Minnesota Bridge

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: bridge.kibitzer@gmail.com                            Phone: 715.410.8705           Partnerships:      Patti huiras     Email: patti.huiras@gmail.com                            Phone:  651-343-2078 Director in Charge:      Kimberly Hayward Hope to see you there!

CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, August 15

I have loved our game for SO MANY DECADES - 

I want others to be able to learn, enjoy and WIN!

Details for Sunday's CBO Club Special Tourney below!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament Sunday, August 15, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

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

 

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

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!

Zoom for Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs Awards in Unit 103!

 

ACBL UNIT 103 NEWS!

Unit 103 2020 Mini-McKenney And Ace of Club Awards Celebration  When: Saturday, April 24  What: Unit 103 Awards Program via Zoom Time:  11:45am via Zoom            Zoom links will be available before the party at:            bridgecenterofstpaul.com and medcitybridge.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…” More information coming out the week of April 24.  See the attached flyer Hope to “see” you all there!

CBO Club Special Tournament on Monday March 1st!

First day of March tomorrow - and an opportunity for those who are college bridge players to compete against students throughout ACBL land!

Instructions below; hope many of you are able to compete in this fun event and perhaps win prizes!

 

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Monday, March 1, awarding masterpoints and prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO. Please encourage your friends to participate so that we can continue to offer these games.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

CBO Players - Don't FREEZE - Get HOT on February 15th!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament

Monday, February 15!

 Masterpoints and special prizes will be awarded!

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

First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.
 
You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.

Our attendance in both the daily and special tournaments is down. Please encourage your friends to participate so that we can continue to offer these games if there is enough interest.
 
If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.
 
If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one.

We can help! www.acbl.org/college

February 1st - Collegiates Can Compete, Win and Earn Gift Cards!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Monday, February 1, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO. Our attendance in both the daily and special tournaments is down. Please encourage your friends to participate so that we can continue to offer these games if there is enough interest.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

Hi Minnesota Buds - Joseph Jones has news for all wishing to play at ACBL NACB Tournaments that we're going to have to hold on for a while.  I know most of us much prefer to see our friends from all over the world, enjoying a yummy dinner in between rounds as we discuss hands and even do a tad of site seeing.  But Joe will explain why we are unable to do so right now - and I hope everyone keeps on enjoying virtual bridge at their favorite MN club - or "sneaks down" (LOL) to their favorite club in Miami, Tucson or California for a toasty, roasty great game!  (Or stay home in bed and turn up the thermometer!)  Peg

Dear Member,   Due to the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, the ACBL has canceled the 2021 Spring North American Bridge Championships that were scheduled for March 11-21, 2021 in St. Louis, MO.     ACBL officials and local volunteers have worked tirelessly with the host hotel and local government officials, and, sadly, the event cannot be held as scheduled because the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge and the vaccine roll-out is slower than anticipated. Please know the health and safety of our members and our employees is of paramount importance to us.   Due to the attractiveness of the location, the ACBL is working to negotiate rescheduling an NABC in St. Louis sometime in the future. Members will be notified if and when those dates have been finalized.   We will continue to offer chances to play and win black, silver, red and gold masterpoints® on Bridge Base Online. Details of ongoing and special events along with Virtual Clubs can be found at acbl.org/virtual.   Sincerely, Joseph Jones ACBL Executive Director January 11, 2021

Ring in the New Year with Collegiate Initiative Bridge!

Great Opportunities for the New Year for our ACBL members 25 and younger on Friday, January 1 -  First day of 2021! Hope to see many of you there - Details below!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Friday, January 1, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. Internship Opportunity! Our friends at BBO are looking for a Community Engagement Intern. This is a paid internship only available to college students.  Find out more. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO. Our attendance in both the daily and special tournaments is down. Please encourage your friends to participate so that we can continue to offer these games if there is enough interest.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

From President Dave Neiman - With Love for Us All for Bridge!

The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club will be honoring Peggy Kaplan at our weekly game this coming Friday, January 1^st, 2021. We will donate $100, plus $1 for each person who plays in the game, to Peggy’s chosen charity, the ACBL Education Foundation (ACBLEF.org), whose mission is to “...introduce more people, of all ages and walks of life, to the game of bridge…”

Our club has been fortunate and proud to claim her as a member for many, many, (many!) years, but her influence and contributions to the game and world of bridge extends far beyond our borders. She has played at a high level for most of those years, both nationally and internationally. If you don’t recognize the name, you will certainly know the perky woman with the radiant smile and the camera who has been chronicling NABCs in photographs for decades.  

Beyond her own success in bridge, I think Peggy would consider one of her proudest and most important accomplishments is to be a mentor to the Minneapolis-area youths who are beginning their bridge careers at Carleton College and the U of M.

My own words don’t do justice to the influence bridge has had on Peggy and the impact she has had on the world of bridge.  I asked Peggy herself to say a few words (below) and I linked a couple of BW articles to this one for further reading.

