Quoting from a recent ACBL email, "As our world slowly returns to its 'old normal,' there is no better time to create a fresh look to the ACBL brand and website that is recognizable, accessible and longstanding. The new logo clearly explains who we are and what we do."
We will use the new logo and seal, as appropriate in all D4 publications and are sure you will become familiar with it very soon. "Dealing Infinite Possibilities" -- and isn't that why we love the game?
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Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Contact your District 4 board members.
PRESIDENT
Jeanne Gehret
jeannegehret@comcast.net
VICE PRESIDENT
Betsy Cutler
betsy2955@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Bill Bauer
william.baueriii@verizon.net
TREASURER
Pat Civale
pat@csa-accounting.com
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Joann Glasson
joannglasson@msn.com
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Smooth Re-entry?
I hope you had the opportunity to watch the two private space launches in July. The first, funded by Sir Richard Branson, was an aircraft-like flight to the edge of space, with a smooth runway landing. The second, funded by Jeff Bezos, was a more traditional platform rocket launch where the capsule separated from the launcher. The launcher returned to its landing zone, completing its journey with a perfect touchdown. Meanwhile, the passenger capsule continued into space before returning to Earth, its descent slowed by parachutes opening in several stages with the final landing cushioned by a blast of air. These were impressive events that left me imagining how space – and passenger – travel will advance over the coming years.
Have you re-entered the face to face (f2f) bridge scene? I took the plunge, and was surprised at my initial nervous reactions:
· Holding cards felt very strange
· Making alerts for my partner’s bids – what?!?
· Lead out of turn – ugh!
But…. I survived it! (You can, too.) Plus, there were greetings and hugs all over the place and so much catching up to do. It really was wonderful! The realization also hit me that f2f bridge was valuable in preparing for upcoming tournaments. Like an athlete training for an event (cue the theme song to “Rocky”), bridge players need preparedness for competition, with our brain providing the muscle memory.
Recent statistics from the ACBL reported a weekly table increase of 38% for f2f bridge.
· Week ending July 4: 8,900 tables
· Week ending July 25: 12,255 tables
Bridge, whether virtual or f2f, is the same game… but, then again, it’s not the same. Consider your favorite musician. You can enjoy their music virtually – on the radio, playing a CD, but going to a concert and enjoying them live? It’s the same music, but a totally different experience.
Lastly, Covid – particularly the Delta variant – is making a surge. Indoor masking is recommended again. Sure, we all hate those masks, but we like being healthy more. However you choose to enjoy your days, please stay safe!
I welcome your comments or suggestions (jeannegehret@comcast.net)
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From the District Director |
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ACBL SUMMER BOARD MEETINGS
The ACBL Board of Directors' summer meetings were held from July 14th to the 16th. The main topics of discussion were the multiple issues related to our transition back to face-to-face bridge and the impact of the pandemic on online bridge.
In the near term, the current policies for virtual clubs and guest policies will be maintained, as face-to-face clubs attempt to reopen. Long range changes will be coming as management continues to analyze the trends and the marketplace.
Another hot topic of discussion was the ACBL policy on masks and vaccination requirements for tournament play. Although continually subject to change, the current ACBL policy is that players will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to participate in an ACBL tournament and that masks will not be required to be worn in the playing area, provided this is not contrary to state and local statute. Individual bridge clubs can establish their own policies.
FINANCE
Performing double duty as ACBL Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, I provided a mid-year report to the Board of Directors on the organization's financial condition. As of May 31, 2021, the ACBL has $19M in assets. Operating gain for the first five months of the year is just over $1M. With the resumption of face-to-face tournament bridge, we have revised projections for the balance of 2021 that show a gain from operations of about $150K. This number is highly dependent on the success of the Austin, Texas NABC in November, the first national tournament held by the ACBL in two years.
The reason for the reduction in projected operational gain is because face-to-face regional tournaments do not provide ACBL with the same level of income as online regional tournments and the ACBL is currently only planning one more 2021 online regional tournament in August of this year. Any profits from local regional tournaments go to the District that hosts the tournament with the ACBL receiving only a small portion of the fees, while profits from online tournaments go directly to the ACBL.
