MN Bridge Blog Archive

December 31 2023
PLANNING AHEAD

With 2024 just minutes away, you might be looking for that last-minute New Year's Bridge game! They are out there. January is Junior Fund Month (read: extra masterpoints!), so double-check with your local club when the big payouts are happening next month. Here's a look at some metro calendars to help with the planning:

December 30 2023
2023 IN REVIEW

TL;DR - it's good news. Here are a couple of charts showing bridge in Minnesota continues to thrive, at least for now. Above, on the left - the change each week in 2023 in the number of Minnesota F2F club tables compared to the same weeks in 2022. Even this holiday week, with Christmas on a Monday, tables in Minnesota clubs ran 35% higher than last year. And above right, the average tables per game is starting its seasonal drop at your local club. . .but compared to 12 months ago, it's still quite a bit higher this week than it was in 2022 (+10%). What's in store for 2024? Hard to say of course, but get involved at your local club - and you can help keep these positive trends going well into the New Year.

December 29 2023
OUR STATE OF THE UNITS

As 2024 approaches - where are we? Here is a look at the State of the Units, submitted by (and thanks to) Steve Gaynor [Shoreview] and Sue Greenberg [Byron], currently helming our two Units here in Minnesota.

UNIT 178 [from Steve Gaynor]
The new year looms large and exciting times are in store for the members of our unit and all of Minnesota Bridge. Our unit comprises ACBL members living in zip codes starting with 553 and 554. We have about 650 members, down from almost 850 before the pandemic began. We are actively working to increase those numbers and bring great bridge games to all who play in them regardless of their skill or experience level.

We are investing in technology so that the games run smoothly. Right now, you may find games run under the auspices of Unit 178 at the Edina Senior Center, Maple Grove Community Center, Studio 1 on Lyndale, and at the new St Paul Bridge Center in Roseville. Please see the schedule below.

We also will offer several sectional tournaments in 2024 where you may earn lots of silver points, and of course, do not forget the Gopher Regional, May 20-25 at the Crown Plaza Aire near the Mall of America (same location as last couple years). Thanks to a popular schedule and great work by Patti Stuhlman and her tournament staff, per session attendance is just about back to pre-pandemic levels.

Our goal is to offer something for all players. This includes Chat bridge, Intermediate/Novice (I/N) games, and open games. We also have lessons being offered for those who want to break into the game or improve their skills.

We cannot do it all alone (where have we heard this before?). Please get into the habit of playing one or more games every week. You will find excellent directors, modern equipment, and a whole bunch of people who are friendly but fierce competitors, just like yourself. After all, bridge players are never lonely. No matter where you go on this continent, there are thousands of bridge clubs breathlessly waiting for your call that you are coming by to play.

You can take this game to any level you wish. If it is just playing with your friends, competing at the club, or trying your skills at a regional, national or world level, there are games for you. Do not keep this too much of a secret; let your friends know the joys of the game, especially the duplicate experience and the organization that administers the game. Virtually no other pastime has what bridge has in this regard.

Ask me about it. I love to talk bridge whether it a bidding or play question or on the structure of the organization.

I will see you all at the tables! Bid ‘em up!

Steven Gaynor Stev1249@comcast.net

UNIT 103 [from Sue Greenberg]
As 2023 draws to a close, I want to thank all Minnesota bridge players for a great year.

As president of Unit 103, I am proud of many things: the cooperation between Units 103 & 178, my hard working Unit 103 board, all those volunteers that have helped return our members to F2F tournaments, those local leaders and boards that have encouraged people to return to their local bridge clubs, our directors, scorers, and others that make Minnesota events run smoothly, and to you, Minnesota bridge players! I'm especially proud of all of our teachers - they are the growth of our clubs.

We can only get better in 2024!

Sue Greenberg, Unit 103 President

December 29 2023
IT'S ALWAYS FIERCE COMPETITON IN ST CLOUD

Kathy Stadther [St Cloud] was voted "Best in Class" as the big winner of St Cloud's annual "Ugly Sweater" contest. The competition in St Cloud is fierce (both at AND away from the table)!

December 21 2023
A BBO GAME THAT'S FOR THE BIRDS

Snowbirds, that is. There have been some requests from snowbirds (and partners of snowbirds) to have a virtual game so they can play together during the winter - so the Bridge Center of St Paul has elected to add a Thursday 7pm online game effective January 4th. If your partner has fled the state to somewhere warm for the next couple of months, this might be the game for you! This online game comes with a $5 entry fee - and plenty of opportunity to chat about how cold it is outside.

December 21 2023
2023 BBO BIDDING CHALLENGE

This Christmas week, you'll likely experience a lull in local bridge clubs before things really fire up again after the holidays - but if you're looking to get a bit of a bridge fix, Mike Cassel [Roseville] forwards all of the BBO bidding challenges for this past year. Click on the image to the right to have all 12 months of BBO bidding challenges (and links to the answers) open in a new window. . .(get your bridge fix!). . .and see how you fare. (H/T: Marc Smith)

December 20 2023
SECOND WINTER TOURNAMENT ADDED

In addition to the annual Minnesota Winter Tournament (this year in Eagan on Feb 1, 2, and 3), the good folks at the Bridge Center of St Paul are planning to add another Open Sectional to the calendar - this one covering Leap Year Day with a four-day event Feb 28 - March 2 at their location in Roseville. Details (and a flyer) coming shortly. (NOTE that when we said "here's to more bridge in 2024," we're grateful someone is taking it literally!)

