Minnesota Bridge

From Here to Eternity!

As many of our Minnesota Bridge players are aware, some of us have been playing almost since the beginning of time....  others are fairly experienced, yet do not go back to the Dark Ages.  And then we have various people who have played just a little bit, those who have played more than that - yet surely not experts.  And those who are fascinated and want to learn more and more about this amazing game.

Due to the combo, however, of Covid, politics and a number of other activities that are causing our game to be diminished, at least our "face to face" bridge has dwindled.  What does this mean?  What can we do about it?

Well, I imagine many of us have a wide variety of thoughts.  And - I invite those who have interest in building up bridge again to share ideas!  If you don't mind - I'll mention some of my own.

Number One - If you have friends who've never played bridge, yet are intrigued by bridge activities of others - then encourage them to learn!  We have had players for years who are great guiding newbies, teaching the vast world of bidding, playing, doubling, guessing - and much much more.

Number Two - If YOU have been playing and have vaulted past the "newbie" stage - yet wish to pump up your game - then we have various opportunities for you!  Meet with the Minnesota teachers who can help you to morph from "what does redouble mean?" or "How do I know whether to go quietly - or double?" then discover that you can start improving - and winning - yourself!

And Number Three - if you're a player who has progressed to intermediate, or "By George, I've got it" - or, even has become expert or above and beyond expert...  You can be one our bridge players who helps our game to grow.  Those starting out can learn a great deal - be it getting expertise from kibitzing, playing a lot, winning once in a while - or learning how to avoid going for 800 when you could have instead said "good here".  

This is just a taste of how Minnesota Bridge can grow and thrive again.  We can help one another - become experts if now we ain't near that goal - or be proud of more and more people announcing that they are Learning Bridge - and then watching them, over time, changing from beginners to winners.

I truly invite those who wish to share their own thoughts to do so.  I myself have been playing bridge since my mid twenties.  In the beginning, "Doofus" was plastered on my brow!  Yet thanks to the help, support, wisdom and teaching of friends, I improved with time.  And then I, too could encourage new players and share ideas.

Bridge is played around the world, with a varied background of so many, it's mind boggling!  Let's reclaim our game - and cause many to fall in love with bridge.  I and a host of others in the Land of Lakes have had a lifetime of fun and fascination from the game.  Let's not deprive others of that joy!

I thank you all!

Peg

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

 

Falling in Love

As so many of us know, bridge is an amazing game.  And part of what is so amazing about our fascinating game is the appeal and attraction of the game, which can vary dramatically from bridge player to bridge player.

For some, bridge is a social event that began with parents, grandparents - or even great-grandparents!  We'd be at friends homes for a few hours, perhaps break for a pleasant lunch, and chat as we learned "Charlie Goren" bridge and socialized.  For others, (yours truly), in various ways we would be taught how to play in college, where newbies or already talented players went from "what am I supposed to do NOW?!?" contemplation.  Or - some would be the "super stars" of each era who seemed to be able to pull rabbits out of their hats and make plays that few of us would ever master.

Whether you were a "few times a month" player, or someone who did their utmost to compete as much as possible - bridge was amazing.  And part of what made it so was both the wide variety of people who played, their talents - and personalities.  

I daresay, however, that few of us have experienced the bridge world as it has been for the last couple years, with the world at large changing in ways many of us have never before witnessed.  Do I know what the coming months and years will ultimately deliver to bridge - and us?  Does anyone?  My guess is that only time shall tell.  Yet I myself hope so very deeply that despite the myriad of challenges we face today as we try to play, eventually the "ship will right itself" and new generations of bridge players will indulge in all sorts of future bridge events - the details of which we can only imagine.

I so hope that the uber talented will continue to encourage and help those who are starting out... that those who prefer "social bridge" can enjoy for decades.  And that, just as inventive and brilliant minds have improved the game over time for years - new thoughts and methods - fun and momentary tragedy at the table will start anew.

Whether you're someone who is a Minnesota star for decades - or a junior, who (like so many) can't wait to get stronger and better and start "beating the tough guys" - I hope bridge remains part of your life.

My thanks to all who diligently run our bridge games, set up the local events, be they daily games, sectionals or tournaments.  We are a world wide group of people.  And whether we are the creme de la creme, beginners - or just players who want to play forever - I hope we all are able to fall in love and share that love with others.  