PRE-REGISTRATION
The Board was given a preview of an exciting innovation that will allow for pre-registration for tournaments. The ACBL will be introducing this product over the next few months. District 4's Lancaster Regional in October will be one of the initial testing sites for pre-registration.
We will be asking all players who are planning on attending the Lancaster Regional - October 25 to October 29 at Spooky Nook - to fill out the advance registration form that you will be receiving from the ACBL to let us know which days you are planning to attend. This will register you for attendance at the tournament.
Hopefully, also available for Lancaster will be a pre-registration ability for the actual events that you are planning to play. Pre-registration for events will reduce the time spent standing in line to buy your entry and enable the directing staff to start the events promptly, since they will know exactly how many pairs to expect.
There are great advantages to pre-registration for our District because District 4 is unique in providing a meal in between sessions at all our Regional tournaments. With the ability to pre-register players in advance of a tournament, the tournament organizers will be able to provide adequate playing space, adjust staffing to an appropriate level and also better monitor hospitality costs, so please help us by participating in the pre-registration process.
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Sectionals
September 10-12
October 2-3
October 8-10
October 15-17
October 21-23
December 27-31
Regionals
October 25-29
GNT/NAP
September 25-26
September 25
October 2
STaCs
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The 4Spot features fantastic contributors, on a regular rotation: |
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Larry's Learning Center by Larry Cohen:
January, April, July, October
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For Novices Only by Marti Ronemus:
February, May, August, November
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The ABC of Bridge by Dave Wachsman:
March, June, September, December
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We are fortunate to have Marti Ronemus as one of our regular contributors. Her column is billed "For Novices Only," but any player can improve their game if they improve their focus. Here are Marti's tips, reprinted from an earlier issue, on doing just that:
Focus on Focus
by Marti Ronemus
I thank my family for helping me learn to stay focused. I have three younger sisters and grew up in a VERY noisy environment! When I was in college, there was no such thing as those nice quiet little study booths they have now...you studied in the dorm room with the door open to the parties raging in the hall. Distracting? Oh yeah. And I always worked for companies that had that “open door” policy. Sure, walk right in... I only LOOKED busy. Humph.
To people who grew up like this and to the “younger” generation who can’t study without radio or TV on in the background or earbuds, silence isn’t as necessary for focus. So... what is?
We teachers know that student focus will improve with time and practice, but meantime, here’s a roadmap to help you. Mental rituals of attention...that is the secret.
Here’s a checklist that illustrates what that means.
1. When taking cards out of the board, notice who the dealer is and who’s vulnerable. Not only will this help analyze the hand (Opener? Likely to be third-seat?), but prevent bidding out of turn.
2. When sorting the hand, follow the late Harry Lambert’s advice: Categorize your hand by distribution... “I have a 5-3-3-2 hand.”
3. Count points and decide if it is a minimum, intermediate or maximum hand. What will be the opening bid? And what is the REBID??? You need to plan for that also.
4. As the bidding proceeds, VISUALIZE the hands. “East opened and has a 5-card Spade suit. Has to have 12+ points. Partner overcalled Diamonds at the two-level. He has at least 10 points and a 5-card or better decent diamond suit. That’s 22 points, minimum, accounted for. I’ve got 10 points. That’s 32. West can only have a max of 8 points.” SEE their hands. FOCUS on what they’re saying. SAY it – silently, of course. Later in the hand, recalling the shape of all the hands will be much easier.
5. Whether declarer or defender, ANALYZE the opening lead. Is it the top of trash? Does it promise an honor? Is it the top of touching honors? Does it show a 4-card suit? How does it square with visualization so far? What does it mean to the YOUR hand?
6. If declarer, stop to make a plan. How many tricks are needed? Where will they come from?
7. And then finally, declarer OR defender, after each trick, re-check the information. Did trump fall in three rounds? Someone showed out early? A queen dropped unexpectedly? Partner signals a high-low? What does each trick/card mean and how does it change the original hypotheses?
