we have a sectional starting tomorrow, January 23rd. Our first sectional of 2019.

It runs Jan 23-24-25 and is being held in New Brighton.  The details are below.  Please come to enjoy fine bridge and avoid the cold that is coming!

 

ACBL Unit 103

Minnesota Winter       Super Silver Sectional        January 24-26, 2019  New Brighton Community Center         400 10th Street NW      New Brighton, MN 55112 Only 1 more day until the "coolest" sectional around! So brrrrriiinng a friend and we'll see you there! See the attached flyer for details. Tournament Chair:      Larry Huiras         phone: 715-410-8705         email:   bridge.kibitzer@gmail.com  Partnerships:      Patti Huiras         phone: 651-343-2078         email:   patti.huiras@gmail.com   Tournament Director:      Kim Hayward         Sanction #S1901046

 

 

 

 

Minnesota Winter Super Silver Sectional - January 24-26

 

 New Brighton Community Center
        400 10th Street NW
     New Brighton, MN 55112

Only 2 more weeks until the "coolest" sectional around!

So brrrrriiinng a friend and we'll see you there!

See the flyer below for details

 

SPECIAL I/N LUNCH & LEARNS

Learn from experts Mike Flader or Steve Gaynor
in a comfortable environment for only 
$5.00 with a box lunch included. 
Space is limited so sign up early.

Tournament Chair:

 Larry Huiras
        phone: 715-410-8705
        email:   bridge.kibitzer@gmail.com

 Partnerships:

     Patti Huiras
        phone: 651-343-2078
        email:   patti.huiras@gmail.com

  Tournament Director:

     Kim Hayward
        Sanction #S1901046

 

First Place Intermediate/Novice Winners at the State Tournament in Oakdale

 

Congratulations to Theresa and Paul Wurst! The I/N pair tied for 1st place, having won over 5 Masterpoints in Intermediate/Newcomer games at the State Tournament. The three day event was held at the Oak Marsh Golf Club in Oakdale, MN. 

Theresa and Paul plan to compete again next year - perhaps earning back to back wins!

We invite you all to plan to play in these fun games next year, too. 

(Webmaster side bar:  Congrats on your achievement; big and beautiful trophy you have there!)

Winter Holiday Sectional Results

 

The Winter Holiday sectional was sensational! Lots of pair and pair/team games through the weekend, stupendous treats each day - and, of course - plenty of winning bridge.  At the top of the masterpoint list, we find a fellow who often lands there:  Paul Meerschaert (seen above sharing a winning hug with his sweetie, Sandy Fisher). Paul earned an impressive 40.39 masterpoints for his efforts.

Close behind (and apologies for no photo) was Barry Purrington. Barry managed to produce an over 70% game with partner Dennis Cerkvenik - and a couple of others that were close to that mark!  A number of excellent sessions earned Barry 36.86 masterpoints.  The full list of masterpoint winners is here; who made the overalls each event is here.

 

 

Hospitality was out of this world - and the volunteers providing it with beautiful smiles were tip top, too!

 

 

Director Kim Hayward yet again admirably managed all her many duties with a smile on her face.

 

 

A great time was had by all!  Thanks to every one who came, who competed, who volunteered and helped!

MORE photos below!

Alert! St. Paul Holiday Sectional - November 30 - December 2!

 

Still full of turkey and need to move around?

Then come join us at the Bridge Center of St. Paul’s annual

HOLIDAY SECTIONAL 

Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2018

 

• All open games are Pair / Team (Looking for swiss?  Find a ham sandwich.)
• I/N games every day
• Entry fee still only $10!
• No turkey and stuffing … but FREE PIZZA daily
• Easy parking
• Great pop selection: 50 cents
• More fun than you are allowed to have, and still be legal.

 

Tournament Flyer Below 

You do NOT want to miss this!

Minnesota Autumn Sectional Results

 

Once again, our fall tournament at the Oak Marsh Golf Club in Oakdale was a fine success.  A varied array of events, including popular pair-team events ran from November 1st to November 3rd.

Results from each event are here.  Overall masterpoint winner stats, however, have not been posted.  (Rest assured that if they do pop up, I will share them with you!

Our thanks to co-chairs Kerry Holloway and Kathy Beckman for their superb work in all aspects of the tournament. Directors Kimberly Hayward and Bjorgvin Kirstinsson, as always, kept our games moving smoothly. Partnership chair Maureen Weiman helped to fix up everyone with a pard so they, too, could compete!