What a gift bridge and its players are!

Supporting One Another

Steve Gaynor, long time fine player, active in so many roles for our game and more - is giving a talk at the I/N regional tomorrow, Thursday, between sessions for the I/N players.  Steve would like to be able to publicize that this will occur - and for us to publicize any other planned talks or lessons on MN Bridge!

Stephanie Steele is working with us, too.  And she would like everyone to know that Steve's talk will be during the lunch break for the I/N sectional; not for the Open event.

 

We are ALWAYS so grateful to those who volunteer, help, teach and so forth!  So we hope that if this is something that might interest you, you will listen to yet another of Steve's enjoyable talks and wisdom!

You never know; today's I/N players and newbies can one day become stars of the future!

Minnesota Welcome Back Open Sectional!

 

ACBL Unit 103

MINNESOTA WELCOME BACK OPEN SECTIONAL  October 21-24     Twin Cities Multiple Locations We are so looking forward to seeing you at the table again! We are hosting an Open Sectional Tournament. In case you know of an IN player looking for a limited tournament, we are also co-hosting an Intermediate/Novice Regional, limited to those Non-Life Masters with fewer than 750 Masterpoints at the same time! Because of the continuing Covid situation a couple of things are different. We could really use your help figuring out spacing and lunches! If you are planning to attend or thinking about attending plase take the following One Minute Survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/6vt720j9 Here is the rest of the Covid "need to know:" Proof of Covid Vaccination is required to play. Mask will be required at all times in the playing area and in the building (MN state requirement) No food will be allowed in the playing area except during the lunch break. Beverages are OK Additionally, the ACBL is moving toward cashless tournaments and now prefer credit/debit cards for buying entries. However, we will still accept cash at the tournaments. Tournament Chair:    Larry Huiras     Email: [email protected]                            Phone: 715.410.8705           Partnerships:      Patti huiras     Email: [email protected]                            Phone:  651-343-2078 Director in Charge:      Kimberly Hayward Hope to see you there!

The Greatest Game - Keep on Loving It!

I assume that for many of us, the last couple of years have been more unusual than any in our lives.  The pandemic itself has changed our world and affected so much of what we do (or, should I say, don't/can't do!)  Major issues have influenced where we can play, if we can play - and bridge is a different world now.

But as someone who fell in love with the game over 45 years ago, it is my fervent hope that bridge will continue to thrive.  Those who learned decades ago will keep on playing as long as they can - and those who are just learning will also become inchanted with the intrigue, fun and challenge of bridge.

Yet - to do so - we need to do what we can to encourage more to learn, play - and love bridge.

I am always grateful for those who give so much to the game help others, teach, and then see new people enjoy the magnificence of bridge.  But with all that is occurring, concerns about health, ability to get out and about - too many are not playing as they had been.  Some are intrigued about the game - yet others do not even know about bridge.

Thus - my fervent hope is that we can do our best to "spread the word!"  Let's get more young people falling in love with bridge!  Tell the middle aged -  or older - how bridge keeps one's mind sharp, never stops becoming new and exciting - and that the partnerships and friendships that you develop can enhance life greatly.  

I truly wish to encourage all of us to Keep Bridge Alive!  I was helped along so wonderfully by new friends and those who taught me when I first began my adventure into the world of bridge - both its people and the game itself.  Despite the challenges our world is facing right now - we can still marvel how much bridge gives to us in so many ways.  I look at some who started out as beginners - and now are champions. And others who play a fewtimes a week and that is a treat.

We can do it!  If you wish to share your years of both fun and failure, friendship and laughter - then please consider "giving back" - however you wish - to bridge.

Bridge has given more to me than I ever dreamed.  May more of us help others to do the same!

My thanks to YOU from Peggy Bundy! 

Support Our New Generations of Bridge Players!

Let's Help Our New Kids Learn Bridge 
And Become the Future of The Greatest Game!

