Minnesota Bridge

Playing in a TOURNAMENT!!

New or Intermediate Bridge Players: 

The MN Gopher Regional is for You Too!

By Connie Nelson

Have you only recently started to play Duplicate bridge at a local Club?  Or, are you an advancing player at one of the lower masterpoint ranks?  Are you curious about whether you should even consider attending a Tournament at this stage of your bridge journey? 

The answer is: Yes –“Go-Pher” It!  Come join us at the MN Gopher Regional May 23-28.  Every tournament player once attended his or her “first” tournament.  This year could be your turn! 

Regional tournament play gives you opportunities to meet other bridge players, improve your bridge skills, and ask questions of higher-ranked players.  We offer games for every level of skill or masterpoint rank, as well as opportunities to learn and socialize. 

For instance, the MN Gopher has offerings specifically intended for Intermediate or Newcomer (I/N) players, i.e. players with fewer than 300 masterpoints.  These offerings include:

• I/N single session games are held every tournament day, Monday through Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. If you want to see what a tournament is like, try one of these. Placing high enough will earn you Red  
• Entry fees to I/N games are at a reduced price - only $10 a session. Remember, only players below 300 master points may play.  While these games award reduced master points, they allow you to compete against only your peers.
• “Lunch and Learn” lessons will be held between games Tuesday through Friday in the I/N playing area. Bring your lunch and attend a free mini-lesson taught by area players.

What’s it like to play in a tournament? 

One of the first places you’ll want to find is the Information Desk.  There you will receive information about the types of games offered, the locations they will be played, as well as a small welcome gift. 

Stop next at the Health and Safety Desk.  Everyone at the tournament must be fully vaccinated.  Show your ID and vaccination card and you will get a plastic wristband to wear during the tournament.

To play, you don’t have to pre-qualify or pre-register.  You just show up, meet your partner, register, pay for the event you are interested in, and play.  If you have time to play only one game or one day, that’s fine. Alternately, you can play as many days or games as fits your schedule.  Which games you play at a tournament, and when, is totally your choice. 

If you don’t have a partner, contact Sue Grue (suegrue@gmail.com, or 702-454-5352,  before May 23^rd and ask that a partner be found for you.  If you ever find yourself at a tournament without a partner, go to the Partnership Desk, and ask for help in finding or requesting a partner or teammates. 

If you’d like, you could “Go-Pher” other kinds of games other than I/N.  Unlike IN games, you would be playing against all levels of players.  However, most events are stratified or bracketed, meaning you are scored against players within similar MP ranges. 

For $15 a session, you could try games like:

• Gold Rush Pairs, a two-session event where no player entered can have more than 750 points. A section top or placing overall earns some Gold points!

 

• Stratified Pairs and Side Games, open games that award master points to tops within masterpoint strata or ranges.

 

• Bracketed Swiss Teams, where you sit N/S at one table and your teammates sit E/W at another table. Both tables play the same 6-8 boards and then compare results. Win a match, win master points!

So, if you are curious and considering the MN Gopher Regional, just come!  “Go-Pher the Fun” on May 23-28.  We hope to see you there.

For more information on the Tournament, visit:  bit.ly/gopherregional 

And our big thanks to Connie for our newer players!

Let's Fall in Love....

Throughout the decades, bridge does not stay static.  I recall when I was a child, and I would head to downtown Chicago to see my grandmother play bridge at a tournament.  Both men and women would be dressed elegantly as they enjoyed both bridge, beautifully designed hotels, and excellent meals inbetween sessions.

As time passed, many competitors became more casual - though the intent to kill or be killed remained by the most serious of players. I personally did not learn to play any bridge until I headed out for college in Madison, Wisconsin. Yet many who loved games of all sorts would compete in the games of their choice, with some learning rudamentary elements.  And others would scoop up cash from the unlucky.  

When I headed out to U of MN for grad school, I began to play a bit more bridge myself with an uncle, heading out to White Bear Lake a couple of times a month. It was fun; I was pretty clueless.  Nevertheless, I began to meet others.

