Minnesota Bridge

Play Bridge! Jackson Has the Details!

 

 

One of our talented young players from Carleton College is now a talented director, too!

 

If you are missing bridge games at the Twin City Bridge Center, Jackson has just the solution for you!  Please read below, then sign up for virtual fun games at Bridge Base Online!

 

If you need help in the process, Jackson will be there for you!  Enjoy!!

 

 

Hi Folks,

 

Exciting news! The ACBL and Bridge Base Online (BBO) have partnered to allow live ACBL bridge play - for black masterpoints - with members from your club in the era of coronavirus. Starting tomorrow, Monday, April 6, I, Jackson Wahl, will be running five games a week on behalf of the Twin City Bridge Center until it reopens. 

 

How do I play on BBO?

 

The video linked here is a good primer on how to use BBO. If you'd like to play in masterpoint tournaments, you'll have to add your ACBL number, and if you don't already have an account, you'll have to let me know your username so I can add you to the list of players eligible to play in TCBC events. Pay close attention to the multiplayer functionality - on BBO, you have to alert your own bids, and your partner will not see that you alerted them. If you'd like to ask about opponents' bidding, either click on their bids or private message them. If there are other controversies, click the "Director!" button and I can come to your table.

 

When are the games?

 

For now, I'll be running five games:

 

Monday, 6:00 PM

Tuesday, 11:00 AM

Thursday, 11:00 AM

Friday, 3:30 PM

Sunday, 6:00 PM

 

All of the games are open to all. If there is enough interest, I will add more games and/or add restricted games.

 

How do I join a game?

 

Log in to BBO within two hours of the start time. Go to "Competitive" and then to "ACBL Virtual Clubs". Our game should show up. If it does not, then contact me and tell me your username, and I will add you to the list of people who can play.

 

What is the cost, how do I pay, and where is my money going?

 

We are charging $4.50 per person. Both ACBL and BBO will take a small fee, and the rest will go to supporting the Twin City Bridge Club.

 

To pay, you will need to purchase BB$. They are purchasable at the rate of $1 to BB$1 by clicking on the BB$ button at the top of BBO.

 

How will I see results?

 

Instant results will show up after all boards have been played on BBO. More detailed results can be found on ACBL Live for Clubs around three hours after the game is over.

 

Who is allowed to play?

 

By default, only people who have recently played at TCBC may play in the events. However, if you are a Minneapolis-area player, or you've played occasionally at the club, you are welcome to play - simply contact me. However, the game is generally restricted to club regulars.

 

What if I have questions?

 

The best way to contact me is by email (simply reply to this email), but you can text or call me at 612-280-1274. Calling is likely the slowest way to get in touch, however.

 

I know we've all been missing bridge a lot! Hopefully this is a way to get back into the swing of things. Make sure to tell your bridge-playing friends, too! I hope to see you all in the coming days and weeks!

 

Best,

 

Jackson Wahl

Motion Passed by ACBL Board of Directors this Morning

Shared with all in District 14 from our District Director Sharon Anderson:

 

Motion: The 2020 NAP Finals will be held at the Montreal Summer 2020 NABC. The 2020 GNT Finals will be held at the Tampa Fall 2020 NABC. The details of the Finals, including the scheduling of those events, will be established by management at a later date.

 

The deadline for the completion of District GNT Finals will be October 1, 2020.

Coronavirus and The Health of Our Players

Sadly, an announcement from Tom and Linda Grigoliet about the Rochester Spring Sectional scheduled for April.

As you can read below, unfortunately the tournament will have to be moved to another date, to be determined.

Big thanks to Tom and Linda and all the others who have worked so hard on the sectional plans. 

We look forward to better times ahead, when it will once again be safe to play our favorite game, at clubs and tournaments.