 

BridgeWhiz: Bridge Classes for Kids     The ACBL Educational Foundation is proud to announce that registration for the BridgeWhiz 2021-22 class year is now open!   BridgeWhiz is a FREE, online course designed to teach children in grades 4 through 12 the essentials of a fascinating game whose benefits, intellectual stimulation, and adventure will last a lifetime. Sign up today! The 20-week course begins on October 25, 2021.   BridgeWhiz is designed for beginner bridge players, with opportunities for grads to continue lessons through grade 12. Twenty 90-minute online classes with class sizes of 20-40 students begin in October. Classes offered weekly in multiple time zones: Choose a day and time that best meets your child's schedule. Each graduating student receives a free one-year Junior Membership in ACBL. Uses Zoom for lessons, SharkBridge platform for structured play, and BridgeBaseOnline (BBO) for competitive play. All teachers and assistants are fully vetted and experts in bridge. Opportunities to continue play in local, national, and international youth tournaments.   Register your child or grandchild today!   Learning to play bridge will nurture your child’s team and individual competitive spirit. Build social skills. And enhance deductive reasoning and math abilities.   In fact, young bridge players outscored their non-playing counterparts on the 2007 Iowa Test of Basic Skills by 39.31% in Science, 24.22% in Math, and 22.74% in Social Science.

Plymouth Bridge IS BACK!!

We are happy to report that Plymouth Bridge

Will soon be Up and Running!

 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
16023 Minnetonka Blvd
Sanctioned Games –Fun and Masterpoints

Saturdays 1 P.M.
Beginning July 31— Club Championship($5)

AUGUST
7 North American Pairs ($6)
14 Charity Stratified Pairs ($7)
21 IMP Pairs Club Championship ($5)
28 NAP ($6) ~~ Last One!!

SEPTEMBER
4 Stratified Pairs ($5)
11 Grand National Team Qual ($7)
18 Club Championship ($5)
25 GNT Qualifying ($7)

Club Manager & Partners ~ Tony Ames
952-200-3871
Director-in -Charge ~ Keith Thompson

 

COVID Rules -- Bring your own beverage;
Proof of covid vaccination must be provided.
You can email a copy of your vaccination card to
[email protected] or bring it to your first game.

Upcoming on October 30 The Scary Pairs (and Tony’s B-day!)

Another GREAT College Bridge Event for the Next GREAT Bridge Generation!

 

The Virtual College Tournament starts this Thursday (July 22)! It’s the college event of the summer, so don’t miss it!   Deadline to register is Tuesday, July 20, at 5 p.m. Central. See registration links below.   There will be both team and pairs games. The schedule (see below) is set so that you can play in both.   Current students – including incoming freshmen! – and those who graduated in 2021 are eligible to play. All members of a team or pair must be from the same school.

All games will be played on Bridge Base Online. Any student from any college can participate, but you must be an ACBL member (Junior memberships only $5! Click here to join).

Make the Virtual College Tournament part of your summer!                                                                         Register today!

 

 

Judith Ann "Judy" Hammond - 1941-2021

For many years, your editor has been writing about the triumphs, the joys, the fun and so much more about bridge.  Yet I have also written about the loss of our bridge players, the most sad part of my role.

The Bridge Center of St. Paul has sent an obituary for Judy Hammond.  We treasure the years we had with Judy and husband Tom; we are saddened that both no longer are with us.  

 

 Judith Ann “Judy” Hammond

1941 – 2021

The bridge community of Minnesota lost a great supporter of the game and a dear friend when Judy Hammond lost her courageous battle with cancer on June 1, 2021.  With husband Tom, she was a fixture in the St. Paul bridge community for decades.   Judy was very good at the game she loved, and was a mentor to new players.  She is remembered for her wonderful sense of fashion and style, which was her trademark.

Judy attained the rank Gold Life Master, and in spite of having her bridge time cut short this year due to her illness, she stands 5^th in her Unit 103 Mini-McKenney strata.

If you knew Judy, you liked her.  With a beautiful smile, kind heart, fun personality and great sense of humor, Judy was loved by so many, and will be so greatly missed by family and friends.  Judy is survived by daughters Jennifer (Barry Minsker) and Laurie (Dan Wienmeyer) and four grandchildren, Max, Olivia, Ellie and Jackson.

Judy and Tom were married 53 years until his passing in 2017.  We always said that when Tom married Judy, he knew exactly what he was doing.

Respectively submitted,

Bridge Center of St. Paul

Face to Face St. Cloud Bridge Returns!

We are THRILLED to have Minnesotans returning to F2F Bridge!

