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The D14 teams semi-finals are on May 4th or 5th, depending on your flight. There are three ways to qualify to play in these semi-finals on BBO. Here is how you can get a team together and get in on the action:
The entry fee to play in D14's GNT Semi-Finals is $120 per team for the two-session contest (or $30 per player). Send this check, along with any additional $10 buy-in checks (if needed), to:
1544 Minnehaha Avenue East St Paul MN 55106 THEN - THE FUN TAKES PLACE There are four flights in the Grand National Teams. Saturday, May 4 at 10am would be the Open Flight (that's open to any team) and the Flight B Swiss (no player with more than 2,500 masterpoints as of November 1, 2023). The following day, Sunday, May 5 at 10am is the Flight A Swiss (no player with more than 6,000 masterpoints as of November 1, 2023) and the Flight C NLM Swiss (no player with more than 500 masterpoints as of November 1, 2023). To check out the D14 GNT Conditions of Contest and Keith's original document with the detailed information, click here. We'll hope to see YOU and your teammates in Toronto at the NABC. |
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Our DIC (Matt Koltnow) for the Gopher let everyone know the ACBL's COVID policy has completely changed starting May 13th. No longer will masks be required, no longer are covid vaccinations required, you cannot require your opponents to wear a mask, nor can you put anything on the tournament flyers about COVID, and Safety Event Coordinators (which were required by the ACBL) are no longer. Hand sanitizers will still be available in the playing area, and people who are not feeling well will still hopefully do the right thing and stay home! One more meeting next month is scheduled and then the Gopher Regional takes place. Thanks again to everyone who is helping to put this week of tournament bridge together - it takes a lot of volunteers (and their time) to pull it off. |
 (That's Cecilia Ehrlichman [Northfield] as your LHO, Sarah Wahl [Minneapolis] as your partner, and Kyra Helmbold [Northfield] as your RHO, combined ages at the time of this round of bridge: 68.) |
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If you would like to see any or all of the results from this tournament, please click here. And a few photos of the fun from this past week:            |
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Despite agreeing to keep the units separate, the consensus among those in the joint meeting was that communication and cooperation between the units has vastly improved over the past couple of years, and it was decided to continue to build on these cooperative efforts. There is still more work to be done - and while many bridge players may not fully understand (or even care) about these discussions, that's okay as long as it doesn't interfere with their enjoyment of this great game of bridge. Going forward, that will continue to be the blueprint for your two Minnesota units. . .not to interfere with keeping bridge players happy. Here's a friendly reminder if you'd like to get involved with your unit, check with either board president (Steve or Sue) or just let one of your current board members know. Open board positions are available to be filled - and unit elections are just around the corner. |
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One day into the tournament, Tom Botten [Prior Lake] and Joyce Johnson [Prior Lake] lead the pack, having earned 11.70 masterpoints. Among the Non-Life Master crowd, Arylce Anderson [Mankato] and Judy Jackson [Mankato] are in 1st place with 3.02 masterpoints, and that's with lots of bridge yet to come. | 
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[Kim Hayward:] (Laughing) Hey, I'm happy about this! But I understand how people will react to my departure - it's going to be hard for me to leave Minnesota. The Bridge Center of St Paul is doing great and the people have been so wonderful. [TT:] We know this is something you've been considering for awhile - but it's still got to be tough for you. [Kim:] Of course it is. For awhile now, my partner and I have been considering a warmer climate, and as it turns out, some opportunities just happened to work out that made a move now the right thing for us. [TT:] You know this is one of those situations where it's going to be terrible for the rest of us, right? While at the same time we do hope the best for you. [Kim:] Thank you, that's nice of you to say. [TT:] You know it's true! What is your plan for bridge in Scottsdale? [Kim:] Besides playing more? Both Bridge on Shea and InTempo Bridge clubs are looking for directors, and I know a few people at each of those clubs - so I'll probably start at one or both directing some games. But it will be a nice break from being in charge of running an entire club. Also, did I mention that it would be warmer? [TT:] Right - even though we just had the warmest winter on record in Minnesota! [Kim:] I've been here through plenty of winters, but it does seem ironic that this move happens to be taking place following such a mild Minnesota winter. [TT:] Tell us more about the timing, and when we will see you again. [Kim:] Nothing is happening until next month; I'll be at the BCSP through mid-May, and of course I have a few sectionals to direct before then - and the Gopher! I'll definitely be at the Gopher this year. [TT:] And the goodbye parties? When do they happen? [Kim:] Well. . .I'm trying to discourage any big productions for a party, but Larry [Huiras] is planning something at the club. Patti Stuhlman has asked me about a reception at the Gopher. I'm really not that comfortable with people making such a big deal. [TT:] That's too bad, since you're such a terrific person and everyone will want to make a big deal out of your departure. If there was something you wanted to tell bridge players across Minnesota, what would it be? [Kim:] (Laughing) Oh, there are a LOT of things I could say right now. But I guess people should know I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had here - and that there are some really wonderful people in our bridge community. [TT:] It won't be the same - I don't suppose we could guilt you into staying in Minnesota? [Kim:] Ha! You can try. [TT:] Seriously, though, everyone wishes you the best, and we know that our loss is Scottsdale's gain. [Kim:] Thank you. It's definitely been a bittersweet process to come to this decision. But I'll be around for awhile yet. And Minnesota bridge (and players) will always have a place in my heart. [Ed: If clicking on the link embedded just above is not clue enough, please do take note of the date of this news item at the top.] |
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   (And your two tournaments in April that are coming up:)   |
  
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Regional Tournament Sanction Fee: $5.50 per table (up +7.4%) Sectional Tournament Sanction Fee: $4.00 per table (up +12.4%) Surcharge for Sectional Tournament: $225.00 (up +18.4%) Tournament Director, per session: $240.00 (up +3.9%) |
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There were lots of close races in Unit 178 this year - you can check out the top 3 players in each category by clicking here. |
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Richard Freeman [Peru IA] and Peter Wityk [Des Moines IA] Jade Barrett [Elk Point SD] and Anne Beaurivage [Lincoln NE] Michael and Slywia McNamara [Horace ND] Flight "B" Mary Wescott [Lakeville] and Kathy LaMere [Minneapolis] Gerald Burdeski [Moorhead] and William Swenson [Minneapolis] Connie Nelson [Avon] and Jim Schnepf [Avon] Gregory Dorr [Little Canada] and Gerry Keith [Lino Lakes] Flight "C" Rolf Hoyer [Des Moines] and David Nelmark [Urbandale] Nancy Balfanz [St Cloud] and Sandra Johnson [St Cloud] |
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