December 19 2023
HAPPY HOLIDAYS [UPDATE]

Below are some photos from the Holiday Brunch and Charity Game down in Rochester; 16-1/2 tables (which is a great crowd). The Jeremiah Program was their charity for 2023 (and $1,676 in donations was raised at this game!). You can learn more about this charity by clicking here. Happy Holidays to all bridge players and here's to more bridge in 2024! UPDATE: Donations for Rochester's local charity now at $2,114. Thank you!

December 17 2023
. . .DID SOMEONE SAY "PARTY?""

More holiday cheer is on the way, this time from Mike Cassel [Roseville] and the MGSC. The MGSC would like to have a holiday party (and bridge, natch) on Friday, December 29th at 6:30pm, at the Bridge Center of St Paul's Roseville location. You must RSVP for this game - and do so by Wednesday the 27th - as their planning (and space) doesn't allow for last-minute unannounced pairs to show up. If you and your partner would like to attend, let Mike know at mc2mikec-at-aol-dot-com. (Grinches will be promptly exited off the property.)

December 15 2023
MINNESOTA'S NEWEST GOLD LIFE MASTER'S PARTY

A hearty shout-out to Bob Roediger [Rochester], who is Minnesota's latest Gold Life Master! One of Bob's partners, Ann Van Ryn, held a get-together to celebrate Bob's achievement this week - some great stories told (and treats!) - and a great chance to party. When it comes to the social component of this great game we play, there's more to bridge than just what's at the table, and celebrating a milestone with your fellow partners (and opponents!) can be just the ticket.

December 14 2023
UNIT BOARDS WRAP UP ANOTHER YEAR

You know 2023 is just about history when U103 and U178 have their last board meetings of the year - which they have now done. Unit 103 met for the last time this year on December 5th; three board members have expiring terms this year, with two (and possibly all three) electing to remain on the board for another term. Mankato expressed some interest in a tournament next fall - and the board voted to provide some compensation to clubs who produce some U103 tournaments. Minutes from that meeting are found on the "Documents" page of this website (or you can click here).

Unit 178 had their last board get-together of 2023 this afternoon. Last summer's Aquatennial Sectional was such a success, 2024's July event may have added a 4th day. New equipment was discussed, some committee positions filled, all good stuff - you'll also find these minutes when posted (along with the latest U178 board meeting minutes) on the "Documents" page (or just click here). Bridge players everywhere should be grateful for these volunteers who do so much work to keep this card game going in Minnesota!

December 11 2023
MINNESOTA TOURNAMENT TABLES UP 26.0%

With the huge success of the Bridge Center of St Paul's Holiday Tournament (at 199 tables!), it solidified Minnesota's on-the-rise bridge tournament experience. Pretty much every bridge tournament (and at every venue in the state) has seen an increase in 2023 over 2022's table counts. An additional regional next year (Rochester, September 2024) may keep the positive numbers headed in the right direction - but during this year, not only have tables been on the rise in your local club - they've also gone up during the big bridge events.

December 7 2023
HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT UNDERWAY [UPDATED]

The Holiday Tournament at the Bridge Center of St Paul's Roseville location is underway - to the right are your top 30 masterpoint winners (this has been updated with just one day to go), but there is still much more bridge on Sunday, so look for one more update to the list.

UPDATE (Sunday afternoon): Quite the successful tournament this year in St Paul, with 199 tables over the four days. That is a table count not seen at this event since 2011!

December 5 2023
MINNESOTA TABLES HOLDING STRONG

Heading into the holidays, you're going to see more variation in table counts at your local club (some of these holiday games will be HUGE with other games a bit less attended). . .but overall, the state of bridge tables in play for Minnesota remains strong. The chart to the left shows the monthly combination of F2F tables (in red) and BBO VACB tables (in purple) over the past 24 months. While the proportion of bridge playing tables has moved from BBO back to in-person, generally speaking the number of tables in play is still pretty healthy.

Remember - as long as you're able to play and enjoy this great game of bridge, local table counts may be secondary. For now, even almost three years after the great reopening, bridge in Minnesota is doing well. (Here's hoping it keeps up in the new year.)

December 5 2023
TWIN CITIES AREA BRIDGE SCHEDULES

December! The perfect month for duplicate bridge. Here are the metro area games scheduled for the rest of the year:

December 3 2023
DECEMBER'S MONTHLY MILESTONES

Here's a hearty shout-out to Bob Roediger [Rochester] who just became Minnesota's newest Gold Life Master! Congratulations to Bob and to everyone who earned their way to the next level in their quest of bridge. New this month:

New JUNIOR MASTERS:

New CLUB MASTERS:

New SECTIONAL MASTERS:

New REGIONAL MASTER:

New NABC MASTERS:

New LIFE MASTER:

Nancy Balfanz

New GOLD LIFE MASTER:

December 1 2023
MAKING THE NABC DAILY BULLETIN

You never know who you'll run into at the partnership desk! Kyra Helmbold [Carleton College, Northfield] was featured in the Atlanta GA NABC Bulletin as a player picking up someone at the partnership desk.

November 30 2023
NLM SECTIONAL RESULTS FROM DOWN SOUTH

Congratulations to the Rochester DBC for putting on another successful one-day Non-Life Master tournament. The 23 tables over the two sessions Thursday was a 53.3% increase over last year's tournament and drew players not just from elsewhere in Minnesota, but central Iowa and Wisconsin, too. Winners were Jackson and Sarah Wahl [Minneapolis] in the morning and John Miller [Rochester] and Wayne Rogelstad [Rochester] in the afternoon session - but lots of players won masterpoints and had a great time. (It's hard to do too much for our Non-Life Masters, but by all means let's keep trying.)

