Minnesota Bridge

The End IS Near!

The End is Near
So Get Qualified Now!

                                           

 

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

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

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

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

Flight A is open to all Players.

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Thanks.

 

Keith

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS! FOR OUR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS
from Steven Gaynor
(e-mail: stev1249@comcast.net) (C): 612-708-7563

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS
IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!
AUGUST 15, 2022

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL
as of the date above. These events and dates are subject to being
changed by the local regulating authorities.

COLOR KEY: NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS; MINNESOTA SECTIONALS;
DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS; WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
2022

Aug 19 – Sep 3 World Bridge Series, Wroclaw, Poland
Aug 20 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Aug 22 – 28 REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs
Sep 2 – 4 I/N REGIONAL @ EL ZAGAL SHRINE IN FARGO, ND
Sep 2 – 4 Open sectional in conjunction with regional in Fargo, ND
Sep 12 – 15 D14 STaC @ participating clubs

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

Nov 24 – Dec 4 FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec 1 I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN
Dec 9 – 11 Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN 2023

2023 Jan Junior Fund Month – Games @ local clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN
2022
Aug 26 – 27 Hills, IA
Sep 2 – 4 Fargo, ND
Sep 9 – 11 Urbandale, IA
Sep 23 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Sep 23 – 25 Sioux Falls, SD
Oct 7 – 9 Omaha, NE
Oct 14 - 15 Davenport, IA
Nov 4 – 6 Waterloo, IA
2023
Jan 12 - 15 Urbandale, IA
Jan 27 – 29 Cedar Rapids, IA
Feb 17 – 19 Davenport, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Hills, IA
Mar 24 – 26 Waverly, NE
Apr 14 – 16 Ft. Dodge, IA
Apr 27 – 30 Urbandale, IA
Apr 28 – 30 Mt. Pleasant, IA
Jun 2 – 4 Bismarck, ND
Jun 9 – 11 Sioux City, IA
Jun 10 – 11 Cedar Rapids, IA (I/N)
Jul 14 – 16 Cedar Rapids, IA
Jul 21 – 23 Sioux Falls, SD
Aug 25 – 27 Hills, IA
Aug 26 – 27 Urbandale, IA (I/N)
Sep 7 – 10 Urbandale, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Spirit Lake, IA
Sep 22 – 24 Dubuque, IA
Oct 20 - 22 Davenport, IA
Nov 3 – 5 Cedar Falls, IA
NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022 - 2023
2022
Sep 15 – 17 Wausau, WI
Oct 13 – 15 Marquette, MI
Nov 11 – 13 La Crosse, WI
2023
Feb 3 – 5 Ripon, WI
May 5 – 7 Green Bay, WI
Jun 8 – 11 Woodruff, WI
This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website. I do not have
authority to schedule events, but I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a
bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. Please
contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections
to this calendar.

Thanks, Steve Gaynor

Steve Gaynor - A Gift to Us!

Moving Forward

And THANKS to Steve Gaynor!

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

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

You and Steve DO ROCK!!! 

 

Hello

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Again, great job everyone, you all rock!

 

Cordially yours,

 

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

Grand National Teams - Here They Come!

 

As of today, July 3, the Grand National Teams will begin in ten days at the Summer NABC in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

In District 14, the Flight C winners are David Nelmark, Phillip Hayne, Roll Heyer, and John Schaefer.

 

In Flight B the winners are Connie Nelson, James Schnepf, Wayne Reynolds, and Keith Thompson.

 

In Flight A the winners are Andy Caranicas, Richard Lawson, Eric Henderson, Paul Gutterman, Rob Schachter, and Mark Krusemeyer.

 

Finally, in the Championship Flight, the winners are Cindy Balderson, Bob Balderson, Kerry Holloway, and Kurt Schaeffer. Kurt is unable to travel to Providence, so Mike Flader will partner Kerry for the National event.

 

Each of these teams from our district will compete with 20 to 23 other ACBL districts, hoping to bring a National title back home.

We wish everyone the best - and that their efforts are successful - and fun!

The World According to Keith Thompson - (We are Thankful!)