 

At this time of both federal and state public health emergencies we need to focus on the health and safety of our members and volunteers.  Therefore, we are cancelling the Rochester Spring Sectional scheduled for April 3, 4, & 5, 2020. While we realize this decision may cause an inconvenience for some, this social isolation effort is designed to protect the health of our members and volunteers, many of whom are in the high-risk population if exposed to the coronavirus. After this health crisis has passed and we have some certainty, we will let you know when the tournament will be held. A very sincere “Thank You” to all those who have worked so hard on this tournament to date. Stay safe! We look forward to seeing you in the future at the bridge table.  Tom and Linda Grigoleit Tournament Chairs

District 14 Grand National Teams Finals - April 18-19

 

Grand National Team Finals is always an exciting event for District 14. Not only are you able to compete against your peers in Flights Open, A, B or C. You also have the opportunity to win a subsidized trip to the Summer NABC.  This year, the site is Montreal, one of Canada's most lovely cities.

In addition, our Minnesota competitors don't have to travel too far; the event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19 at the Edina Senior Center. (Please be sure to look at the flyer below; the schedule varies depending upon the flight in which you play.)

Additionally, if you are competing in GNT, you can play on Friday in the Spring IMP Sectional, again with details in our flyer.

Whether you are one of Minnesota's top competitors, fairly new to bridge OR somewhere inbetween - GNT is THE event for YOU!  Organize your team and then look forward to fun and perhaps a trip to Montreal this summer!  The details are below the line!

Save The Date!

Save The Date for Unit 103 Awards Luncheon and Bridge Game!

 

May 2nd at The Bridge Center of St. Paul

A Unit Game will Follow

Enjoy all the fun - and a chance to honor players at all levels!

More information will be posted when available!

 

Gopher Regional - May 18-24

 

So our weather has been way below zero, with strong winds and dangerously cold wind chill.

 

 

Take heart!  In a mere 93 days, leaves will be on the trees, birds will be chirping, no snow or ice shall be seen - and - the Gopher Regional 2020 will be starting!

As always, a great schedule is planned, chock full of knockout and swiss team events, stratified and Gold rush pairs, and side games. Hospitality will be plentiful in our Bloomington venue, the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Enjoy free parking, with the hotel only a hop skip and a jump from Mall of America.

Plus, please remember that you can "name a game" for a special someone.  Cost is $100 for a 2 session event. Contact Patti Stuhlman - pattistuhlman123@gmail.com - for more details.

Start warming up for May and the regional - make your plans and we'll see you at the Gopher!

The flyer with ALL the details is below the line!

Qualify for District 14 GNT 2020 - Eat Pizza! - Take Two!

 

GNT Swiss Team Qualifying Alert!

A funny (ho ho ho) thing happened on the way to the GNT Swiss Qualifier this past weekend.

SNOW!  LOTS and LOTS of it!

So as many of you are aware, there was no event and NO PIZZA last Sunday :(

The very good news, however, is that Steve has rescheduled for Sunday March 1st! (Yay Yay Yay)

Reminder details below!

 

Steve Gaynor is holding a GNT Swiss Team Qualifying game at the TCBC this Sunday. This is YOUR opportunity to chomp on yummy pizza, gain tips on team game strategies, compete with your favorite teammates and ULTIMATELY perhaps even win a subsidized trip to the Summer NABC GNT event in Montreal! 

Steve has the details below - just DO IT!

 

GRAND NATIONAL SWISS TEAM QUALIFYING 

MARCH 1, 2020

 TWIN CITY BRIDGE CENTER

6020 NICOLLET

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419 - 612-861-4487

 

12:00   PIZZA LUNCH IS SERVED 

12:30  TALK ON TEAM GAME STRATEGY 

1:00      GAME TIME

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Superflight = open to all 

Flight A = 0-6000 

Flight B = 0-2500 

Flight C = Non-life masters to 500 

Flight C will play separately if at least 3 teams enter.  Your flight eligibility is based on your Masterpoint holding as reported on your September, 2019 ACBL Bridge Bulletin.  Masterpoint awards are ½ Red and ½ Black. 

Entry fee is $8.00 per player.  THIS INCLUDES LUNCH!  Full-time students under 26 pay ½ price. 

Call Steve for partnerships and teammates – 612-708-7563 – Mrturk@comcast.net. 

Please report your team’s pizza topping preference.  We will accommodate all requests. 