We would like to welcome all players, young and old, experienced and newcomer, to our game this week. The game is $5 and game time is 7:15pm CENTRAL time and can be found on BBO’s Virtual Club section under the director ID VACB255646 (MGSC Friday).  To respect IDs and email privacy, if you would like to play, reply to this email with your name and BBO ID (and your partner’s!)  and I will have the director add you to the game’s player list. There will be a Zoom call after the game for participants.  Please forward this note to anyone you think would like to play in this week's game in honor of Peggy Kaplan. 

http://bridgewinners.com/article/view/help-us-honor-peggy-kaplan/

http://bridgewinners.com/article/view/nobituary-for-peg-kaplan/

https://www.acbleducationalfoundation.org/page/about-the-acbl-educational-foundation-1.html

 

My Love Affair with Bridge

As many MGSC players know, I've been ill for some time and unable to play bridge - but I can watch!  And I am thrilled that Cookie Hoberman, my friend from Omaha who has built the Nebraska Regional (in Iowa - go figure) to tremendous standards, has been working with others to create the ACBL Educational Foundation Fund for Junior and Collegiate players, with a tournament in February.  Cookie is honoring Bob Hamman, the player that many believe to be the best in the history of the game - and me, the person who isn't QUITE in Bob's league (hahahaha), but adores our game, the people from all around the world who play it - and who hope it thrives and grows for a great many decades to come.

The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club is hoping that those who can might donate something for this worthy cause - and come out and play on Friday!  I’ve also been asked to list my national wins, so I have below.  Please note that the Machlin Women's Teams was second by ONE IMP (none of us coulda found THAT!!)  And I was proud and delighted that Minnesota stars were with me - Cindy Balderson, Carole Miner and Melody Bi.

I was asked to mention some highlights of my many years of competing.  I'm afraid if I got going too much - you might miss Friday's game!!

But - I will add a few thoughts.  One is from my bridge idol Bob H, and it is one of the wisest actions you can take to up your game.  When a hand has ended - it is OVER!!  If you want to contemplate when the event is finished how you could have made the hand you did NOT make, or how brilliant you were - DO NOT!  Focus on the hand you are playing, and that is it.  Not always easy, but this alone improves your game.  I literally have been on teams where our opponents were significantly superior to our players - but they forgot Bob's brilliant advice.

More of my beliefs about bridge are these.  Never stop learning.  Try your best for you and your pard to have fun. Be nice to your pard AND your opponents (try!)  The game is better if you do.  

And if you can, help others.  I was blessed beyond measure by tons of great friends and partners over the years, by truly wonderful mentors who took me under their wing and and taught me so much.  Bridge IS the greatest game, can be played if you're 8 or 100!  

My thanks to you all.  You are THE BEST!!

Peggy Bundy (thank you, George Jacobs!!)

 

NABC Bridge 1sts & 2^nd

 

2011    1          Freeman Mixed Board-a-Match           NABC+

2009    1          NABC+ Fast Open Pairs                     NABC+

2005    1          Freeman Mixed Board-a-Match           NABC+

2004    1          Rockwell Mixed Pairs                          NABC+

2007    2          Machlin Womens Swiss Teams           NABC

 

CBO Special - Tuesday, December 15th

A super opportunity for those in our college bridge group and juniors!  Details below! Begins tomorrow! Act fast & have a GREAT GAME!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Tuesday, December 15, which will award masterpoints and special prizes. First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.   You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college Discounts for Juniors playing in online tournaments! 2020 Online Schedule Juniors playing in ACBL Sanctioned regionally rated online tournaments are eligible to have a portion of their entry fees rebated so that your final cost is only $5 per session. Just email onlinetournament@acbl.org and let them know when you played. Discounts will be applied for tournaments after 7/1/2020.

An Invitation to Participate!

Apologies in advance if you receive multiple invitations as you may be represented on more than one distribution list.

The Minneapolis Grand Slam Club (MGSC)  is in its ninth decade of continuous play.  The premier event of the annual cycle is an extended team event.   Once a double elimination knockout in recent years the event has become a RRKO like this year’s premier online team events sponsored by the Online Contract Bridge League (OCBL) and the ALT.

The Grand National Teams are the ACBL’s premier live grass roots team events.  They are configured in four flights.  This year’s pandemic has completely thrown the competition a loop.  Club play would have started in September and culminated in District Finals next Spring with a trip to the Summer NABC for the flight winners.

Many players enjoy team events including Swiss Teams and KOs.  To promote team play MGSC is offering a series of Tuesday night, 24-bd matches scored on a 20pt VP scale beginning November 10.   The more teams that sign up the more brackets we can offer and the more ‘even’ the competition will be.  The top four teams after the round robin phase will compete in longer KO matches.

The sessions will be every Tuesday at 6:30pm online at BBO.  A $100 fee will cover the entire Round Robin phase.  If there are only 5 teams in your bracket, thus a 4 session RR, you will receive a refund.

The conditions of contest:  MGSC 2020-2021 RRKO CoC  Any U103 or U178 member or anyone who has played in the  MGSC Virtual Club Friday night game.

You can sign up at: Team Signup, with as many as six players.  Contact Dave Neiman if one of your team members doesn’t show on our rosterlist.  Your registration is not complete unless you send $100 to MGSC c/o Barry Purrington  829 Overlook Place, Eagan, MN 55123 before November 10.  Your team will be disqualified if the club has not received a check before November 17 (grace period).