Keith Thompson is Unit 103 GNT Coordinator - and we are fortunate to have him.  Keith has lots to share with us, for which we are grateful.  So I will share with you what Keith views as the good and bad (no "ugly" from Keith, thanks!)
We appreciate what he is doing - and look forward to what the future brings!
*********************************************************************************************

 Hi All - I am Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator.

 

          The best experience I had during the recently ended Gopher Regional was seeing all the people I have played with, and against, in one place, and face to face. The social aspect of our game is very important to me, not to mention that it is impossible to feel ‘table presence’ when you play online.

          While chatting up all these old friends, one question kept getting repeated. “Keith” I heard, “ What is the status of the Grand National Teams?” So I will tell it to you so    that everyone will know, that there is good news and there is bad news.

          First the bad news. There were so few teams registered for the Grand National Teams this year that a semifinal wasn’t necessary to cut down on the field. That is not the sort of news I like to relate. I think that team games are a true test of bridge skill. It always amazes me that people who compete in pairs games are unwilling to test their mettle in the team arena. Just like you trust your partner in a pairs game, you trust your teammates in a team game, to help you best the opponents over a set number of boards.

 

Team games are fun! You don’t need individual heroics to save a match; you can count on your teammates to salvage a push. And you don’t need to berate yourself or your partner when things go south.  All four of you can share responsibility for a bad result! So you have many opportunities to show your character.

          But how about the good news? Well, the good news is related to the bad news. Because so few teams registered for the GNT semifinals, there is opportunity for more teams to enter before the finals commence on Saturday, June 18. We have openings for two Flight A teams to enter, and one more Flight C team. The Open Flight and the B Flight both have 4 teams registered, and these teams will face off that Saturday to determine the two teams to play for entry to the Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Director in Charge, Kimberly Hayward, has informed me that she will accept 3 more teams, on a first-come, first-entered system, to fill out the ‘A’ and ‘C’ flights.

 

          Here is an abbreviated version of the Conditions of Contest, for anyone who wishes to attempt to win a subsidized trip to the Nationals to play for District 14. Players should know that there are subsidies from the Units to help you get to the Nationals, and you will have free entry to the GNT sessions.

The Providence NABC starts on July 13, 2022

         Strata are determined by your Sept.1, 2021 master point total, so any points earned after that date will not affect your eligibility for a flight.

          Flight A no more than 6000 masterpoints

          Flight C must be a non life master under 500 masterpoints

          Players must be paid up ACBL members with principle residence in District14 as of a year previous to Sept.1            

A player must have played in a qualifying team game during the September through March qualification period (or the Unit 178 Last Chance Qualifier in May)

Are You Qualified?  To find out: check this link

https://web2.acbl.org/documentLibrary/play/GNT_Qualifiers/GNT_D14.pdf

 

Or: Go to the ACBL main page

Go down to Club Corner

Go down to Special Events

Go over to GNT COC/Qualifiers

Under GNT Qualifiers click on District 14

Any questions? Contact Keith Thompson, Unit 103 GNT Coordinator keithclockt@icloud.com

 

If you have a team of qualified players, this is what you wish to do next:

 

Teams need to register at their earliest convenience as this is first-come, first-entered. Please register by emailing names, emails and BBO names for all players to kim.hayward@acbl.org. Each team will pay a fee of $60 for the first day of the finals in June, and the two final teams $60 for the final. These fees are payable to District 14 GNT and should be mailed c/o Kimberly Hayward, Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6th Ave E, N St Paul, MN 55109.

 

The Finals to determine each flight's representation for the NABC will take place on the weekend of June 18 and 19, with two 26-board segments between the contending teams on Saturday to determine the two teams which will compete on Sunday.

 

The winner of the finals of each event will represent District 14 in Providence, RI at the NABC July 13- 17.

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

from Steven Gaynor (e-mail: stev1249@comcast.net) 

(C): 612-708-7563   

PLEASE USE THIS WHEN PLANNING YOUR BRIDGE EVENTS IN ORDER TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS – THANKS!