I continued to fumble around - until my Aunt Rosy invited me to Oklahoma, where she and my mom were raised. Hugely fortunate to have games over the weekend with Aunt Rosy's many talented friends, I accomplished something that never before nor again occurred; my partners and I manage to finish in the overalls of each event.  And we WON the final team event on Sunday - managing to beat superstars such as Jim Jacoby!  Though I still had years to go before I really had much of a clue - I was hooked.

As many of you know, I have played for many decades.  I was fascinated by the game itself - and the people who played. Yet - as we know - the abilities, knowledge, and more varies from player to player.  Still - one need not be a super star to enjoy the game.  Whether you have a room full of magnificent wins; or are someone whose modest game gives you pleasure, bridge is an incredible sport.

Which leads me to this.  Covid has currently altered our game in ways never before seen.  Mercifully, it is slowly returning though - and I hope that it continues to do so.

Are you one of the games big shots?  Perhaps you can help newer players grow.  Do you simply enjoy the camraderie and fun that bridge can deliver?  Go for it!

I truly hope that many more will start playing again (if they have not already).  That those with talent will help others grow and learn, as I and so many others were fortunate to experience.  As fun as it is to compete and win - it's also a thrill to see someone who was wandering through the desert blossom.  Help others fall in love - and let The Greatest Game return to its magnificent splendor!

 

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

 

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!

More Loss - Matt Baylow Shares More Sad News

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

IS a remarkable accomplishment - which Genny achieved!

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

 

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!!!  

 

Almost New Year!

In a few days - 2021 will be history!  And 2022 will be upon us...

 Bridge will change - yet again - as it has for decades.

I recall when I first began to play bridge.  Often, I wouldn't play at all; I'd watch.  Why did declarer make the play he did?  How did the appoinant know to give away a trick - then get a whole lot more success for doing so?  What caused some players to literally take years to improve their games - while others seemed to have some innate abilities to remember all the cards, focus on what play would give them an edge, know when to be aggressive and when to be patient and calm?

My belief is that each of us has unique talents... and others must work harder to achieve similar goals.  Some are happy to play a couple of times a month; others scramble to have as many dates as possible, study what went wrong and why some choices were magnificent successes.

Needless to say, our bridge world is always changing.  But in these most recent years, it has done so in ways that have surprised and shocked both the best of us and those of us who must dig deep to achieve success.

One aspect of our game that has been superb is the fact that more and more young players are studying and learning more than ever.  The more one can grasp of the game at an earlier age, the better the odds often are that success can be realized, that what was once a deep challenge becomes more facile - and we grow.

Of course, Covid has had a devastating impact on bridge.  Too many have been lost.  Too many are fearful to play these days at all.  Yet I remain hopeful that despite the challenges we face, that our love for the game will yet again grow and survive.  Whether you are a junior who can't get enough bridge no matter what - or - a retiree who enjoys friendships, the occasional win - and only can muster a fraction of what our best competitors achieve - my wish is that we'll have fun - we'll learn - we'll help others - and bridge will indeed grow.  

Fingers crossed that our bridge world - in so many ways - puts smiles on our faces and wisdom in our brains.  And that new generations of competitors enjoy the New Year, entice more to play - and appreciate that bridge truly is The Greatest Game!

 

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

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!

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! 

Bridge Happenings in Unit 178 - Come and Get It!

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

Return to in-person bridge?

YES!

Face-to-face bridge games have resumed, and we’re so excited to see all our bridge friends again. Because Covid-19 is still out there, proof of vaccination is required: email a copy of your vaccination record to ynot6934@aol.com, or bring it to your first game. No snacks, please, and bring your own beverage in a closed container. Wearing masks is strongly encouraged.

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

MONDAY:  11:45 AM – STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

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

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

THURSDAY:  12:00 – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd.  Maple Grove, MN.  Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

FRIDAY:  1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com 

SATURDAY:  1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.  Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

On-line Bridge games

YES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Minnesota Bridge Blog

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

 

A new Bridge club?