Delighted yet again to have Connie Nelson provide us with all the scoops!

Hear about the fun that St. Cloud players & others can now enjoy!

Thank you, Connie Nelson!

On June 4, 2021, the St Cloud Duplicate Bridge Club held our first in-person bridge game since March 2020.  We had a great turnout -- thirteen full tables!  It felt so celebratory.  The “buzz” in the room was palpable – as friends greeted friends, and started up the familiar patter - “So glad to see you.  So glad to set you.”

 

The BridgeMates still worked, though many of us players were “rusty.”  After a year of on-line bridge – or no bridge, we sometimes forgot to alert our partner’s bids.  We could once again bid insufficiently or play out of turn.  There were way too many “Director, please” calls which kept Kory distracted.  (Maybe that’s a good thing!)  But I expect we’ll settle down quickly.

For anyone who is traveling through or by St Cloud, you are welcome to stop in and play!  Here is the pertinent information.  We currently offer two in person, ACBL sanctioned bridge games each week:

• On Monday evening, our game begins at 6:00 PM at the Labor Temple, 1903 4th St. N, St. Cloud, at the intersection of 19 1/2 Avenue and 4th Street North.
• On Friday afternoon, our game begins at 12:45 PM at the Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud.

We hope to add additional in person games soon!

The COVID protocols for our Club at this time include:

1. The first time you come for a face to face bridge game, you will be asked to show proof that you are fully vaccinated.  We keep track and will not ask you to show your vaccination card again.
2. Hand sanitizer is available at every table, which we encourage players to use between rounds.
3. Only individually packaged food items are available.

We also continue to offer two online bridge games each week listed under Virtual Clubs at Bridgebase.com.   Their start times are -

• Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
• Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.

We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the in-person games, and sign up with a partner at least 15 minutes before the start of each online game. Cost is $3 per player. 

For other information about our games – or to check to see if we’ve added in-person games, please call our Club Manager, Kory Solarz, at 320-292-5001.  Welcome back everyone to in-person bridge!

Grand National Teams 2021 in District 14!

Those who are still competing in GNT, Open Flight - Flight A - Flight B and Flight C are listed below.

A different world than what we've seen in previous years - yet - of course we wish everyone the best as

they continue their battle!  And - big thanks to Kim Hayward for both directing

and supplying us with current statistics!

Best of luck to all!

 

District 14 Flight C GNT Sunday Aft Session June 6, 2021
Scores after  5 rounds
Team Wins Score 
103  4  68   Q  Thomas Botten Arne Langsetmo Marc Ashton Rolf Hubmayr
106  3  60   Q  Karen Bourne John Scheafer Molly Twohig Karen Fry
101  3  55   Q  Susan Knauss Robert Nairn Dale Larson Beverly Berg
105  3  54   Q  Penny Morton Janny Walker Elise Pechek Phillip Pechek


District 14 Flight B GNT Sunday Aft Session May 23, 2021
Scores after  2 rounds
Team Win Score 
103  8  125   Q  Diane Henson Larry Henson Mark Lasoff David Trevor
111  6  106   Q  Stephanie Baumann Dan Walker James Graves David Johnson
104  5   96   Q  Amy Howells Edie Siemens Matthew Duffy 
                 Jim LaFave Cezanne Martin
109  5   89   Q  Gene Brandl Del Swanson Anne Beaurivage Mary Doyle

 
D14 GNT Flt A Semifinal Two Session June 5, 2021
Scores after  3 rounds
Team Wins Score 
  2  2   40   Q  William Voedisch Dennis Cerkvenik Jonathan Cohn Andrew Clements
  1  2   37   Q  Eric Hendrickson Paul Gutterman Andy Caranicas
                 Richard Lawson Mark Krusemeyer Robert Schachter                                 
  4  1   27   Q  Deana Liddy Tracey Ball Kenneth McNary Cheryl Gorman
  3  1   16   Q  Betty Santa Karen Siegfried Colin Campbell Warren Nelson

D14 Open Flight GNT Semi Saturday Aft Session May 22, 2021
Scores after  2 rounds
Team Win Score
105  5   72   Q  Michael Flader Steven Gaynor Barry Purrington Richard Newell
101  3   61   Q  Bob Balderson Cynthia Balderson Terry Beckman John Koch
103  3   53   Q  Tony Ames Judy Nassar Vern Swing Keith Connolly

 

 Bill Voedisch - Live from Live Bridge at the St. Paul Club!