JUNETEENTH, 2022

 

If an event is not listed, it has not been sanctioned with the ACBL as of the date above.  These events and dates are subject to being changed by the local regulating authorities.

 

COLOR KEY:   NABC’S; DISTRICT 14 REGIONALS;  MINNESOTA SECTIONALS; DISTRICT 14 GNT/NAP EVENTS;

                              WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

 

2022

Jun 23 - 25     Granite City Sectional @ 850 19^th St. South in Sartell,

                         MN 

Jun 29 – Jul 2  REGIONAL @ Waterloo Center For the Arts in

 Waterloo, Iowa        

Jul 21 - 31     SUMMER NABC @ PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI

Aug  3 - 5      Sizzling Summer Sectional @ Southdale Mall, Edina, MN

Aug   20        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Aug 22 - 28     REGIONAL @ Lake Hallie Eagles club in Eau Claire, WI

Sep             International Fund game month – Games @ local clubs

Sep 12 - 15     D14 STaC @ participating clubs

Oct    4        Yom Kippur starts (evening)

Oct  6 - 8      Med City Sectional @ St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Nov 24 - Dec 4  FALL NABC @ PHOENIX CC & HYATT REGENCY IN PHOENIX, AZ

Dec   1         I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

Dec 9 - 11    Holiday Sectional @ Bridge Center of St Paul, N. St Paul, MN

 

 

2022-23 Sectionals in District 14, but not MN

 

2022

Jul 15 – 17     Sioux Falls, SD

Aug 26 – 27    Hills, IA

Aug 27 – 28    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  8 – 11     Urbandale, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 23 – 25    Dubuque, IA

Oct 14 - 15     Davenport, IA

Nov  4 – 6      Waterloo, IA

 

Aug 26 – 27    Urbandale, IA (I/N)

Sep  7 – 10     Urbandale, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Spirit Lake, IA

Sep 22 – 24    Dubuque, IA

Oct 20 - 22     Davenport, IA

Nov  3 – 5      Cedar Falls, IA 

 

 

NORTHERN WISCONSIN (WUMBA) EVENTS 2022

 

2022

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (I/N REGIONAL)

Jul 10 – 12     Fitchburg, WI (open sectional)

Sep 15 – 17    Wausau, WI

Oct 13 – 15    Marquette, MI

Nov 11 – 13    La Crosse, WI

 

This calendar is made up from information on the ACBL website.  I do not have authority to schedule events. But I am willing to assist anyone trying to plan a bridge activity in finding the best dates to maximize potential attendance. 
Please contact me anytime for more information or if you have additions or corrections to this calendar.  

Granite City Sectional is Next Week!

One Week Away!
Connie Nelson

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

Posted by Peg on June 16, 2022 | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The 2022 Granite City (St Cloud/Sartell) Sectional starts one week from today, and runs June 23-25, Thursday-Saturday. Each day offers single-session events of Swiss Teams and Pair/Team games.  See our attached Flyer.

The friendly players of the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club invite you to come and play.  We already know we’ll be hosting players from Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  We have players from clubs in Woodbury, Mankato, St Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester coming.  You should come too!

Here is the info you need, all in one place --

• The tournament will be held at a new location: the Sartell Community Center, 850-19^th Street South in Sartell. Games start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
• COME EARLY the first day you come to play. Allow for a little extra time to get the wristband signifying that you are fully vaccinated.  Currently, Stearns County is rated “medium” for COVID spread, and masking is optional.
• Check in at the Health and Safety Desk to get the vaccination wristband you’ll need to buy an entry or enter the playing area. Show both your ID and vaccination card at the Desk to get your wristband.  If you have played face to face bridge in MN, you are likely to be in our list of vaccinated players, and will only need to show an ID.
• Grab a cup of free coffee and some of our treats. 
• For lunch, several locations are conveniently nearby across the street. On Saturday, a complimentary lunch will be served, courtesy of the Unit 103, followed by a Unit 103 Membership meeting.
• If you need a partner or teammates, please email Connie Nelson at Connie@psg.us, prior to June 22nd.
• Buy your entries for your favorite games.
• With day games only, you may wonder what you’ll do in St Cloud in the evening. See the back side of our Flyer for LOTS of ideas.

