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DISTRICT 17 BRIDGE BUZZ
NOVEMBER 2022
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The District 17 Bridge Buzz focuses on district and national news and provides you with the links to access the details. Catch the next Buzz January 2023.
Contact Cindy Shoemaker, editor, cndyshoemaker@yahoo.com with feedback and content suggestions.
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By Elizabeth Hamilton
grtscot@gmail.com
415-994-3527
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Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. A quote attributed to John Lennon.
This quote was included in the lyrics of the song he wrote for his son called, Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) released in 1980. Lennon was not the first to use these words as they can be traced back to multiple sources. The first appearance seems to be in an issue of Reader’s Digest magazine in January 1957. It brings new meaning to the phrase, oldie but goodie. Perhaps many of us fall into that category - you decide.
The quote seems to be extremely appropriate at the moment for our world of bridge. A lot of time is being put into analyzing data to try to plan bridge games at clubs, online and tournaments in 2023 and just when it looks like we have an answer, something comes along to make us rethink the plan. This is just how things are at the moment. Perhaps it will be the case for some time to come but we will keep trying.
This will be the last BUZZ for 2022 and we really have had an interesting and challenging year. The D17 Board has had a busy time working on cost-controlling plans while trying to offer the best bridge playing experience to our members. I think we all feel that getting back to face-to-face club games and tournaments will help us build back a strong bridge foundation in our bridge communities.
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The next regional in D17 will be held in Las Vegas November 7 to 13 followed by the Cactus Flower Non-life Master Regional in Tucson, AZ. The Phoenix NABC will be held November 24 to December 4. These are fantastic opportunities to catch up with old friends and to enjoy playing bridge at the competitive level that makes you feel comfortable. There really is an event for everyone. In addition, there are many sectionals in D17. Some will be close to you. Check out the tournament calendar on our website: www.d17acbl.org.
In 2019, there were 146 regionals across the country. Then the pandemic hit and the number went down to 105 in 2022 - a projected number because the year is not over yet. There were 882 sectionals in 2019 and 484 in 2022 - again a projected number. What messages are these numbers sending? Your thoughts would be interesting.
Our last D17 Board meeting will be held December 8, 2022 via ZOOM. If you have something specific that you would like us to address, please contact your D17 Representative and share your thoughts.
Our first board meeting of 2023 will be held face-to-face in January during the Land of Enchantment Regional, Albuquerque. Come stay, play and meet the D17 Board!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you are playing in the D17 NAP Finals in Las Vegas - may the cards fall in your favor!
Stay safe and healthy and keep in touch. I'll see you at the bridge table in 2023!
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By Angie Clark
Tournament Chair
angieclark@comcast.net
Las Vegas Unit 373’s Board of Directors, our Glitter Gulch Tournament Chairs and Volunteers look forward to welcoming you to the Plaza in less than seven days!
Every event is designed to provide you with a meaningful competitive bridge experience. From the Premier Soloway KO to 299er Pairs, we hope you will be successful earning those coveted Gold and Red points. All tournament activity will take place in the Sierra Ballroom on the third floor of the Plaza.
We are honored to host the D17 NAP Finals for Flight B on Friday, November 11 and Flights A and C on Saturday, November 12. Successful pairs will represent the District at the NABC in New Orleans March of 2023.
Our tournament will follow ACBL directives. We value you and your health and safety. All participants must be vaccinated for COVID and show proof of same. We have a fashionable wristband for you to wear during the seven-day competition. Masks are not required. We do ask that you respect your fellow players and mask up if requested to do so. Masks will be available at Safety, Hospitality and Partnership Desks.
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As in the past, our Partnership Desk stands ready to provide you with a partner if you need one.
Remember, this a cashless tournament! Smoke and fragrance free too!
Your evenings are free and the Las Vegas night life -- dinner, shows or just an evening stroll on Fremont Street -- is yours for the taking. NFL, NHL and collegiate fans can view the ultimate big screen experience at the Circa Sportsbook most evenings.
The Las Vegas Glitter Gulch Regional has a storied history in the annals of face-to-face bridge. Like regionals across the country, we are eager to see a resurgence in attendance that will benefit the game for generations to come. Your support of our regional is one more step forward.
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CACTUS FLOWER NLM REGIONAL
TUCSON, AZ
NOVEMBER 17-19
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By Jack Shoemaker
Tournament Chair
shoejack20@gmail.com
The Cactus Flower Non-Life Master (NLM) Regional delivers the GOLD Thursday, November 17 through Saturday, November 19 at the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, 8625 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson. Ample free parking daily.
This regional is exclusively for non-life masters with fewer than 750 points. Gold Rush Pairs or teams that finish in the overalls (Stratification A) will be awarded 33 percent Gold and 67 percent Red masterpoints!
There will be two days of two-session Gold Rush Pairs. Saturday is the Gold Rush Swiss Teams. All non-life masters will receive a tournament patch and more.
The Cactus Flower NLM Regional and the Tucson Fall Sectional will be held at the same time and at the same location; however, they are two separate tournaments.
Both the regional and the sectional will award 20 percent more masterpoints to those who place in the overalls!
The sectional offers two days of Open Pairs and two days of Swiss Teams. A sectional Stratified Swiss Teams will be held on Saturday.
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Hospitable touches include complimentary coffee and hot tea daily and premium candy each afternoon. Saturday lunch will be offered at a reduced rate.
Take advantage of free lectures by top local experts Thursday and Friday between sessions.