Hot Days in the City!

 

And great bridge news at the Bridge Center of St. Paul!

 

 

Minnesota Bridge lovers --

 

We are pleased to report that live bridge at the Saint Paul club started again this past Tuesday, June 1 and it has gone very well.

 

We are starting with just 4 games a week.  The biggest table count was 13 on Thursday; for the Mentor game (9) and Chat Bridge (4).  Not a great turnout compared to our pre-pandemic games but we are pleased.  We know that some folks will continue with BBO games and we recognize that we will need to continue some online games for those who do not wish to enter the club, or who can't make it to the club.  At the same time we have members with no technology who have been without the game they love for nearly 15 months.   

 

We're just getting started and we will review things at our June Board meeting.

Kim Hayward has done her usual super job on this!  She drafted the reopening plan which the board approved, got the club ready for play, recorded shot cards ... everything.

For  complete information, schedule, and how to make a reservation for an entry, go to:
www.bridgecenterofstpaul.com

 

On behalf of the Bridge Center of St. Paul Board

Bill Voedisch

 

Genny Rice - Diamond Life Master!

Are there any bridge players who do not love reaching another level of success at our game?  If there are, I'm surely not aware of it!  So I am most grateful to Unit 178's Steve Gaynor for alerting us to Genny Rice's excellent climb into Diamond Life Master!

 

Steve and his wife Jean joined the wonderful celebration at Ann Von Ryn's lovely home in Rochester yesterday.  Please do consider taking a look at Rochester's duplicate bridge website; wonderful stories, great photos and a very happy Genny!

 

We're sorry to hear that Greg Caucutt, Genny's primary partner, is in the hospitall and was unable to attend - and we wish him a full recovery.  And we look forward to Genny, along with Greg and other friends, having more games with our newest Diamond Life Master!

 

(Please note; I have been having difficulties getting photos posted.  I have a couple great ones - but - didn't wish  to put off Genny's big success any longer.  Appreciate anyone who can help out; hope I can figure it out on my own soon!  But can't wait any more; congrats to Genny!!)

Flight B MN Qualifiers for 2021 Grand National Teams

Congratulations to 1st Place Players - Diane & Larry Henson - Mark Lasoff - David Trevor

Our Four Qualifying Teams are Below!

 

2	Diane Henson	Larry Henson	Mark Lasoff	David Trevor		A	Q	1	-	-	125.00	125.00	2.16
9	Stephanie Baumann	Dan Walker	James Graves	David Johnson		A	Q	-	-	-	106.00	106.00	1.62
3	Amy Howells	Edie Siemens	Matthew Duffy	Jim LaFave	Cezanne Martin	A	Q	-	-	-	96.00	96.00	1.35
8	Gene Brandl	Del Swanson	Anne Beaurivage	Mary Doyle		A	Q	-	-	-	89.00	89.00	1.35

Final matches will take place on the weekend of June 26 & 27.

Together Again!

Though this time of year in Minnesota can be as quirky as some of our bridge games - 

Almost 90 degrees on one day - then 45 and jackets the next

(Kinda like having a 77% game one day - and 43% the next)

Being with REAL LIVE friends at the table is the best!

 Connie Nelson, our reporter from St. Cloud, describes just how swell it is

And how much players are looking forward to being Together Again!

 

Together Again!

By Connie Nelson

Many of our St Cloud Bridge Club members recently gathered for the first time since March 2020.  No – it wasn’t for a face to face game at our Club quite yet.  But over twenty of us – all fully vaccinated – came together April 30^th to celebrate the 90^th Birthday of one of our own – Jim Mustain. 

 

Jim Mustain – in the middle with red tie – and his St Cloud Bridge Club friends!

 

Scott Krupke and Mark Doucette of our Club affectionally address Jim Mustain as “General.”  Mostly this is to honor his military service, and the fact that Jim was ROTC instructor at Saint John’s University from 1973-1975.  But they coined the nickname “General” when they first came to play bridge at our club, and Jim helped instruct them on how to play.  Always a gentleman away from the bridge table, when things aren’t going quite right at the table, Jim has been known to occasionally “bark” out a few suggestions for our betterment.