Show your support for Swiss team games and the GNT event.  This is your first step toward earning a generous ($2000/team) subsidy to play in the GNT national finals this July at the Summer North American Bridge Championships in Montreal, Canada!!!! 

Somebody has to win!  Why not you?

From Here to (Almost) Eternity!

 

Yet again, major thanks from all of us to Steve Gaynor for providing us with this excellent calendar.  Upcoming tournaments, special events - from now to the great beyond!

Hope you can attend and enjoy many of the multitude of fine bridge offerings!

 

CALENDAR OF BRIDGE EVENTS FOR TWIN CITY AREA PLAYERS

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

(B): 763-494-3475    (C): 612-708-7563    (F): 763-431-0778

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

NOVEMBER 10, 2019

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.

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.   

A PDF of the calendar is below the line.

Thanks, Steve Gaynor

 

Rochester Med City Regional - Sept 24-29

 

September's Rochester Med City Regional is less than one week away!  Enjoy fine hospitality, guaranteed hospitality, a fine venue, a great schedule and much more!

In addition to the superb tournament itself, autumn is glorious in Minnesota in late September. When you're not battling away at the table, you can appreciate the excellent opportunities for fine dining and the gorgeous colors outdoors.  If you need a quickie check-up, renowned Mayo Clinic is a few minutes away (ONLY kidding - despite this temple of health care being one of the finest in the world!)

So many reasons to attend, you must make it to Rochester next week!  Whether you are close by or in another state - please attend the Rochester Med City Regional and treat yourself to a fine tournament and fun bridge!

Tournament flyer and all details below.

Happy 4th of July - Happy Almost Forever Schedule of Bridge Events

 

Hope all Minnesotans are enjoying their Fourth of July Holiday!  

And - to make your holiday even more special - an updated Almost Forever Schedule of Events from our superb Maker of Bridge Calendar Events - Steve Gaynor.

The calendar is below. Hope your summer and your bridge is beyond special!

Unit 178 Board Meeting - May 9, 2019 Agenda

For our members who like to keep up to date on Board of Director activity - the agenda for the upcoming Unit 178 Board meeting.

Thanks to all our board members who contribute to bridge in Unit 178!

*AGENDA

 

Unit 178 Board Meeting

Thursday, May 9 - 9:00AM

Twin Cities Bridge Center

 

 

1. Call to order at 9:00 – please be on time
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Financial Report –Vicki
4. Tournament Reports

MN State Sectional 2019-No longer with St Paul– Kerry

5. GNT 2019 – This weekend—Mike Cassel
6. NAP Diane
7. Properties Do Bridgemates need cleaning again? - Lets find someone
8. E-mail messaging – Judy
9. Old Business

Awards Banquet -Judy

          New Member letter update-Judy

          Tom and Cass report on people called

                    Charity game

                    Longest day game Liz and Richard

                   Money will be given to College Students—one time commitment

                   Gift cards to Diane and Vicky

                   Regional-John

                   Scott Sanction

10. New Business

District 14 meeting at Regional

Money for College kids from Grass Roots

                   Anything else?                  

11. Other
12. Next meeting
13. Adjourn 10:45

From Here to (Almost) Eternity!

 

Yet again - our thanks to Steve Gaynor for delivering all the news and events that are fit to print for Minnesotans!  His latest and greatest is below the line.

From Steve:  My latest schedule.  Let me know if you have any corrections.  I encourage anyone who is planning any kind of activity that includes bridge players to check out dates so they can avoid conflicts.

And from yours truly, your webmaster.  For all who celebrate, best wishes for a wonderful and meaningful Passover and Easter this weekend!

From Here To - Almost! - Eternity

 

We hope that all of our Minnesota players have been having a wonderful holiday season!  And, with the advent of our new year - 2019 - soon to be upon us, we are again grateful to Steve Gaynor.  Steve has an upcoming calendar of events in Minnesota and ones that might be attractive to our players, posted below.

If you know of an event that is not listed, please contact Steve and he will add it!

Best wishes to us all for an excellent new year, filled with loads of marvelous bridge adventures!

(Also - please note this comment just received from Mr. Almost Eternity himself, Steve G:

"I missed the sectional on September 5-7 at the Black Bear casino in Carlton, MN. Located right on I-35 just 20 miles south of Duluth."  Thanks for the addition, Steve!)