November 24 2023
. . .WITH SOME MINNESOTANS PLAYING IN ATLANTA GA

If you're missing a table or two at your local Minnesota club this week, they might be with the grandkids - or shopping - or partying - but it's also possible that those players have taken a trip to Georgia for the Fall NABC. To your right is a look at Minnesota players that are in Atlanta GA and how they are doing at the big NABC (this list updated daily).

November 19 2023
WHERE MINNESOTANS ARE PLAYING. . .

Here's a look at the share of Minnesota club tables in play this year through November 18th; this pie chart includes both face-to-face and online tables. Easily the lion's share of the Minnesota tables in play are at the Bridge Center of St Paul in Roseville (27.3%), as you might expect larger metro areas to have a larger pool of players from which to draw. Of course, it really doesn't matter how much your local club contributes to the overall total of Minnesota tables, as long as you've got the opportunity to play and you're having fun enjoying the game of bridge. (Truth be told, sometimes it's just hard to pass up a pretty chart. NOTE: The MGSC online tables have been reported to the ACBL as part of the Plymouth Bridge Club up until Nov 18th, so those tables are included as part of the Plymouth results here.)

November 18 2023
THAT ONE TIME A YEAR "PARTY BRIDGE" IS NO PROBLEM

They say "once you play duplicate, you never go back to 'Party Bridge'" - and for the most part that may be true. Thanksgiving is less than a week away now, but then come the holiday parties at your local club. Duluth Duplicate Bridge holds their annual holiday get-together on Monday, December 4th at the Duluth Women's Club. The 2nd weekend in December's schedule is already getting busy, starting with the annual Open House Fundraiser in St Cloud on December 7th and 8th. Charity donations at this event will go to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, and is hosted at the home of Chuck Stenger. The Bridge Center of St Paul's Holiday Tournament gets going on the 7th as well - with cards, silver points, and holiday cheer through the weekend. Their donations (either non-perishable food items or $$$) will benefit Every Meal (fighting childhood hunger). Then the Rochester DBC has their annual holiday brunch and bridge party on Monday, December 18th at St Luke's Church. When it comes to having a bit of holiday cheer this month, Minnesota bridge players do have options.

November 16 2023
MINN GRAND SLAM CLUB FIRING UP THE CARDS

The Minnesota Grand Slam Club is holding an in-person bridge game this week on Friday at 6:30pm - it's an Open pairs event - at the Bridge Center of St Paul location in Roseville. (Who doesn't like an extra bridge game during the week?) Whether or not this will be a regular Friday evening event hasn't been disclosed yet, but you know if the demand is there, you'll be seeing more of the MGSC on Friday evenings. David Neiman [Minneapolis] is running this show - he can be reached at dneiman-at-aol-dot-com. [Postgame update: 8 full tables. Nice.]

November 16 2023
TIME AGAIN TO MAP OUT YOUR TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

A tip-of-the-hat to Steve Gaynor [Shoreview] for sending his latest tournament schedule. As you're looking ahead to what's when and where, here's the go-to document for marking up your tournament calendar. Click on the image to the right for the .pdf file (which you can examine more closely or print).

November 16 2023
DEANA'S THANK YOU - AND THANK YOU, DEANA

Minnesota bridge players have been well represented the past few years on the ACBL's Board of Directors by Deana Liddy [Omaha NE]. The ACBL's BOD has undergone a reorganization this year, with District Directors being replaced by representatives for the newly-formed ACBL Regions. So as of December 31st, D14 players will be represented by Region 5's Regional Director Dennis Carman. It's well known that bridge doesn't exist without volunteers at every level, so next time you see Deana at a tournament (and she has been known to frequent many Minnesota tournaments), consider a hearty "thank you!" when you get to her table.

Deana's farewell message to Minnesota players:
Thank you for the extraordinary learning opportunity you’ve given me these past three years while serving as the last District 14 Director. It’s been a challenge. My term began during the Covid pandemic and the Board of Directors learned the benefits of meeting online instead of just three times a year for a few days before the NABCs. And meet we did! Constantly!! Regular board meetings, special board meetings, committee meetings (I am on Appeals and Charges, Finance, and Membership this year.) A&C met frequently and each meeting took six to eight hours of preparation listening to hearings on video and reading hundreds of pages of documentation, and meetings often took three to four hours. And of course we had to learn all the governance documents, and their updates, so that proper procedures would be followed. The joke on the BOD is that if you are on the board, you do not have time to play bridge!!!

The best part was traveling to tournaments, Unit Sectionals and District 14 Regionals and NABCs, once we reopened for face to face play. Connecting to other players and seeing you across the table, seeing old friends and making new ones, was certainly a highlight for me this past year and a half. We lost some special people this year in District 14. We also made new friends. I was particularly intrigued by the pair from Florida whom I met at the Gopher as they traveled to win points in every state, and then met them again at a club in Omaha furthering their quest, and they stay in touch. It’s a small world when you play bridge. I also appreciated participating in our district board meetings and with several units who invited me to sit in on their board meetings and also with several regional planning groups. It’s an honor to know these smart and hard working people who keep our bridge world going and work on building membership for the future.

My responsibilities as District Director will be subsumed by our District President Steve Gaynor (stev1249@comcast.net) and by our Region 5 Director Dennis Carman (region5director@acbl.org). Please feel free to contact them with the issues you would previously have raised with me. I am sure they will be helpful.