We are excited to have our face-to-face Sectional back, and look forward to seeing you there.   We hope you have a great time, and take home lots of Silver!

The Most Fascinating Game

So when did you start playing bridge?  In high school?  College?  Not until grad school?  Or did you begin to learn after getting settled into the career of your choice?

My guess is that for many of us, we began to learn bit by bit, perhaps playing every couple of weeks and attempting to stay out of the dog house.  Or going out after the evening game ended, where the tough guys who had been playing for some time both fascinated and explained to the hoi polloi.  And the newbies did their best to listen and learn, staying quiet after a few disasters - yet other times excited by the thrill of a win!

"Mad City" in Wisconsin had a myriad of games in The Rathskeller, with a wide variety of choices to play throughout the week. And more than a few - like myself - would aim to win at a variety of games, with bridge so very tough I would only do a bit here and there as the long time champs dazzled me with their brilliance.

One of my first incredible times at the bridge table was when my Aunt Rosalie (world's oldest living teenager, as Mike Passel would describe her) invited me to come to Oklahoma and play with Aunt Rosy and her many talented friends.  Everyone was SO very nice to me and so much fun!  And the tournament was the first - and last time that not only did I win masterpoints in every game that week - but I TRIPPLED my masterpoint holding!  The crown jewel of my thrill was when our Sunday team WON the final event, beating Jim Jacoby and company!

As the years went by, I learned more, managed to not get hysterical when I lost an event by ONE masterpoint (ugh) - and meet players literally from all over the world.  I was madly in love with bridge, the people (be they super stars or trying hard to learn) - and both worked hard to improve my game and have fun.

And then?  3 years ago I was waiting to hop on a flight to Las Vegas when suddenly I realized I could not stand up!  I lied down on the floor, vomited non stop for about 45 minutes, until paramedics finally packed me up - and took me to the hospital.  I won't go through the gory details of having 9 oncologists examine me each day, some weeping as they believed me to have the worst possible type of brain cancer. And the odds of me lasting an entire year were close to nil.  But the good news?  Turns out I did not have that type, and thus the odds were that I could last longer than originally anticipated.  Unfortunately, my brain had been attacked so very much, the odds of my memory and a number of other previous abilities were such that much of me would always have many significant problems.

Which brings me to a simply wonderful time I had at our recent tournament!  I kibitzed for two days, having not been able to see hardly anyone for about 2.5 years.  And everyone competing could not have been nicer, friendlier, more supportive and fun!  The last day of the tournament, I was included with the winners (despite being at home that day!)  And again, everyone was so kind, I felt that I was in nirvana!

I am SO glad that people are beginning to play again!  I am SO grateful that overall, those working so hard at our tournament were fabulous and did a superlative job.  And I personally felt so lucky that I could kibitz, chat with friends I had missed for too long - etc., etc.

The odds for me are such that I may never be able to play bridge again.  Yet with such fine people in our games - be they super stars or those working hard to become reasonable competitors - or just having loads of fun...  I hope that bridge will begin to flourish once again, as it did years ago when I fell in love with the game and the people.

 

Board President Steve Gaynor - Thanks for Superb Work!

BIG BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor

And those who work SO diligently for great
bridge games!

Feel free to see what has been accomplished - 
and more to come!

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting,
May 4, 2022

 

Date: May 23, 2022

To: Steve Gaynor

 

The ZOOM meeting was called to order by Board Pres. Steve Gaynor

 

Board members present: Vicky Smith, Sue Sanger, Jane Schmidt, John Schlundt, Cass Weil and Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Barbara Zipoy, Patty Stuhlman, Linda Brammer

 

Minutes of April Meeting: Approved as corrected. ( Lyndale site available for $700 per day, not $700 per month.)

 

Financial Report: Approved

 

Sharon Anderson Induction: Sharon will be inducted in to the ACBL Hall of Fame on Friday, May 23, at the Gopher Regional Tournament. She will make a short speech. There will not be a reception. Our unit will make a donation in her name to an organization of our choice.