And, Jim – a Gold Life Master – does know his bridge.  Several bridge trophies were displayed at his party, including an Open Pairs trophy won with partner John Koch back in 1973! 

Prior to COVID, Jim was my standing partner the first Wednesday of each month.  We haven’t won any Open Pairs events, but we both enjoy our game. 

Jim and I like to play the Ogust convention after a weak-two opening bid by one of us.  I learned from Jim that I was mis-pronouncing this bid.  I would alert it as O-gust (long O), but Jim says it is pronounced the same as the month of August.  He knows this because Harold Ogust – for whom the convention is named - often appeared on Charles Goren’s TV program, Championship Bridge back in the early 60’s, and Jim watched that show religiously. 

For those who may not know, the Ogust convention is used after a Weak Two opening bid by partner, in order to gauge the strength of the weak-two bidder's hand.  The responder bids 2NT, asking opener to further describe both his/her six-card suit and high card points.  The standard Ogust responses are:

• 3♣shows a "minimal" hand with a "poor" suit
• 3♦shows a "minimal" hand with a "good" suit
• 3♥shows a "maximal" hand with a "poor" suit
• 3♠shows a "maximal" hand with a "good" suit
• 3NT shows a "solid" suit (that is, AKQ of the long suit)

What constitutes “minimal” and “maximal” is up to partnership agreement, but Jim and I play that “minimal” is 5-8 points, and “maximal” is 8-11 points.  A “poor” six card suit would be one without 2 of the top 3 honors, or 3 of the top 5 honors.  I find Ogust to be quite informative in placing a contract.

Jim Mustain hasn’t been playing much bridge during COVID, as he doesn’t play online.  We are both waiting for the day when we can partner again the first Wednesday of each month, and he can teach me some new conventions – along with their correct pronunciations!  Happy Birthday, Jim. 

I look forward to us all being Together Again!

Applause for Genny Rice - Minnesota's Newest Diamond Life Master!

Congratulations to Genny Rice - one of Unit 103's star players who just achieved Diamond Life Master status!  Genny is one of our "energizer bunny" players who keeps going and going - and now has reached a very high level of masterpoint achievement in the bridge world!

Our thanks Greg Caucutt, her fine partner and a talented player in his own right.

We are so happy for Genny - and delighted to give her a round of applause!

 

Genny Rice became our newest Diamond Life Master!  Genny crossed the line this last weekend with her longtime partner (and partner in crime) Greg Caucutt.  Celebration was with cake and a bit of bubbly.  And this nonagenarian (she says she doesn't mind if you know) is grateful to Greg (who made this milestone for her a mission of his the past few years).  She also appreciates the efforts of her other partners (and opponents) who all helped make this possible. 

 

Next up: 10,000 MPs!

 

 

Top 100 Masterpoint Winners - 2020

Despite the most tumultuous year in bridge since I have been your editor, we are proud to list the players who have won the most masterpoints as of year end 2020.  And, as I have done many times in the past, I shall share my comments and thoughts with everyone.  They both about the achievements of our players - and the reality that thrilling and fun as it is it to be on "the list" - we nevertheless must recognize that we each have our own unique lives.  

Thus, although some players who have a nice chunk of monsterpoints may well have fewer than some above their count -  we can't know for certain what exactly that means as players.  Some of us have jobs - or families - that take up a good portion of our lives. Others have more free time to play bridge and are able to scoop up lots of masterpoints - along with our talents.

What we should know, however, is that those on the list love our incredible game, work hard at improving their bridge every year - and that, in the end, what matters is the joy of bridge, the friends we make, and the fascination that this amazing game can deliver to us, year after year, decade after decade.

Judy Hansen, to whom I am most appreciative for putting together this fine list of top masterpoint players, also wanted to be sure that we remember two of our best who, sadly, are no longer with us.  Thus, our two In Memoriam Honorees for 2020 are:

 

Pedee Langsetmo  10364.05

 

Grant Boadwine       2891.35

Here is to 2021 being a not so crazy year - but a year filled with fun, fascination, learning and wins at the bridge table!  Don't forget - it's the greatest game!