Any team can choose to play up in higher bracket if doing so does not collapse the initial bracket assignation.  You may choose to make your initial registration conditional if we have only one bracket and you do not wish to play against the strongest teams.

The event coordinator is Steve Gaynor  mailto:stev1249@comcast.net.  We can facilitate team formation if you are a pair looking for compatible teammates.

Those of who are not MGSC members are particularly welcome to form teams.  It's a big plus to play a series of 24 board imp events against players you know or have some familiarity with rather than 12-bd  IMP speedballs on BBO.  You will see how other matches scored on the same boards, and have a chance to play "real" imp matches without time pressure.  And there will be a nice masterpoint award if you are one of the four teams to reach the KO phase.

We are hoping for a big turnout.  If we get enough teams for three brackets you will surely be playing against teams very similar in experience to your own.

Mike Cassel, MGSC Bulletin editor and former D14 GNT Coordinator

The Year of Living Differently

Dear District Presidents, District GNT Coordinators and District 14 competitors,

This year in so many ways, bridge and life are different.  Our thanks to the many people who contribute to our special events, and to our many competitors who are excited to compete against their peers at a national level.

We thank you all for your contributions to our game, and we thank Brian Weikle for his detailed information about GNT in these special times.  Thank you for reading what Brian has shared with us, and we hope that many of you will be able to compete in GNT.

Dear District Presidents and District GNT Coordinators,

The 2021 Grand National Teams qualifying season began September 1. Given this year's unique circumstances, we are providing this summary of important details.

Club Qualifying

Club qualifying is optional. All players who qualified at the club level during the 2019-20 season are automatically qualified for Unit and District play in 2021. Districts may choose to permit club qualifying games to qualify additional players, although we expect that most Districts will not. Such games must be team games and submitted to ACBL Live for Clubs in an ACBLscore file.

District Finals

Districts which completed their GNT Finals in 2020 may choose to send those winners to the National Final in 2021. Districts whose Finals were not completed in 2020 must hold District Finals in 2021 to qualify teams for the National Finals.

Player Eligibility

Player eligibility status is "frozen" from the 2019-20 cycle. In other words, players are eligible for the same flight they were eligible for in 2019, no matter how many masterpoints they have won in the meantime. Similarly, players are eligible to play in the District in which they lived in August 2019. Players who have moved to a new District will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Action Required (by Oct 1, 2020 please)

Determine whether your District will be permitting club qualifying games. Notify ACBL (specialevents@acbl.org) and the clubs in your District.

Determine whether your District will hold District Finals in 2021, or whether the 2020 winners will represent your District at the National Finals. Notify ACBL (tournaments@acbl.org) and any affected players.

If you are holding District Finals in 2021, send the dates and sites to tournaments@acbl.org. Note that, as in past years, District Finals may be held online. If Finals are played face-to-face, they must be held after March 1, 2021.

Send your District's Conditions of Contest to specialevents@acbl.org.

2021 GNT National Finals

The GNT Finals will be played, in person, at the Summer NABC in Providence, RI.

 

Sincerely,

Brian Weikle

Manager, Bridge Operations

ACBL Field Operations

CC: ACBL Board of Directors

CBO Club Special Tournament this Saturday!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Tuesday, September 1, which will award masterpoints and special prizes.

 

 

First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.

You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.

If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.

 

If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don't have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

 

Discounts for Juniors playing in online tournaments!

2020 Online Schedule

Juniors playing in ACBL Sanctioned regionally rated online tournaments are eligible to have a portion of their entry fees rebated so that your final cost is only $5 per session.

Just email online.tournament@acbl.org and let them know when you played. Discounts will be applied for tournaments after 7/1/2020.

CBO Club Special Tournament this Saturday

Calling all CBO Club Special Tournament Players!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Saturday, August 15, which will award masterpoints and special prizes.

Have Fun - Win Prizes - Play Today!

Don't forget about the CBO Club Special Tournament this Saturday, August 15, which will award masterpoints and special prizes.   First through third place finishers will receive an Amazon gift card. Additionally, ACBL will draw the name of one random CBO tournament participant to receive a gift card.

You do need to be an ACBL member (only $5 for ages 25 and younger), have a BBO account (free) and be registered as a CBO member to participate in a CBO Tournament. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours to gain access to the CBO Club on BBO.   If you've never played in a CBO tournament before, simply log into BBO and click Competitive / Tournaments / All Tournaments or Free Tournaments / Collegiate. The CBO tournament should be first on the list.   If you have any bridge playing college friends, encourage them to join the CBO. Membership is open to any college undergrad or grad student age 35 and under. If you don’t have a student bridge org/club at your school, consider starting one. We can help! www.acbl.org/college

Discounts for Juniors playing in online tournaments!   2020 Online Event Schedule   Junior members playing in ACBL-sanctioned regionally rated online tournaments are now eligible to have a portion of their entry fees rebated so that their final cost is only $5 per session.   Just email online.tournament@acbl.org with your information and let them know when you played. Rebates are for tournaments held after 7/1/2020.

 

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