Looking forward to seeing you at the table soon. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a happy and healthy year.
Deana

November 15 2023
GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS QUALIFYING UPDATE

The original Conditions of Contest for D14's Grand National Teams events here in 2023-2024 stated that teams that played in "ANY" team game would qualify for the D14's online GNT Semi-Finals in May. That included any Swiss team game (even at Regionals). That's now been amended and the COC quietly re-issued. Now, you are required to play in a Grand National Teams club qualifying game - but - you don't have to play in a club qualifying game in D14. The amended GNT COC states that:

"Players in ANY Online or In-Person GNT club qualifying team games (wherever it is hosted) during the months of September-March will qualify to play in the D14 Semi-Finals in May."So your GNT qualifying game does not need to be hosted by D14 - it can be in ANY Grand National Teams game anywhere. That makes it even easier to be part of the action next spring. To read the D14 Conditions of Contest as posted on the ACBL website, click here. To find out if you've qualified to play in the D14 Semi-Finals, click here. (But most of all, remember to have fun.)

November 15 2023
BRIDGE - IS THERE ANYTHING IT CAN'T DO?

You probably won't be surprised to learn that playing duplicate bridge is one of the things that a world-champion International Tennis Federation player does to keep sharp. Roz King, 87-year-old and ITF Masters Champion, includes playing bridge (along with daily stretching and weekly massage) as part of her regimen to stay sharp on - and off - the tennis court. Read all about it by clicking here.

November 14 2023
GOOD NEWS RE: THE SIZE OF YOUR LOCAL F2F GAME

Looking back at the past two years of Minnesota's F2F club tables per game, there are some rather easy-to-see patterns. For example, the six-week rolling average of tables per F2F game in the state rises nicely each year from the beginning of March through the end of July. There's an easy-to-see-and-correct lag in the six-week rolling average thanks to the Gopher Regional (as most clubs are closed for the week). And once we get to October, a gradual decline in the tables per game takes place through the holidays and continues into the winter as the snowbirds travel south.

The good news in all of this (even with the ups and downs through the year) is that when comparing 2023 to 2022, the six-week rolling average of tables per game is higher - in every single week. Granted, some Minnesota games have 18 tables, and some games have 3 tables, but overall the tables per game is on the upswing everywhere, and at least for now, all of the time.

November 8 2023
IT'S STAC WEEK - ALL WEEK

Check your local club for STAC games this week - they're paying sectionally-rated silver points through Sunday. And the games are combined with everyone in D14! Here's your list of top Minnesota players (and how they've done through the week). STAC games are given ~24 hours to post, so these results are through ~~Tuesday noon~~ ~~Wednesday noon~~ ~~Thursday~~ ~~Friday morning~~ ~~Saturday noon~~ Sunday. (We'll update throughout the week.)

NOVEMBER 12 UPDATE: Grant Duffrin [Roseville] coming in 1st among Minnesota players this week - with 7.78 silver points - congratulations to Grant and to everyone who earned some silver points at their local clubs (and had fun!).

November 7 2023
ELECTION DAY: A GREAT REMINDER

On this off-season election day across Minnesota, it's a good reminder that some elections are just getting underway in the world of bridge. If you like to play cards, be sure to get involved. Whether it's filling a spot on your governing Unit board or running to be on a local club Board, there is always the need for volunteers and for people who have a vision for the future. In addition to giving back to this great game, you'll help shape the future of bridge in Minnesota. The results may be "in" when it comes to sales tax increases and property tax bond initiatives, but when it comes to bridge, most elections are about to take place. Remember - "bridge is for bidders!" - don't pass on this opportunity - you'll be glad you got involved.

November 5 2023
SPEAKING OF CAKE. . .

Let's hope there's a birthday cake at the game Monday at the Edina Senior Center. Can I get a ruling? Tony Ames [Minnetonka] turns 75 during the game on Monday. Be sure to greet our favorite "Big Cheese" and all-around good guy with a salutation and hearty handshake. And next time you see Tony at the table, even if a little past his birthday tomorrow, he'll still happily accept any gifts (IYKWIM).

November 5 2023
NOT JUST ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT

The Annual Meeting of the Bridge Center of St Paul was held this weekend at their new location in Roseville - along with a short Board of Directors presentation and a tasty dinner beforehand, naturally, there were cards to be dealt! Among the sixteen tables of players Saturday night (SIXTEEN), Steve and Sue Jackson [Roseville] came in 1st overall with a 70.00% game. (Living less than three miles from the club's location, we're wondering if this is the definition of "home field advantage?") Congratulations to the big winners along with everyone who participated in the fun - full game results from Saturday can be found by clicking here.

November 2 2023
THERE'S REALLY NOTHING WRONG WITH MORE CAKE

The St. Cloud club celebrating another player milestone this week - this time it's for Bev Berg [Waite Park] who just earned her Bronze Life Master. Congratulations to Bev! (And of course for sharing her cake with all those opponents who helped make this milestone happen.) Additional opportunities for cake this month:

November 1 2023
YOUR LOCAL CLUB IS PAYING MORE - A LOT MORE

Don't be shocked if your local Minnesota bridge club is raising rates - whether it's per game in person or online, tournament entries, membership fees, etc., as it's due to everything, including our parent organization, the ACBL. On top of everything else in this inflationary economy, the ACBL is raising rates again in 2024 (some fees by as much as 73.9%). Many fees charged by the ACBL went up in July, 2023, but now there is a sanction fee of $20.00 for each online session a club wants to have (previously, these were free for local clubs to hold). F2F sanction fees are going up from $11.50 to $20.00 for each game session during the week. If you've ever run a bridge club, or know someone who has run a club or is currently running one, you know a bridge club is not a huge for-profit machine. . .so should your bridge become a little more expensive, please understand it is everything and it's pretty much across the board.