While the board of Unit 178 is not directly involved in running bridge games, we are working to establish a bridge center in the west metro with a space to call our own.  This would mean establishing a not-for-profit organization to run it, with a board independent of the Unit board. If you are interested in serving on the board or helping to organize & raise funds, please reply to this email. Also, if you know of a suitable space for rent (about 3000 square feet, with adequate parking, restrooms) please, please let us know at this email, Unit178ACBL@gmail.com.

 

Need a partner?

Send a message to unit178acbl@gmail.com with your contact and any pertinent information like approximate number of Master Points or preferred system. We’ll try to match you with someone who has similar skills.

And there is the partnership tab on BBO, too.

 

Unit 178

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

 

Milestones

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

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

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

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

Regional Masters: Cynthia Andrews

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

Life Master: Gary Rowland, Kay Provine

Silver Life Master: Louis Tesler, David Goodrie

Ruby Life Masters: David Trevor

Gold Life Master: Cezanne Martin

Sapphire Life Masters: Judy Hansen

Diamond Life Master: Roark Johnson

Emerald Life Master: Brian Crossley, Ronald DeHarpporte

Grand Life Master: Tony Ames – Congratulations, Tony!

A Letter from ACBL Unit 178 President - Steve Gaynor

Steve Gaynor has been working hard for Unit 178 - 

And we are most grateful!

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Health safety rules for the games have been decided. Proof of Vaccination is required, and masks are highly recommended. We ask that you send vaccination proof that will be kept on file for all games on the list below. This can be sent to ynot6934@aol.com or texted to 952-200-3871.You may also bring it with you to the first game at which you play and the director in charge will have it recorded. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Yours,

 

Steve Gaynor, stev1249@comcast.net

 

612-708-7563

 

LIVE GAMES:

 

 

MONDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com.

 

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

 

WEDNESDAY: 11:45 AM –  STRATIFIED PAIRS. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Sq. Edina, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

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

 

FRIDAY: 1:00 PM - STRATIFIED PAIRS. Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com  

 

SATURDAY: 1:00 PM – STRATIFIED PAIRS. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN.Director, Tony Ames 952-200-3871, ynot6934@aol.com. 

 

 

 

ONLINE GAMES:

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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
ynotsema@aol.com 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!

 

 

Unit 178 Board Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2021

Our thanks to Board President Steve Gaynor and our other members

who are keeping up to date with all needed to have excellent bridge in our community!

 

Subject: Minutes of Unit 178 Board Meeting, May 19, 2021

Date: June 23, 2021

 

To: Steve Gaynor

The Zoom meeting was called to order by Board President Steve Gaynor

Board Members Present: Vicky Smith, Cass Weil, Jackson Wahl, Sue Sanger, John Schlundt and Richard Cottle

Guests: Teri Blu, Bonnie Sipkins and Tony Ames

Meeting called to order by Steve Gaynor

Minutes of March 24: Approved

Financial Report: Approved. Steve will meet with Vicky to update document signers.

Chairs etc: Our chairs etc. must be removed from St. Paul by June 1 so they can set up for face- to- face bridge. Arrangements will be made. Sue Sanger has room for some small items. A van will be needed.

Where can our Unit play? 4—5000 square feet is needed; must be accessible (no steps), ventilated, handicap bathroom for men and women. Edina? After discussion it was determined Edina would not work. Other community centers, churches, commercial spaces will be investigated.

Financial Goals: 130 tables per week, $3000-4000 rent per month, cleaning and directors.

Task Force: Bonnie and Sue will head up a Task Force to look for space.  Sue will check out Beth El and Women’s Club of Minnesota. Bonnie will check on Temple Israel. Bonnie will ask Jennie Peterson if she is interested in managing. St. Louis Park CC and Eden Prairie  CC have been ruled out. HarMar? Richfield Lutheran?                                            

Email all: Sue will email all Unit members for suggestions on a place to play. Steve will obtain a complete list from the ACBL.

Teri: “A place to play is the highest priority.”

Tournament: New Brighton will hold an IN and Open Regional tournament om October 21, 22, 23, 2021.

Next Meeting: June 30

Meeting Adjourned

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

 

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.

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