To all who came, who volunteered and who competed - we thank you and we look forward to seeing you next year!

 

TWO Smiles!

 

 

TWO reasons to smile today!  

First, this news from Sue Jackson as to how you can help our bridge community:

AmazonSmile has donated over $100 million to charities thanks to customers shopping at smile.amazon.com.

To celebrate, AmazonSmile is donating 5% (ten times the usual amount!!) to Minnesota Bridge Education when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/37-1745323 through Nov 2.

AmazoSmile #StartWithaSmile  

 

And.......  another great reason to smile is the Minnesota Autumn Sectional begins tomorrow!  Head to 526 Inwood Avenue N, Oakdale, the Oak Marsh Golf Club and enjoy a great THREE days of sectional competition!

The flyer is on the left; we look forward to seeing you there with a big SMILE!

Minnesota Autumn Sectional - November 1-3

 

The Minnesota Autumn Sectional will be here before you know it!  Enjoy a great schedule of events Thursday through Saturday in a fine venue.  Loads of great eating spots nearby to visit with friends and go over the hands.

Start planning your games now - and - see you soon in Oakdale!

The details for the sectional and flyer are here.

North American Pairs District 14 Qualifying - October 6-7

 

Tomorrow is the day! Compete against your peers at the Edina Community Center on Saturday and Sunday - and - you and your partner might be among those earning funds to attend the 2019 NAP at the Memphis Spring NABC!

The flyer for the event can be found here.  Remember; you must have qualified for the event to compete.  And - registration starts early:  12PM through 12:50PM.

A super opportunity for all, irrespective of your experience level!

Intermediate & Novice Regional - Results and Report

 

Some seem to think that the greatest mind game ever created - bridge - is on its last legs. It is true that in today's world, bridge is not the game that "everyone plays" as it was some decades ago.

But. If you think that people are giving up and ready to say "au revoir" to our game, you are sadly mistaken.  

 

 

Wonderful people, like Tournament Chair Amy Dutton, Partnership Chair Susan Sanger and other volunteers are bringing new life - and players - to our game!  

 

 

As you can see above, our I/N players are competing - and winning - and having a glorious time doing it! Surprised but elated by their victory, these players can't wait to show their trophies off to their grandkids!

 

 

Other players were also excited to win - and all had a marvelous time. In two days of play, the I/N Regional had 117 tables in play, and 140 people won masterpoints!

 

 

At the top of the list were Bernice Blaske and Thomas Botten.  They earned an impressive 12.66 masterpoints!  The full list of masterpoint winners is here; the results from the events are here.

 

 

As always, our thanks to Director in Charge Kim Hayward and Director Brian Weikle.  

 

 

And a huge "way to go" and thanks to all our I/N players who came to compete and enjoy!  Three of our players had never played duplicate before the regional!  Thanks for being brave and dipping your toes in the duplicate waters.

Well done, everyone! We look forward to seeing you at the clubs and more tournaments, appreciating and attempting to tame this incredible, fascinating game!

More shots of our competitors below - enjoy all!

I/N Regional in New Brighton - Sept 28-29

 

 

Are you an intermediate or novice non-Life Master bridge player with under 750 masterpoints?  If so, this weekend provides a great opportunity to learn and compete!

Friday and Saturday, an I/N regional is being held at the New Brighton Community Center. Three sessions are available on Friday; two on Saturday.  Lunch is provided inbetween sessions!

The flyer for the regional is here.  Please do take advantage of this fine opportunity to play, learn and enjoy!

 

Paul Bunyan Sectional - Results

As promised, gorgeous fall colors highlighted the drive to the Paul Bunyan Sectional. And - adding color to the picture were two pairs who earned over twenty masterpoints through the weekend.  Terry and Kathy Beckman were at the top of the list with exactly 25 masterpoints.  Well done!

 

 

And - also earning over 20 masterpoints were Mike Cassel and Barry Purrington; 21.65.  The full list of points earned can be found here.

 

 

Another beautiful sight to be hold was this one; Terry Lijewski with Diane Carr, our tournament chairman.  As many of you know, Terry has battled some serious health issues lately. So, everyone was delighted to see Terry At the Table and enjoying himself!