October 29 2023
D14 GNT CONDITIONS OF CONTEST FINALIZED

The Conditions of Contest (COC) for the Grand National Teams competition underway (through March 31) have been issued. They are as follows:

October 28 2023
FALL SECTIONAL CHAMPION NOW A 2-TIME DEFENDER

Congratulations to Carole Mataya (Rochester), the 2023 Med City Fall Sectional Tournament Champion! Carole earned 18.48 masterpoints over the three-day tournament (followed closely by Greg Caucutt [Rochester] in 2nd place with 17.18 MPs) - but there were plenty of winners, and pretty much everyone had fun. (Not to mention the hospitality. Uff-da.) Carole also was the Med City Spring Tournament Champion six months ago - so she'll be a 2-time defending champ at the next Rochester tournament in the spring.

Full results from the tournament can be found by clicking here.

October 25 2023
BRIDGE CENTER OF ST PAUL SETS WINTER 2024 CLASSES

Four new classes to kick off 2024 in the Metro area have been set up by the Bridge Center of St Paul, with a mix of online and in-person lessons. These bridge classes include:

These are terrific opportunities to learn more about this great game of bridge - and you can get more information about these classes, the cost, and what to expect by clicking on the BCofSP website lessons page.

October 24 2023
METRO BRIDGE CALENDARS

A special thanks to Tony Ames and Kim Hayward for forwarding their November calendars - you can click on either November schedule below to enlarge it and open it in a new window. Lots of cards to be dealt in November (and lots of special games in the Metro area).

October 21 2023
MINNESOTA F2F TABLE COUNTS ON THE RISE

. . .at least for now. Here is a look at the weekly change in the total number of face-to-face (F2F) tables in Minnesota in play during 2023 - and how each week compared to one year ago. Every week has seen an increase in F2F play. The steady increase in 2023 may be partly due to fewer online games being held, but the increase in F2F tables in 2023 surpasses the number of online tables no longer in play, so for now it's all good news at the table.

(And here would be the weekly percentage of all Minnesota bridge tables in 2023 that have been online at virtual clubs [BBO/VACB] - you don't need to know the Exclusion Keycard convention to spot the trend:)

October 19 2023
GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS UNDERWAY

From now through March 31, 2024, we're in the heart of the Grand National Teams qualifying games played at your local club. If you've ever wondered about playing in the GNT, get involved! Everyone who plays in a Minnesota GNT game is qualified to enter the online D14 tournament on May 4th and 5th next spring, and you can qualify to receive a nice subsidy (read: $$$) to go to the national tournament next summer in Toronto ON. NOTE: The GNT has stratified brackets, with Flight "C" for players of 500 masterpoints or less, and Flight "B" for players of 2,500 masterpoints or less. . .so you'll play against players of your own playing ability. You can get a lot of masterpoints - and have fun as well - so get a foursome, check with your local club as to when they run GNT games the next several months, and DIVE IN. (We're still waiting for the D14 GNT Conditions of Contest and schedule to be posted, but once posted, more details will be available.)

October 13 2023
GOPHER FAME VIA NAMED GAMES

The Gopher Regional PR Committee is already hard at work, with a flyer for next year's regional expected in a couple of weeks. One of the things they are looking for from you would be honoring or surprising someone in the Minnesota bridge world by naming a game event after them. Here's the scoop from the PR Chair, Connie Nelson (Avon):

"Anyone can name a game played at the Gopher in honor of someone special. That named game can be used as a memorial, or to surprise someone who represents the best of our bridge community. If we know the names early enough, we will include the person’s name in all our publicity and marketing. The person will also be featured in the Daily Bulletin on the day of their named game during the Gopher, which will run from May 20-[25], 2024. If you or anyone at your Club would like to honor someone in this way, just email Gopher Chair Patti Stuhlman at: Pattistuhlman123@gmail.com, and let her know. Then, send a check payable to Gopher Regional to Patti Stuhlman, 6517 Tingdale Ave, Edina MN 55439. The cost of naming the two-day Mini-Soloway will be $200, while the cost of naming a single-day, two-session game will remain $100."

October 11 2023
TFW WHEN YOU BECOME A LIFE MASTER SITTING AT HOME

A hearty congratulations to Nancy Balfanz (St. Cloud) who is Minnesota's newest Life Master! What may be even more interesting is the way that she did it - sitting in the comfort of her own home. The D14 North American Pairs tournament was held this past weekend, and while Nancy and her partner struggled a bit in the first two sessions, they came in 1st in the 3rd session and 2nd in the final session to squeak into 4th place in Flight "C". This provided the colored points for Nancy to cross the line. And as it turns out, just like ever other Life Master achievement, there's more to the story. She was actually at a baby shower for her daughter at her in-laws’ house in Minneapolis on Sunday! With about twenty people swirling around, and presents being opened, she sat with her laptop and herself in a corner of the room and was able to do so well with all the commotion going on. . .now. . .how to explain all of this to the other side of the family!?

October 8 2023
D14 NAP RESULTS - MINNESOTANS CRUSH IT

The D14 North American Pairs tournament was held this past weekend, and Minnesota players "represented" (as they say):

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and good luck to these players who will go on to represent Minnesota in the NAP competition next year in the Louisville KY NABC.

October 6 2023
THE DOCK IS OUT AND THE TABLES IN STORAGE

How great it is, even with Minnesota's coming weather, to expect your card game to be held on such a regular year-round basis. Bridge at the lake, however, is much more dependent on snowbirds (and therefore seasonal). Mary Ann Bond (Fargo) runs the games up in Detroit Lakes each year between May and September, and closed up shop for another year last week. Games this year have been strong at DL, with an increase of +4.2% in tables per game during the season - but for now, duplicate bridge up at the lake will either be in Fargo or St. Cloud!