 

Regional Tournament:  Patti Stuhlman report: 155 rooms have been reserved (120 were committed). 550 tables are expected (1/2 of tables played in 2019). Jane will send out the final email today. Volunteers are needed: Caddies-one per day, $35 per session (9:30 to 6:00), Greeters, Standby Partners (will play for free). Players must register vaccinations and receive a wrist band. Tables will be set up on Sunday. 0 to 5 master points will play free in IN games (paid for by Minnesota Educational Fund—up to 150 plays). Credit cards OK. Coffee, tea and snacks will be available.

 

Sectional: Report by Barbara Zipoy and Linda Brammer : Edina Community is not available. Lyndale site is not ready to commit. They will negotiate only  with Tony Ames who will do so. August 3, 4, 5. is suggested date. Other sites considered include: St. Paul Bridge Center (Unit 103}, Oak Marsh, New Brighton, Crown Plaza. The exact date must be determined—Wed, Thur, Fri, something on Sat?, something at night?. Motion: August 3,4,5, Wed, Thur, Fri, moved, seconded and approved. Patti suggested we combine with St. Paul for a fall Sectional at Oak Marsh or New Brighton.

 

Bridge Center Search: Letter sent in March by Sue Sanger and Task Force received little or no response. They said this is not a good time to plan for a new bridge center. Suggested to revisit at a later time. Barb Zipoy: “Does it have to be non-profit? St. Paul and Rochester are not. Who would run it?” Estimated start up cost could be $50,000! Keep looking.

 

I-pads: Steve suggested we purchase two I-pads so robots can sit in. Should directors play? Nobody wants sit outs. Talk to Tony and Scott.

 

Membership Meeting: Steve suggested we have a brief meeting at the Regional, morning session, to introduce new board members—two are needed. Any volunteers?  Names for possible members should be sent to Steve.  Members leaving the board are: Vicky Smith, Richard Cottle and Jackson Wahl .

 

Old Business: Has website been updated? Chip Blu said the game schedule has been updated. Lessons? Teri said not enough have signed up. Barb suggested a charity game for the Educational Fund.  

 

Next Meeting: Early June

Adjourned

 

Steve Gaynor is Helping Us - Make Bridge Great Again!

BIG Thanks to Steve Gaynor!

Lots of info for all sorts of bridge!

Be sure to peruse around - and - see
WHATS UP!!

 

LOCAL FULL-TIME BRIDGE CENTER:

 

Bridge Center of St Paul, 2603 6^th Ave, North St. Paul, MN 55109 651-490-5430 6th Ave, North St www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com

 

Minneapolis area face to face games:

 

Monday-Wednesday-Friday:  Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN

 

Thursday:  Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN

 

Tuesday-Saturday:  Studio 1, 6001 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

 

Contact Tony Ames at 952-200-3871 – ynotsema@aol.com

 

Contact Scott Smith for Wednesday and Thursday – htimswttocs@yahoo.com

 

 

 

OTHER POPULAR BRIDGE SITES:

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog:   www.mnbridge.com  

 

Keep up-to-date on all sorts of happenings in the world of Minnesota Bridge.  There are links to lots of other bridge sites including a list of other sanctioned duplicate games in MN.

 

Unit 178.com

 

News about bridge in Minneapolis and the western suburbs

 

American Contract Bridge League (ACBL):  acbl.org

 

See how bridge is administered; check your masterpoints; get tournament schedules; locations of clubs.

 

Bridgebase online:  BBO.com  - Watch, learn and/or play bridge online.  Currently offering ‘Virtual Club Games’ that benefit your local bridge club and pay ACBL masterpoints to the winners.

 

Bridge Winners:  bridgewinners.com - Players from all over the world share experiences, hands, opinions about everything bridge. 