 

 

Our thanks to Diane, Director Tony Ames, partnership chair Tess Schirmer and all the others who contributed to this fine September sectional.

 

 

Results for the rest of the tourney can be viewed here.  And more photos are below the line. My thanks for receiving them from the tournament!

Paul Bunyan Sectional - Sept 21-13

 

Stunning autumn colors light up the gorgeous North Shore.  Add in beautiful weather AND the Paul Bunyan Sectional - you have a weekend you don't want to miss!

The sectional starts today, with pairs and teams through Sunday.  The full schedule is here.

Enjoy our great game - battle to win masterpoints - see friends and capture views like the one above!  Win, win, win!

 

Intermediate & Novice Regional Tournament - September 28-19

 

 

Are you a non-Life Master with 0-750 masterpoints?

 

Then we would love for you to join us at the first Intermediate-Novice Regional Tournament in Minnesota!

 

The tournament is on Friday and Saturday, September 28-29, at the New Brighton Community Center - an excellent place to play.

 

Lunch will be provided between the morning and afternoon sessions both days.

 

A copy of the flyer is posted below.  We look forward to seeing you there - and - to having everyone enjoy this new and wonderful event!

Labor Day Sectional - August 31-Sept 3 - Results

 

The long Labor Day weekend holiday delivered four days of great bridge at the Twin City Bridge Center!  As you can see from the photo of Jean Boettcher above - it was LOADS of fun!

 

 

One competitor - Minnesota star Robert Schacter - earned over 31 masterpoints during the sectional.  Judy and Phil Schwartz scooped up 26.49 with a very nice showing, too.  All the masterpoints earned can be viewed here; results from each event are at this link.

 

 

 

Highlights were a couple of BIG games throughout the tourney.  Congrats to Terry and Kathy Beckman for a substantial 68.15% - and to Harry Sapienza and Dave Collins for a 67.61%.

And "well done" to University of Minnesota tough competitors, Sean McNally and Morgan Johnstone.  Their hefty 59.43% earned them 1st in Flight B and C - and 3rd overall in Flight A!  We do hope that with students returning to college, more of our young players will be battling away at clubs and tourneys.

 

 

As always, our thanks to Director Kim Hayward, and Tournament Chair Teri Blu.  (By the way, be sure to read our write up of Teri, who earned District 14 Teacher of the Year for 2018!  Part of why we had lotsa people playing!)

 

 

Wonderful to see quite substantial turnouts on Friday and Saturday.  And, despite the holiday weekend, both Sunday and Monday fared well, too.

More photos below!  And apologies for everyone I missed. Your webmaster is becoming too decrepit to follow suit and get a shot of everyone ... but glad I could nab some!

Rochester - NLM Sectional - Sept 15

 

Are you a player with 0-500 points?  Would you enjoy two sessions of bridge with your peers - along with a lecture from District 14 Platinum Life Master G S Jade Barrett?

If so - then this is a great opportunity for you!  On September 15th, Rochester is hosting a Non Life Master Sectional for players with 500 or fewer masterpoints. 

The flyer and details are here; come, compete and have a fun day of bridge and learning!

See You in September!

 

Where has summer gone?!  Another 11 days and September will have arrived!

For bridge in Minnesota - this is great!  Loads of fun events throughout the month.

First, starting on the last day of August, we have the Labor Day Sectional at the Twin City Bridge Center.

Mid month - September 15th - Rochester features a Non Life Master Sectional.

The 21st through the 23rd, head to the Duluth area for the Paul Bunyan Bridge Sectional.

Then, on the 28th & 29th, back to the Twin Cities where New Brighton will host an I/N regional!

Get ready for cooler temps, the beginnings of autumn colors - and - LOTS of great bridge!

WBF Youth Players - USA Youngsters VS Bulgaria

The World Bridge Federation Youth Tournament in China was a thrilling event. Many fine United States players competed with - alas - some matches heartbreakingly close - and a loss for some of our USA competitors. Also a challenge was watching when the action was on the other side of the world!  Your webmaster was able to do it for the 9PM session but not much beyond that.

On the job, however, was Mike Cassel.  Mike watched the USA Youngsters play Bulgaria.  And, he has kindly written up salient moments in that match.

Our thanks to Mike, to all who are contributing in working with the next generation of bridge players - and - to those who went to China to do battle!

Mike's article is posted below.