Good Gawd
  

 

 Unit 141 Newsletter        November 2013
   Philadelphia Contract Bridge Association
 

 

In This Issue

  • Busy October 
  •  

  • Sectional 
  •  
  • 48 Tables!  
  •  

  • New North Penn 

  • Solomon Sign Up  
  •  

  • Table Tips
  •  

  • Club News
  • Upcoming Events

     

    October 28 - Nov. 3

    November 11-17

    November 28 - Dec. 8

    December 27-31

    January 10-12

    February 7-9
    Feedback 
      

    Send your comments and suggestions for future articles to Allison Brandt at allison@dovetailpress.com

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    Busy October
     

    September Tree As November starts, we look back on a busy October. It started with another successful Unit 141 Sectional at Bala. Despite the soggy weather, scores of players turned out for pairs and teams events throughout the weekend.

     

    Then we had a raging success on October 28th, with a non-life master Teams event. Originally planned for 40 teams, the event was expanded to accommodate 48 teams because there was so much interest. Despite the added teams, we still had more requests. So for those of you who wanted to participate but still could not join this time, please be assured that we will do it again next spring and hope you will play then. Read and see more about the event below.

     

    September Pumpkins
     

    The Unit 141 Bala sectionals go on hiatus until January, but will be back on January 10-12, 2014. All five Unit 141 sectionals in 2014--January, February, April, September, and October--will be held at Bala. A note about parking: With the golf course closed in January and February, the entire parking lot will be available to bridge players with no shuttles. As always, free valet parking is also available. Free breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks will be offered as always. Check the Unit 141 website or the event flyers (see Upcoming Events) for details and updates. 

     

    Another Successful Unit 141 Sectional at Bala   
     
    Enjoy these pictures of some of the many players at the October Sectional.
    Alexander Okamoro 

    Max Lieberman 
     
    Barbara Grossman 

    Dilip Namjoshi (with Bobbie Gomer in
    the background) 
    Ellen Berkowitz 
    Pamela Wilford and Sara Zug 
    Ralph Collins and Jeff Sprowkes 
    Donalee and Barry Griswold 
    Phyllis and Ken Hoover 
    Mary Miller and Dede Laverman 
    Janet Johnson and Ed Kung 
    Linda Di Luco and Judy Robbins 

     

    Unit 141 Non-Life Master Event Draws an Amazing 48 Teams 

    A remarkable 48 tables of non-life masters turned out for a special Teams event on October 28 designed just for them. Organized by Unit 141 I/N coordinator Bruce Lang to support newer players and introduce a Swiss Teams format, the event followed the Unit's unique Dupli-Swiss format coupled with plenty of volunteers and support to keep things moving.

    Because of this format, hand records were of course available for post-mortem analysis. Other features included supplemental instruction by fantastic Philly teacher Rich Rothwarf and free hospitality, including lunch.

    More NLM events are planned for the future, so look for information in your inbox and at clubs soon.
    Sandi Ramsburg and Vilma Rodgers 
    Randee Braslow and Gail Ruth 
    Lou Ann Luongo and Diane Cutler 
    Sal Marcello, Margaret Striebel, and Mary Previtera 

     

    North Penn Bridge Club Moves to a New, Lovely Location    

     

    The North Penn Duplicate Bridge Club proudly announces its move to a modern facility in the Lansdale area. The new location, 298 Wissahickon Ave, Suite B in North Wales PA, has plenty of playing space, parking, and amenities that make it a first-rate destination for bridge. It is also easily accessible from the Penndale train station. See Google maps:

     

    Games will be held at the old location through Friday evening, November 8th. Games at the new location launch with the noon game on Monday, November 11th. A Grand Reopening celebration is planned for the week of Nov 18th, with free hoagies at the afternoon games and free pizza at the evening games.

     

     

    For a full schedule of game times and additional information, visit the club website:

     

    Registration for 2014 Solomon Teams Is Still Open 

     

    Solomon Teams Logo  

     

    The 2014 Solomon Teams season starts soon, but entries are still being accepted for teams in any flight. This extended teams event is a competitive but social event, with matches usually played in homes. Please contact coordinator Art Korth at Artk78@comcast.net if you have questions or to register.  

    solomons
    Solomon Teams namesakes, Peggy and Charles Solomon

     

    Table Tips: Bidding in Tempo

    [At a recent visit to the Harrisburg Bridge club, we observed some interesting club rules about hesitations with regard to new players. Each club can set whatever rules it deems appropriate, but their rules spurred a discussion about tempo. This article reprints some recommendations about tempo, hesitations, and the best way to handles breaks in tempo.  --ED]

     

    Bidding Box An issue at the table that can cause confusion and unpleasantness between opponents is "tempo." Players know that they should play in tempo--that is, that they should bid at the same, even pace each time (unless they have been halted by a Stop card). They also know, however, that bridge is a thinking game and some hands need time to figure out what to do. They want to know why some people call for the director every time a player hesitates over a bid.

     

    Have you ever wondered: Can I take extra time to bid? When does slow bidding become a problem? What is the right way to play in tempo? Here's the short answer:

     

    � It is ok to think and then pass.

    � It is not always ok, however, for your partner to bid on after you take an unusual amount of time to pass.

     

    When your partner takes extra time to pass, it is your responsibility to do the right thing. When you have a borderline hand, the right thing is to also pass. If your partner thinks a lot before passing, it suggests that he or she has something going--extra values or unusual shape or something else. You can't take advantage of that information and must pass unless bidding on is absolutely 100% obvious. Taking advantage of partner's slow pass would be unfair and will likely result in a director call from your opponents.

     

    The great Larry Cohen summarizes the situation best: "It is simply UNETHICAL to take advantage of your partner's tempo." 

     

    If you think that you have been the victim of a break in tempo, you are entitled to call the director. Do be gentle with new players, however, who might not yet understand this complicated issue. It's ok to give them some leeway and not call the director or, if you do, kindly call for the director. 

     

    Club News
     
    Card Hand on Right

    The North Penn Bridge Club moves to a new location in November. For more information, see the full article above.

     

    Raffles for Bridge has moves it Non-Life Master Game to Thursday afternoons at 12:30 PM. A novice lesson and supervised game starts every Thursday morning at 9:15 AM. For more information, visit the website: http://www.bridgewebs.com/rafflesforbridge/.

    Bridge Center of Delaware County (BCDC) has added a Non-Life Master section to the Monday afternoon game. Check their website for details www.delcobridge.com.

     

    Local clubs are encouraged to send announcements, schedules, updates, and special games for placement in upcoming newsletters.

    Unit 141 Newsletter, November 2013
    Volume 3, Issue 11
    Editor: Allison Brandt (allison@dovetailpress.com