 

 

 

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS AS OF APRIL, 2022:

 

May 23 - 29     GOPHER REGIONAL @ CROWNE PLAZA AIRPORT/MOA IN BLOOMINGTON, MN

 

Jun    2        I/N Sectional @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, MN

 

Jun 23 - 25     Granite City Sectional @ 850 19^th St. South in Sartell, MN

 

Jun 29 – Jul 2  REGIONAL @ Waterloo Center For the Arts in Waterloo, IA

 

Jul 21 - 31     SUMMER NABC @ PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI

 

TBA             Aquatennial Sectional @ TBA

 

                                                                                                                                                                 GOVERNANCE                                

 

 

 

WBF (World Bridge Federation):  Over 100 countries have national Bridge Organizations that are part of this main organization.  They administer world-wide events and championships including the Bermuda Bowl (held every 2 years); Olympiad or World Mind Sport Games (held every 4 years); Rosenblum Cup (held every 4 years).

 

ACBL: North American bridge organization encompassing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.  It currently has about 150,000 dues paying members and is headquartered in Horn Lake, MS (suburban Memphis). 1-662-253-3100.

 

USBF (United State Bridge Federation): Administers events leading toward WBF world championships to determine the teams from the USA that will compete in the Open, Women’s, Junior’s and Senior’s competitions.

 

ACBL DISTRICT 14: One of 25 Districts in the ACBL.  It encompasses Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North and South Dakota.  There are over 4000 members in this district’s 9 units.

 

ACBL UNIT 103 (Gopher): Encompasses over 800 members all in MN except for Minneapolis and most of its’ western suburbs (see below).

 

ACBL UNIT 178 (Viking): Encompasses about 800 members mainly located in zip codes beginning with 553 and 554.

 

Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting, March 2, 2022

Our Thanks to Board President Steve Gaynor
And Those who Help All Unit 178 Members
Who Improve Bridge for Us!

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting, March 2, 2022
**********************************************************************

Date: March 30, 2022

To: Steve Gaynor

The ZOOM meeting was called to order by Board Pres. Steve Gaynor 

Board Members Present: Cass Weil, Jane Schmidt, John Schlundt, Sue Sanger, Vicky Smith, Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Deanna Liddy

Financial Report: Approved

Gopher Regional: May 23—May 28, Monday—Thursday

Championships: 2 sessions, bracketed

Gold points in side games (2 games required)

Lunch and Learn: Tuesday—Friday

Free coffee

 

Sectionals: Who is financially responsible? Possible dates: Aquatennial and Labor Day. Mayflower will have space available for Sectionals.

Deanna suggests: Ask membership, elect committee, elect a chair, list responsibilities.

 Compensation for Sectional game operators: Operators are “owners”/managers of sectional games. Question: Should other Unit 178 games be closed during sectionals? Game operators, if asked t close during sectionals, could be paid to direct IN games. No need for action at this time.                                                                                    

Face-to-Face events: Attendance could increase as Covid declines. On-line Alliances in ACBL (5), have as many as 40 tables per region. 

Elections: Board members are needed to help find candidates. 

North American Pairs/Grand National Teams: Money is available to help pay costs. Coordinator needed to help get players. 

Miscellaneous: Social game players should be encouraged to join ACBL. Non-stress games (Saturday nights?) with ACBL mentor might be played. Chip Blu has designed a website— https://unit 178.com 

Next meeting: April 6 

Adjourned

 

The MN Gopher is Back! - By Connie Nelson

Connie Nelson Gives us The Scoop!
The MN Gopher is BACK!

 

Co-Chairs Patti Stuhlman and Warren Nelson are happy to announce that the 2022 MN GOPHER REGIONAL is back for face-to-face tournament play.  Everyone is welcome!

Six days of tournament play will start on Monday, May 23^rd and run through Saturday, May 28th.  We have a streamlined schedule, with sessions starting at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily. 

Each day offers both two-session and single-session events that pay Gold and Red points.  Open Pairs, Gold Rush Pairs, and Bracketed Swiss Teams will be held each week day, as well as single-session I/N Pairs and Open Side Pairs.  On Saturday, we will have offer Stratiflighted  A/X and B/C/D Swiss Teams, along with the I/N Pairs and Open Side Games.  Regardless of your experience level, or whether you can play two sessions or only one, a game is waiting for you! 