TWO Smiles!

 

 

TWO reasons to smile today!  

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

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

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

AmazoSmile #StartWithaSmile  

 

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

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

Latest Schedule - From Here to (Almost!) Eternity

 

 A big shout out and thanks to Steve Gaynor!  Yet again, Steve has supplied us with the latest and greatest news and schedule about bridge in Minnesota and the great beyond.

Check out all the events and grab the bridge passion!  Schedule posted below.

Last Chance GNT Qualifier!

WE WERE SNOWED OUT ON APRIL 15  - SO HERE IS YOUR

 

LAST CHANCE GNT QUALIFIER

MAY 2, 2018 at the TCBC

TAKE A STEP TOWARD WINNING $2000!

 

We will explain how four teams, including one Non-Life Master team, can each win $2000 and play in the National Finals in Atlanta, Georgia this summer.

Super flight = At least one team member over 6000 lifetime points

Flight A = no team member with more than 6000 lifetime points

Flight B = no team member with more than 2500 lifetime points

Flight C = Non-Life Masters no team member with more than 500 lifetime points

Superflight, A and B flights will play as a group.  Overalls are stratified.  Strata for all four flights are determined based on your MP holding that showed on your September 2017 ACBL Bulletin.

Flight C will play separately if there are 4 teams in that group and at least 4 other teams total.

 LESSON AT 6:45 PM

GAME STARTS AT 7:15 PM

 

COME WITH A FULL TEAM OF 4 OR JUST WITH YOUR PARTNER—

TEAMMATES GUARANTEED. 

$32 ENTRY FEE PER TEAM

 

THE GAME IS A SECTIONALLY RATED GRAND NATIONAL TEAM QUALIFIER.

MASTERPOINT AWARDS ARE ½ RED AND ½ BLACK.

TWIN CITY BRIDGE CENTER

6020 NICOLLET AVE

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419

612-861-4487

Sunday Swiss * GNT Teams * Pizza * FUN!

 

For three Sundays, starting February 18th, the Twin City Bridge Center is serving all sorts of goodies that bridge players love! Enjoy a pizza lunch, included with your team entry, GNT qualifying opportunities, black AND red points - and the opportunity to help fine charitable causes, too.

All the dates and wonderful details for these Sunday Swiss events are below. 

If you have additional questions, please contact either Steve Gaynor at: mrturk@comcast.net or Eric Hendrickson at: hendr064@umn.edu.

We look forward to seeing you for these special Sunday events!

Upcoming Schedule - From Here to Eternity (Almost!)

 

Yet again, another fine schedule, stretching ALMOST 'till the end of time, generously produced by Steve Gaynor.

Please note that we have our Winter Sectional coming up soon on January 25th in New Brighton! Check out that and the other wealth of fine bridge events and activities for our state below!

Upcoming Schedule - from Here to (Almost) Eternity!

Yet again, our thanks to Steve Gaynor for supplying us with the latest and greatest schedule of upcoming bridge events in Minnesota and beyond!

Reminder: Unit 103 Award Banquet - Mini-McKenney & Ace of Clubs - 2016

A reminder - please RSVP by April 12th for the fun and happy Unit 103 Awards Banquet!

 

 

 

Attend Unit 103's Awards Banquet and celebrate the 2016 winners

of Unit 103 Ace of Clubs and Mini- McKenney!

 

WHEN:          Saturday, April 22, 2017

                     1PM                                

 

WHERE:        St. Paul Bridge Center

                         2603 – 6^th Avenue East

                               North St. Paul, MN   55109

                       Phone:  651-490-5430

 

Congratulations to all Unit 103 players that did well in 2016!

We look forward to recognizing and celebrating their success.

 

All players are welcome to a complimentary lunch starting at 1:00.

 

 Immediately following will be the Awards presentations and a special Bridge game. 

Players who are 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd in their category will play free.

$6 entry for others.

 

Please join us in this fun day!  Everyone is welcome!

 

RSVP by April 12^th to 651-490-5430.  We look forward to seeing you!