October 3 2023
KING AND QUEEN FOR A DAY [OR RATHER - A WEEK]

Congratulations to Dave Collins (Fridley) and Barb Zipoy (Bloomington), who came in 1st and 2nd (respectively) over the course of this past week's Region 5 Royal STAC. Dave earned 15.80 masterpoints and Barb earned 15.58 - and while nothing is official until posted by the ACBL, so far their MP winnings are tops among Minnesota players. They aren't the only big winners, of course - here is a look at your top 40 Minnesota players in this past week's Region 5 Royal STAC:

September 30 2023
BRIDGE CENTER OF ST PAUL MAKES A POSITIVE MOVE

The move of the Bridge Center of St Paul about ten miles west to their new Roseville location has - so far - been a good one for them and a good one for bridge. During the nine week period from July 31st until September 30th, this year's weekly table count at the BCofSP has averaged an additional 8.7 tables per week. (And they're just getting started.) Check their website for more info on games (and lessons!) by clicking here.

September 27 2023
THE MINNESOTA BRIDGE EDUCATION FUND AND WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT IT

Ten years ago, the Minnesota Education Fund 501(C)(3) organization was formed with the purpose of supporting, educating, and instructing new bridge players of all ages. This educational charity is not affiliated with the ACBL, or either Minnesota bridge unit; they do not report to U178 or U103, nor do they require or get approvals for anything from either unit. While they don't have much money (it's a small organization funded mainly by memorial contributions), they have granted funding requests all over the state of Minnesota (including educational programs at the Gopher Regional). It's a terrific charity, and if you're reading this now, you benefit from this charity whether you realize it or not. Contact Barb Zipoy [barbzipoy@gmail-dot-com] if you'd like to learn more about this program - it's really impressive.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Minnesota Education Fund, please send a check to Sandy Nelson, 10222 Parkview Circle, Bloomington MN, 55431. (They'll be sure to send you a letter for your tax records.) Everyone involved with bridge thanks you (and ultimately benefits from your contribution!).

September 26 2023
ROCHESTER CLUB MAKES THE LONGEST DAY'S "TOP 40" LIST

All donations, large and small, are important and worthy when it comes to the Alzheimer's Association, which is why Minnesota players step up to the challenge of The Longest Day each June. The Rochester DBC has made the ACBL's top 40 list of bridge donors to the Alzheimer's Association for the second consecutive year! Hopefully there will be a cure for this debilitating disease by the time next June rolls around, but if not - Minnesota players everywhere will play bridge to again raise money for this very worthy cause.

September 24 2023
"YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR FIRST TIME"

Minnesota's newest bridge players include Calvin McMahon (Minneapolis), his partner Zach Wefel (Sartell), and Lisa Olson (Rice). These three bridge players played in their very first ACBL tournament over the weekend - and had a terrific time. While Calvin and Zach played together, Lisa played with her mother-in-law. Mary Hudson (Rogers), Bruce Keifenheim (Grand Forks ND) and Fay Clark (Goodyear AZ) also played in their first tournament in St. Cloud - when you see any of these players be sure to welcome them to your game!

September 24 2023
"GOLD"EN FALL FEST CHAMPION: JANE SCHMIDT

Look who came in 1st overall in the Minnesota NLM Regional this weekend! Congratulations and a big shout-out to Jane Schmidt, whose 8.78 masterpoints over the three day tournament was TOPS among all players. Jane accomplished this feat by playing with a different partner each day - not just the mark of a terrific bridge player, but also one who is generous with their time. Way to go, Jane!

September 22 2023
GOING FOR THE GOLD IN ST. CLOUD

St. Cloud's I/N Regional is underway this weekend, and once again they've done a terrific job in drumming up support. Generally speaking, non-Life Masters have seen fewer tables returning to tournaments in the post-COVID world, but attendance in St. Cloud this weekend is the best of the Upper Midwest so far in 2023. Below is a look at the tables per session in Region 5 I/N Regionals this year - congratulations to Connie Nelson and the whole crew for providing such a great event for our NLMs.

September 21 2023
ROYAL STAC WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL CLUB

You've got an opportunity to win colored points, all in the comfort of your own Minnesota bridge club. The games next week (September 25th to the 30th) are for 1/4 Gold, 1/4 Red, 1/4 Silver, and 1/4 Black points - PLUS they feature enhanced masterpoints. Most clubs in the state are participating, and why not!? Check with your local club for more details - but don't miss this great opportunity to earn some colored points right at home.

September 9 2023
SUMMER STATS SHOW SLOW SWELLING

With the "unofficial" end of summer (Labor Day weekend) behind us, a look back at the summer season in Minnesota shows mostly good news in the world of bridge. Bridge players are playing more - have more games to play in - and are playing in larger games - than 12 months ago. (Click on any chart to enlarge it and open in a new window.)

Avg Weekly F2F Table Counts

Number Of Games Held

Avg Tables Per F2F Game

Overall MN Summer Comparison

NOTE: Some clubs have games in more than one location (Plymouth BC holds them in Minneapolis, Edina, etc., Mankato and St. Cloud in more than one venue); these figures are by ACBL sanctioned clubs and not broken down by individual games.

September 7 2023
N A P FINALS ONLINE OCT 7-8

The North American Pairs qualifying period is over for 2023, and a big congratulations to all Minnesota NAP qualifiers. The next step in this contest will be the D14 Finals, which will once again be online this year the weekend of October 7-8. (Winners there go on to the NABC in Louisville KY next March.) All of the Minnesota NAP qualifiers can be found by clicking here. And for more information on how to join in on the fun of the D14 Finals, click on the file to the right. Good luck to all participants!