The tournament will be held at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel in Bloomington (34^th Avenue South and American Blvd), near the Mall of America.  Our bridge tournament rate is only $99/night for single or double rooms ($129/night for suites).  This special rate is available through May 8^th by phone or online, using code MGB --- so reserve your room now!

To ensure the safest and most hospitable playing environment, all ACBL protocols regarding proof of COVID vaccination and masking in effect at tournament time will be followed, and Zero Tolerance enforced. 

If you need a partner, no problem!  Please contact Tom or Sue Grue at (suegrue@gmail.com) or call 702-454-5352.   Let’s pack the tables and showcase Minnesota's great bridge community.  

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

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

____________________

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

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!

 

Great News from Steve Gaynor - The Minnesota Gopher Regional in May!!

Minnesota Gopher Regional May 23-28, 2022 sanction # 2205105

Fully vaccinated players only (must show proof of vaccination).
We follow ACBL protocol for masking for the safety of all.

CROWNE PLAZA AIRE HOTEL @ MALL OF AMERICA.
(Please park on the top level of the Parking Lot).

Walking distance from the recently expanded and Fabulous MALL OF AMERICA
American Blvd & 34th Ave S (3 Appletree Square) Bloomington, MN 55425
(I-494 and 34th Ave. So.) 952-854-9000.

Ask for the MN Gopher 
Regional Bridge Tournament (Code –MGB) rate: $99 sgl/dbl; Suite - $129
 Book by phone or on-line Reserve rooms by May 8, 2022.

Do not accept a higher room rate – call or e-mail Patti with problems.
Daily Hospitality: Snacks and FREE COFFEE & TEA every session

MONDAY, MAY 23
10:00 MONDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
MONDAY BRACKETED SWISS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
MORNING SIDE GAME SERIES #1
2:30 MONDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
MONDAY BRACKETED SWISS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SIDE GAME SERIES #1

TUESDAY, MAY 24
10:00 MARY MEINECKE OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
TUESDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
MORNING SIDE GAME SERIES #2
2:30 MARY MEINECKE OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 2nd OF 2 SESSIONS
TUESDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 2nd OF 2 SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SIDE GAME SERIES #2

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
10:00 WEDNESDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
WEDNESDAY BRACKETED SWISS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
MORNING SIDE GAME SERIES #3
2:30 WEDNESDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
WEDNESDAY BRACKETED SWISS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SIDE GAME SERIES #3

THURSDAY, MAY 26
10:00 LARRY OAKEY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
THURSDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
MORNING SIDE GAME SERIES #4 (FINAL)
2:30
LARRY OAKEY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
THURSDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
AFTERNOON SIDE GAME SERIES #4 (FINAL)

FRIDAY, MAY 27
10:00 FRIDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
FRIDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
WEEKEND SIDE GAME SERIES #1
2:30 FRIDAY OPEN AND GOLD RUSH PAIRS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
FRIDAY BRACKETED SWISS TEAMS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
WEEKEND SIDE GAME SERIES #2

SATURDAY, MAY 28
10:00 BRUCE BOJE A/X & BCD SWISS TEAMS 1ST OF 2 SESSIONS
WEEKEND SIDE GAME SERIES #3
2:30 BRUCE BOJE A/X & BCD SWISS TEAMS 2ND OF 2 SESSIONS
WEEKEND SIDE GAME SERIES #4 (FINAL)

I/N PAIR GAMES: MORNING AND AFTERNOON 

SINGLE SESSIONS MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
LUNCH AND LEARN TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY IN I/N PLAYING AREA.

Any team, regardless of their MP holding, may request to play up in any team event. Please request this at least 30 minutes prior to game time.
 The directors retain the rights to divide the brackets where they deem appropriate. Team strata when applicable, will be decided
by the average of the top 4 MP holdings on each team.
Side game series pays Gold points for section tops and overall finishes as long as you play in two or more sessions of the same series.
 Overall awards are paid individually so you can have different partners.

Stratified Pair Events: Stratified by Average of both players
A: 0-unlimited B: 0-3000. C: 0-1500.
Team events: Stratified (when applicable) by Average of all team members
A: 0-unl. X: 0-5000. B 0-3000. C: 0-1250 D: 0-750
Gold Rush Pairs: A: 0-750. B: 0-300. C: 0-100.
(Gold Rush limited to players with 750 or fewer points).