 

1	Peggy	Kaplan	16390.29
2	Sharon	Anderson	14256.44
3	Terry	Beckman	14169.08
4	John	Koch	12517.67
5	Paul	Meerschaert	11894.93
6	Roger	Anderson	10994.94
7	Steven	Gaynor	10123.11
8	Michael	Cassel II	10015.19
9	Tony	Ames	9925.67
10	Bob	Balderson Jr	9870.39
11	Cynthia	Balderson	9792.60
12	Phil	Schwarz	9523.86
13	Judy	Schwarz	9326.71
14	Carole	Miner	9269.94
15	Barry	Purrington	8803.41
16	Peg	Waller	8787.76
17	Gregg	Van Dyke	8780.22
18	Michael	Hoffmann	7962.10
19	Jackie	Evans	7739.43
20	Ronald	DeHarpporte	7429.70
21	Brian	Crossley	7341.52
22	Carol	Mahoney	6872.56
23	Sharon	Christenson	6825.10
24	Kerry	Holloway	6682.56
25	Kory	Solarz	6447.92
26	Richard	Ekstrum	6385.15
27	Michael	Howland	6296.42
28	Kathy	Beckman	6112.84
29	Greg	Caucutt	5983.92
30	Keith	Connolly	5944.74
31	Lance	Chamberlain	5921.78
32	John	Minton	5665.73
33	Dan	Sershon	5457.64
34	Thomas	Smith	5346.15
35	Michael	Flader	5249.60
36	Pat	Burrows	5220.97
37	Rita	Xistris	5126.07
38	Roark	Johnson	4919.01
39	Genny	Rice	4882.38
40	Audrey	Weikle	4863.85
41	John	Allen	4653.78
42	Joseph	Browan	4644.87
43	Kurt	Schaeffer	4352.49
44	Ann	Lockhart	4388.33
45	Paul	Gutterman	4369.50
46	Robert	Schachter	4287.87
47	Jean	Boettcher	4221.55
48	Warren	Nelson	4126.29
49	Steve	Reed	4119.20
50	William	Voedisch	4039.31
51	Irwin	Boris	4007.65
52	Randy	Okubo	3944.89
53	Phyllis	Rosscup	3941.63
54	Wayne	Gergen	3939.78
55	Teresa	Sackett	3868.27
56	Harry	Sapienza	3867.04
57	Thomas	Baskin	3828.26
58	Colin	Campbell	3822.55
59	Mark	Krusemeyer	3794.32
60	Dennis	Dufner	3691.90
61	Richard	Lawson	3635.85
62	Teri	Blu	3624.64
63	Jeff	Dzuik	3618.99
64	Jane Dickey	Matson	3557.12
65	Paula	Cohen	3553.26
66	Stephen	Jackson	3530.08
67	Gregory	Lutgens	3528.75
68	John	Crouch	3358.06
69	Judy	Hansen	3314.94
70	Joseph	Koester	3280.78
71	Eric	Hendrickson	3276.97
72	James	Mustain	3248.95
73	Larry	Johnson	3213.97
74	Larry	Uttley	3211.51
75	John	Bloomquist	3194.72
76	Janet	Williams	3183.52
77	Carol	Rynders	3162.88
78	Deborah	Watson	3152.93
79	Marsha	Brouillet	3131.41
80	James	Tenbroeke	3100.16
81	Donald	Stanger	3091.02
82	Dennis	Cerkvenik	3075.28
83	Charlene	Thul	3062.58
84	Elaine	Prebonich	3034.43
85	Jeanine	Hall	3025.45
86	Bill	Heyer	2965.36
87	Maureen	Weiman	2959.08
88	Vern	Swing	2910.53
89	Dianne	Carr	2903.62
90	Gerald	Welander	2901.44
91	Paul	Sitz	2889.09
92	Joe	Proulx	2838.40
93	Patti	Stuhlman	2836.81
94	Gene	Willson	2836.41
95	Peg	Mitchell	2800.07
96	Neil	Swanson	2774.95
97	Betty	Triliegi	2772.54
98	Jim	Stepnes	2763.00
99	John	Stern	2752.86
100	Marv	Riedesel	2735.74

 

More Messages - Mini-McKenney & Ace of Clubs Awards!