September 6 2023
NEW 1499er GAME IN EDINA

There's a new game in town - every other Wednesday at the Edina Senior Center at 6:30pm. Keith Thompson will run this new game which is a great opportunity for 1499ers on September 13th and 27th (then October 11th and 25th, contact Keith for future dates). If you've been looking for an evening game to play bridge (or just looking for another limited masterpoint game opportunity), pencil in every other Wednesday evening.

September 5 2023
MINNESOTA'S NEWEST LIFE MASTERS

Congratulations to Paul and Cathy Wehrman (Shoreview) and Dick Estry (Rochester) who all became Life Masters this past month. There's a story to be had as these three crossed the finish line (there's always a good story) - we'll pass it along when we hear it. (And as they say, "NOW is when you really start to learn the game of bridge!")

August 23 2023
EVIE ESTENSON, 1927-2023

Difficult news to report from Northfield, where Evie Estenson passed away Monday evening of this week. For those who didn't know her, Evie ran the bridge club in Northfield which she started at age 89 - because she needed black points to become a Life Master! She attained that title (and even Bronze Life Master) at age 91. She played with her sister Audrey (from Omaha) right up to a few weeks before her passing at age 96. She will surely be missed both at and away from the bridge table.

August 20 2023
OUR MANY THANKS TO PEG

This website (and blog) was not meant to replace the Minnesota Blog put out by Peg Kaplan for so many years (how could one possibly replace that?!). Rather, this will hopefully be an enhancement to what Peg has been blogging for years. You'll find there is a link to her blog on this website's homepage. We're hoping for the best for Peg, and like everyone in the bridge community are so very grateful for her many contributions to the world of bridge in Minnesota.

August 14 2023
NEXT UP FOR THE I/N CROWD: GOLD POINTS

Coming up in September on the 21st/22nd/23rd is the I/N Regional up in St. Cloud. Connie Nelson has put everything together for a terrific tournament, where the intermediate/newcomer players can earn their gold points in shark-free waters. You can check out the flyer for more information by clicking here. Sue Knauss (sueknauss@hotmail.com) is in charge of partnerships.

August 14 2023
STEVE GAYNOR ELECTED EL JEFE DE D14

Congratulations to Steve Gaynor, just elected to be the new D14 President. Steve's outlook and success as U178 President will now be put forward to benefit the entire district - and a big thanks because it's not like Steve didn't already have enough to do. Here are your newly elected D14 officers:

August 10 2023
NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS

A friendly reminder that the NAP qualifying games continue through this month of August - and then that is it for this year. Check your local club's schedule for qualifying games - there are still several games scheduled around the state. Those that qualify at the club level can play in the D14 Finals which are online October 7 and 8. Then those that qualify from D14 would go on to the Spring NABC in Louisville KY.

August 6 2023
MINNESOTA GNT SQUAD CLAIMS THE BRONZE AT CHICAGO'S NABC

D14's GNT Championship Flight team of Terry Beckman, John Koch, Tom Grue, and Cindy and Bob Balderson made the trip to Chicago's NABC and played some terrific bridge. Against the best players in the country, this Minnesota foursome came back in 3rd place of the GNT Championship Flight - really quite impressive. After the first two rounds, this team was in 16th place - moving up to 9th place after four rounds - and ending up in 3rd place after six. Well done, all of you!

August 3 2023
R I P - KORY SOLARZ 1937-2023

From Connie Nelson in St. Cloud: With profound sadness the St Cloud Duplicate Club announces the death of our Club Manager, Kory Solarz. He passed away the evening of July 22, 2023. Kory was a character. He made our club fun. He knew how to tease everyone, starting out a game with lines such as: “Good luck to some of you.” When a player accomplished a bridge milestone, they might get a present from Kory - a signed photograph of himself!

Kory was a man of character. Everyone trusted his director calls. He was informed and fair. Kory had a soft, fun way of soothing ruffled feathers or quieting a raised voice. He worked tirelessly for our club, and was there every, single game. Simply put, Kory was loved!

(I would add not everyone has the right temperament or attitude to be a successful bridge club manager - but Kory was one of the very few who was terrific at managing both the club AND the players - ED)

August 3 2023
AQUATENNIAL SECTIONAL CHAMPION: IT'S A FAMILIAR NAME TO MOST

153.5 tables of bridge were held over the three-day period last week at the Maple Grove Aquatennial Summer Sectional. (By all measures a success!) Over 1,105 masterpoints went to 163 players during the event, and the tournament champion this time around was Bob Balderson of Eden Prairie. Congratulations to Bob who earned 33.49 MPs - beating out 2nd place's Terry Beckman with 29.87 MPs (and Cindy Balderson in 3rd with 29.76 MPs).

August 3 2023
JUDY HANSEN - MINNESOTA'S NEWEST DIAMOND LIFE MASTER

Congratulations and a big shout-out to Judy Hansen of Eagan, who crossed the 5,000 masterpoint mark this past month. Once having gotten to 3,500 MPs, Judy's plan was to make a Diamond Life Master in two years - and her determination has paid off (in spades, IYKWIM). Well done, Judy! (Next stop: 7,500!!)

August 2 2023
BACK FROM VACATION

Nine weeks away from the cards and the card tables - but that's over now. Updates coming!

May 28 2023
MAPLE GROVE AQUATENNIAL SUMMER SECTIONAL SET

The Maple Grove Community Center is the location for U178's summer sectional this July; click on the flyer to the right to check out all the information. The dates are Wednesday July 26 to Friday July 28 (so "the weekend is yours") and includes both pair and team games. Come play in air-conditioned comfort (and mosquito-free conditions!) in late July.