Entry Fees: $15 person/session; $10 person/session for I/N events.
Unpaid ACBL members $4 more per session.
$5/person/session for current students under 25 with proper ID.
This event complies with ACBL non-smoking regulations.

Patti Stuhlman, Chair pattistuhlman123@gmail.com 612-865-2527
Partnerships – Sue Grue suegrue@gmail.com 702-454-5352 

Come one; come all!  We are thrilled to see everyone!

Breaking News! – 2022 Granite City Sectional

Our Thanks to Connie Nelson
And Kory Solarz
These Two Fine Players and Organizers
Have New Information for the Granite City Sectional 2022!
Come One - Come ALL!!!

 

New Dates & New Location

By Connie Nelson

The St Cloud Bridge Club is happy to announce that – COVID dependent – we are planning to hold our Granite City Sectional once again this year. 

At a New Location.  We will be hosting our tournament at a new venue – the Sartell Community Center, 850 – 19^th Street South, Sartell MN  56377.   Since returning to face-to-face bridge, we have been playing one of our local Club games here and really enjoy the setting.  The space is all one level and well-lit.

For most players, you will not be driving any further than our former location.  (But don’t put your car on auto-pilot and accidentally drive to the Whitney Senior Center!)  At the new location, there will still be free parking.  It also offers more nearby restaurant options for players between games. 

We hope many of you will come.  And, yes! – we will still offer some homemade goodies for which we are well- known.

On New Dates.  To make this happen, we had to change the dates of our Sectional.  We will be holding it one week later than in other years.  Our Granite City Sectional will now be Thursday, Friday and Saturday on June 23-25^th.    This has the added benefit that it will no longer be on the days immediately preceding Father’s Day Sunday, which we hope will allow many more to attend. 

So mark your calendars and hold these dates!  Start to line up partnerships and teams.  As usual, we will be holding both team and pair games.

If you have any questions, please Email Kory Solarz (korysolarz@gmail.com) or me (Connie@psg.us).

 

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!!!  

 

The Weather Outside May be Frightful! (Real cold at least!!)

Enjoy year 2022!
Minnesota Winter
Super Silver Sectional!

Larry, Patti and Kimberly - All will help guide!

ACBL Unit 103

Minnesota Winter       Super Silver Sectional        January 27-29, 2022  New Brighton Community Center          400 10th Street NW       New Brighton, MN 55112 Happy New Year of Bridge! We are happy to host our first tournament of 2022 this month. Brrrrriiinng a friend, come to New Brighton, and play some hot bridge. 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:      Kimberly Hayward Notice: In accordance with Minnesota & ACBL safety protocols:  PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION REQUIRED before being admitted to the playing area. MASKS REQUIRED in the playing area and facility AT ALL TIMES.

 

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!

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"

 

Bridge Center of St. Paul!

Big Thanks to Kim Hayward for This Weekend's Tourney Information!

Quick note about the tourney this past weekend for MN blog. 

 

This past weekend Unit 103 hosted the Welcome Back Minnesota Open Sectional and Gold Rush Regional in New Brighton. Having heard that many tournaments decided to cancel and others were poorly attended, the planning committee was hoping for at least 50% of 2019 table counts (the Oak Marsh golf club tournament).

We are happy to report that for the 4-days we had a total of 197 tables. If you subtract the Sunday Swiss which didn’t occur in 2019 we had 63% of the tables, much better than our 50% goal. Thanks to all who played! 

 

Pink & Blue = Judy Holderback & Joe Kivel (from St Paul)

Yellow & Jeans = Marc Ashton & Rolf Hubmayr (from Minneapolis)

White Sweatshirt & Dark sweater = Owen Barnett & Sophia Maymudes (both from Carleton)

Hawaiian Shirt & Cowl = John Miller & Jan Morris (from Rochester)

 

 

--

Kimberly Hayward, Club Manager

Bridge Center of St Paul

651-490-5430 w

651-271-3500 c

4 Attached Images