Need a partner? Contact Doug Cain, partnership chair, cainds2@comcast.net or post to www.playsouthernazbridge.com and click partnerships.
The regional and the sectional are cashless tournaments. Please be prepared to pay with a credit/debit card.
We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!
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LAND OF ENCHANTMENT REGIONAL
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
JANUARY 16-22, 2023
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By Ben Franz
Tournament Chair
benfranz99@gmail.com
Albuquerque Unit 374 is hosting the revival of its popular January regional after a two-year hiatus. The location will be the same --the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel -- conveniently located near I-25 and Paseo del Norte in North Albuquerque.
Advance room reservations are available now by calling the direct reservations line: 1-800-262-2043 or book online at: Book Room Reservations
We have a new schedule (two sessions per day at 10 am and 3 pm) with a variety of events that will provide something for players of all levels, including five days of Gold Rush pairs, two daily single session Intermediate/Novice pairs, and a new event – the Soloway format bracketed Knockout Teams starting on Tuesday and Friday. The two session Board-A-Match Stratified Teams event will be held on Thursday.
We will have daily educational speakers, door prize drawings and hospitality gifts. Our dining guide will cover the many options available in Albuquerque with a special section of Santa Fe restaurants for those who decide to take a day to visit our historic state capital.
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Rick Weigle will be running our partnership desk again. Please email Rick if you need a partner: abqregpartners@gmail.com
If you plan to win an event or make life master during our tournament, we want to be prepared to publish your accomplishment and display your picture in our daily bulletin. If you need to put a picture on file, or update the one that is already there, send your name, ACBL number and the picture to: abqregBulletin@gmail.com You can also send any general requests for information to that email address.
ACBL COVID-19 and local protocols in effect at the time of the tournament will be enforced. All participants must be vaccinated.
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GRAND NATIONAL TEAMS
QUALIFYING GAMES ARE UNDERWAY
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The D17 2022-2023 Grand National Teams (GNT) Finals for Flights A, B and C are scheduled to be held face-to-face at Denver’s Rocky Mountain Regional Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, 2023.
The D17 GNT Championship Flight Finals are scheduled to be held online at www.bridgebase.com Thursday, April 6 and Friday, April 7, 2023. A team with any amount of masterpoints may enter; however, if you win the Championship Flight, you and your team may not participate in another Flight’s Final.
You must qualify at a club or unit GNT qualifying game to play in the D17 GNT Finals regardless of flight. Please encourage your club manager or unit board to schedule qualifying games. The last date to hold qualifying games is February 28, 2023.
All teams must preregister to play in the GNT Finals. Teams registering for the Championship Flight must do so by Friday, March 31, 2023. Teams registering for Flights A, B and C must do so by Sunday, May 15, 2023.
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The winning team of each flight is eligible to compete in the National Final scheduled to be played in-person at the Chicago NABC starting July 12, 2023.
Don’t miss your opportunity to play in this prestigious grass roots event!
For details, refer to the D17 GNT Conditions of Contest below or contact Bonnie Bagley, GNT Coordinator, bon1bon@comcast.net
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By Joyce Keane
NABC Publicity Chair
jekeane903@gmail.com
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The Fall 2022 North American Bridge Championships (NABC) will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center, November
24 through December 4, 2022.
Volunteers Needed!
Dozens of volunteers are needed to fill time slots before and after play. Areas include registration, partnerships, prize desk and information. Training provided.
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Parking at the Phoenix NABC
Discount parking is available for $5 per day at the 333 East Jefferson Street Garage just next to the Convention Center. To qualify, you must enter the garage after 7 am and depart before 7 pm. Exits after 7 pm may be subject to an additional fee. All parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Save time and pre-pay. Go to www.parkwhiz.com Type in Phoenix Convention Center, then Phoenix NABC.
Plenty of parking is available at the North, West, East, Heritage, Regency and Orpheum Garages for $15 per day.
There is a passenger drop off at the North Building on Monroe between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
Need a Scooter?
The Convention Center is large and walking is necessary. If you would like to rent a scooter to help you get around the Convention Center, please contact Southwest Mobility, Inc at (877) 429-0944 or (480) 654-2292 in advance of your arrival. The rate is $150 a week with a one-time $85 drop off/pick up charge. The Scooter model is Pride Victory.
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Still Time to Sponsor Events
The Committee needs your help! Have you ever wanted to recognize a fellow bridge player who has tirelessly served our bridge community? Naming an event at the 2022 Phoenix NABC is a fitting tribute. Here is your chance!
It will be exciting to see a familiar name in the printed NABC schedule and know that the money will contribute to a great cause – a robust and exciting I/N Program and improving the playing experience for local and visiting players.
A two-session event is $100 and a one-session event is $50. Sponsorships are almost sold out, so please act now.
Contact Susan Kraght for more information or to reserve your spot.
Share Your NABC Story
Are you playing in the Phoenix NABC? ACBL wants to know more about your unique bridge-playing stories and NABC experiences. Here’s a great opportunity to share with others. You may be included in a future ACBL Bridge Bulletin, on ACBL’s social media pages or in a news story. Click here to start the process.
For additional questions contact Joyce Keane at PhoenixNABC2022@gmail.com
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ACBL members receive masterpoints for winning and placing in club games and tournaments as they strive to advance through the ranks. There are 16 ranks, from Junior Master (5 masterpoints) to Grand Life Master (10,000 masterpoints plus a victory in an eligible North American Bridge Championship). | | | | | |