 

ACBL Unit 103

Unit 103 & 178 2020 Mini-McKenney And Ace of Club Awards Celebration  When: Saturday, April 24  What: Unit 103 & Unit 178 Awards Program via Zoom Time:  11:45am via Zoom             Unit 103 Zoom link for the celebration available at:                           bridgecenterofstpaul.com and medcitybridge.com             Unit 178 Zoom link for the celebration available at:                           bridgecenterofstpaul.com  What there’s more? Yes!!!!!!!  Celebratory game for all Minnesota Players (both 103 and 178) When:  Saturday April 24: 0-300 MP Game @ 12:30pm 0-1000 MP Game @ 12:35pm 0-2500 MP Game @ 12:40pm Open Game @ 12:45pm            $3.00 entry fee  -             the top 3 finishers in each category will be             reimbursed their entry fee.  Where:  On BBO – if it doesn’t come up automatically                             Look in Virtual Clubs for “Unit 103 Awards…” For more information see the attached flyer. Hope to “see” you all there!

St. Clouds' Three Sisters!

Connie Nelson yet again shares a fun and wonderful story of three bridge players from St. Cloud.

And all are sisters!  Please enjoy another great Connie story for spring!

 

Three Sisters of St Cloud

By Connie Nelson

 

How common would you think it is for three siblings to play bridge at the same club for decades?  I thought it might be uncommon enough to feature the three sisters of St Cloud’s Bridge Club: Clara Henning, Rosie Mettenburg and Geri Schwab. 

All three learned to play bridge from their older sister, Ruth Mathiason.  Ruth is now nearly 100 years old and still playing bridge in California.  Ruth learned bridge when her husband was in the service, and taught the rest of her siblings to play.  This was approximately 70 years ago!  (Clara Henning is no longer living, but her two sisters played at least weekly until COVID.)

Two of Clara’s daughters also play at our club – Sue Knauss and Mary McKenzie, carrying forward the sister tradition another generation.  I spoke with Sue recently about her Mom and her Aunts.  Sue said, “These sisters all share the same values, but have distinctive personalities.  Rosie has been known to describe herself as: “I’m the sister with the mouth.”  Geri is down to earth, with tons of common sense.  And, my Mom was always the lady.”  Sue continued:  “I have been partners with all of my Aunts and my Mom.  Bridge has kept us in regular contact.  I feel so blessed by that.”

 

Clara Henning

 

Clara Henning was a long-time St Cloud player and Club Director.  Sue said that while Clara always put her family first, on the nights when there was a duplicate game, she would smile and say, “I get to play bridge tonight!”  Clara had her own identity there; she was not “only” someone’s mom or wife.  Long-time partner Jerry Westby described Player Clara as friendly, pleasant -- although someone who “did enjoy winning!”  She was a diminutive woman, but no one “gave Director Clara any guff.”  If she didn’t know a ruling, she’d get out the book and look it up.  When she died, The St Cloud Bridge Club was named as honorary pallbearers – symbolic of the importance of bridge to Clara.

 

Geri Schwab

The youngest sister Geri Schwab was described by Sue Knauss as “a great player, and a subtle teacher.  Geri knows a lot and conveys it gently.” I personally have benefitted from Geri’s subtlety.  Known to be a slightly aggressive bidder, I once bid way too high against Geri and she knew it!  She just smiled at me and said, “This must be one of those decks with 60 points.”  

Her frequent partner Judy Hansen says Geri is an encouraging partner, very helpful in explaining the nuances of bridge.  While Geri would describe herself as an average player, I consider her a tough opponent.  Judy says: “Geri always likes to play her best and for me to play my best.”  She added,  “… and nothing pleased her more than beating Rosie or Clara at a Friday game!” 

 

Rosie Mettenburg

I don’t know Rosie as well, but I do admire her style.  She is always dressed elegantly when she comes to play, with her hair done and her lipstick on!   Wendy Hennes said it made her smile to see Rosie driving up a time or two in a 4-Wheel Ford Ranger pickup.  She thinks Rosie could be the role model for the song “the little old lady from Pasadena!” Rosie has a mind of her own, and at Whitney there is one table where few conventions are allowed in deference to a pact made years ago.  That is Rosie’s permanent table.  Sue Knauss often partners with Rosie there.  As Sue says, “The secret to bridge is to agree on what conventions to use and which not to use.  I always know what Rosie’s bids mean.”

The impact these three women have had on our Club is huge.  They – each in their own – all represent decks with sixty points apiece!