May 27 2023
BRIDGE CENTER OF ST PAUL ON THE MOVE

The Bridge Center of St. Paul is moving to a new location this summer; click on the flyer to the right to check out all the important dates. Larry Huiras is coordinating volunteers (and you can call or text him at 715-410-8705). It's a new location, but it's run by the same great people - and it sounds like a summer-long party as the tables and bidding boxes are moving about 10 miles west. Be sure to plan to check out their new digs!

May 27 2023
GOPHER TOURNAMENT A HUGE SUCCESS

Congratulations to Patti Stuhlmann, Warren Nelson, and all the volunteers (and directing staff) that put together another great Minnesota Get-Together this week. Tables this week exceeded 2022's Gopher Regional by 20.0% (totalling 687 for the six-day tournament), and perhaps more important, everyone had a terrific time. Now - a bit of a breather - and then planning starts for the 2024 Gopher!

May 26 2023
GREG NASTROM - GOPHER LIFE MASTER

[From Connie Nelson:]
The team of Greg Nastrom, Jane Curtis, Shirley Richardson and Scott Richardson went to the Gopher. Their goal - to get Greg eight gold for his Life Master. They entered the new event — the Mini-Soloway Swiss, and advancing to the second day, they were crossing their fingers and toes that they would earn enough. And, they did! They came in second, earning over fourteen. Here is new Life Master Greg Nastrom on the day of his win.

May 25 2023
MINNESOTA'S NEWEST EMERALD LIFE MASTER

Carol Mahoney in Rochester is Minnesota's Newest Emerald Life Master as she earned her 7,500th masterpoint this week - well done, Carol! At the age of 90, Carol is still playing bridge every day and enjoying the game. At the Rochester DBC she was given the ceremonial "Emerald Sash" and "Emerald Ring" which she wore to impress partner and opponents alike. Next up for Carol - the 10,000 mark!

May 24 2023
ST CLOUD SECTIONAL NEXT MONTH

St. Cloud has got everything together for their sectional next month. The dates are June 22 to 24, and if you were in attendance last June you KNOW it's going to be fun. Here is the flyer (click to enlarge). . .and we'll see YOU at the Sartell Community Center in June. (Connie Nelson says she's expecting 20 tables of team game players, so lots of MPs to be awarded - and Anna Marie's Alliance is the local charity. A local business [KNSI] will match donations from players up to $500 for this charity which works to prevent and respond to violence in the home.) [ED: The free Friday night concert in St. Cloud features Herman's Hermits, The Cowsills, and The Rockin' Hollywoods in Whitney Park. Who's bringing a blanket?]

April 30 2023
EDINA TOURNAMENT COMES TOGETHER
You can plan everything down to the last item on your convention card, but you just can't plan everything! When the D-I-C ends up requiring life-saving surgery, it's great to see the bridge community come together and help make Edina's Spring Sectional a big success. Carole Miner and Cynthia Balderson were the tournament champions (21.37 mps!) and all the results can be found by clicking here. (Oh - also - if you saw the results at the Gopher, you know that Tony did not skip a beat once he was back at the bridge table!)

April 26 2023
"WELCOME BACK SNOWBIRDS" I/N SECTIONAL RECAP

[From Connie Nelson up in St. Cloud:]
We had a full house of our Non-Life Master 749er tournament! No, we weren't playing poker. . .our "house" was full of bridge tables, concentration - and laughter. We had 12 full tables in the morning, 11 in the afternoon - a new high for our NLM sectionals!

Many St. Cloud Duplicate players earned silver points, along with guests from other clubs. Four players came from Duluth, as well as several pairs from the Cities. 34 different players earned silver masterpoints.

The "Top Ten" masterpoint winners across both sessions were:

In the morning session, Jan Gembol and Sandy Johnson came in 1st N/S and overall, followed closely by Cathy and Paul Wehrman (1st E/W, 2nd overall) and Mark Stiegel and Barbara Johnson (3rd overall). In Flight C, Jane Schmidt and Dan Karl came in 1st N/S, with Nancy Balfanz and Sara Heim 1st E/W. !

April 22 2023
ROCHESTER SECTIONAL SERVES UP MAJOR MILESTONES

The report from Rochester's Spring Sectional was all cold contracts this month. In addition to seeing an increase in table counts compared to last year, several players in attendance crossed major milestones at the three-day event.

JAN MORRIS (Rochester) became a new Life Master, as did ROLF HUBMAYR (Minneapolis) and RENEE SMITH (Charles City, Iowa). MICHELE GRINDAL (Minneapolis) celebrating becoming a Silver Life Master in Rochester, and MARIA ROSWALL (La Crosse) became a new Ruby Life Master. (The big tournament champion of the three-day event was home-grown CAROLE MATAYA.) Congratulations to all of you!

Jan Morris

Rolf Hubmayr

Renee Smith

Michele Grindal

Maria Roswall

Carole Mataya

April 20 2023
"SCOOTER" GETS HIS LIFE MASTER (AND MORE)

Scott ("Scooter") Krupke, Mark Doucette, Jim Schnepf and Connie Nelson traveled from St. Cloud to Gatlinburg TN's regional. Their goal — to get Scott six gold points for his Life Master. They thought four days should do it, and planned to play together Monday through Thursday. On Monday, they won their Swiss Team bracket and earned eleven gold points. Mission accomplished! Scott (left, below) became not only Life Master, but a Silver Life Master - and this team went on to win more than thirty-eight gold points over the four days.