If you are constantly comparing the results so far to your original visualization, attention won’t wander...you’re too busy. Attention wanders when the mind isn’t engaged or is distracted. You won’t be thinking three tricks ahead (or behind), because you’re analyzing the results of THIS one...did it follow expectations? Did it give NEW information? Did it wreck Plan A?
Let’s focus on visualizing and checking constantly against reality. If your mind occasionally wanders and takes a little trip, using this checklist might help you return to the table.
If you have any other tricks to be present, please let me know. I want to hear from you and love to share ideas, hands and opinions. mronemus@comcast.net
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Double? Pass? No trump? Simple raise? Raise to game? So many options, but which is likely to give the best plus score? Make your call, then see how the experts bid, both in masterpoints and imps. And do read on to the end -- you'll have a good laugh, guaranteed. |
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News from Around the Units
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Unit 112: Central New York
Betty Youmans
readsausten@yahoo.com
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Unit 112 Congratulates Its Advancing Players!
Junior Master
Rita Bertrand, East Syracuse
Masha Fontes, Ithaca
John Gunselman, Big Flats
Club Master
Richard Landholm, Canandaigua
David Miller, LaFayette
Elizabeth Whitehouse, Corning
Regional Master
Pamela Cuda, Utica
Cynthia Murphy, Rochester
Janet Winfield, Elmira
Life Master
James Ertel, Bowmansville
William Hennessey, Fairport
Bronze Life Master
James Ertel, Bowmansville
William Hennessey, Fairport
Silver Life Master
Kathy Creveling, Fairport
Jack Marshall, Rochester
Eugene Northrop, Rushville
Craig Smith, Syracuse
Ruby Life Master
Billie Ohlbaum, New Hartford
The Mohawk Valley Bridge Association held its first face-to-face game on July 8 with six tables. What a joy to reunite with friends! There were many hugs and expressions of gladness. Special kudos to our President, Ann Smallen, who directed this game and a virtual game simultaneously while also playing! I am sure that throughout the unit, as face-to-face games resume, many smiles will be seen.
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Unit 120: Northeastern Pennsylvania
Doreese Torrey
doreeset@gmail.com
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Hello Unit 120!! Let's start off with applause and recognizing achievement.
New Club Master: Donna L Detrick, Sayre, PA
The Honesdale-Hawley DBC has changed hands. It Functioned as a Non-Profit Club since 1976 with Fran and Al Architzel heading up the Club for 20 years. After Al's death, Fran asked the members to take it over, and Edna Lane, Helen Lockwood and Fay Pacchioli volunteered for the job in 1997. Within a year, both Edna and Helen passed away and the Club functioned for the next 24 years with Fay and her loyal BOD at the helm.
Betsy Hattersley is stepping in as Club Manager and will be assisted by her four Club Directors - Jim Mazeika, Lee Vucic, Bob Bryden and Fay, as well as our Club Party Manager Joan Winters.
The Club is presently running games on Mondays at 10:30 am.
The snack bar is not open yet, but a full lunch is served every Monday and you can order ahead to have lunch reserved for you. There is a 20 minute lunch break. Call ahead to find out the menu. Masks are not required if proof of vaccination is shown.
Several more clubs have also opened face-to-face games in our Unit. If you are interested in face-to-face play and socializing, please check the ACBL website for days and times.
There are several upcoming tournaments published on the ACBL website and in the Bridge Bulletin. Be sure to make your reservations and plans early.
If you have any news or know of some news that should be shared with the Unit, please let me know and I will be sure to publish it in the next month’s news.
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Until next month, stay well, stay safe and I hope to see you at the face-to-face and online bridge tables. |
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Unit 121: Berks Montgomery
Brian C Snyder
4spadesdoubled@gmail.com
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Good news to report! Unit 121will be resuming f2f bridge every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:15pm at Good Shepherd UCC church starting July 6. For partnerships or questions contact Sue Wessner.
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Unit 133: Lehigh Valley
Lois Fuini
lafuini@yahoo.com
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We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful summer and your return to face-to-face bridge. It’s been nice to put on some good clothes, get in our cars, and see our friends at one of our clubs. At this time all our clubs had restarted in-person games. But, unfortunately due to several of our members testing positive for COVID, we have decided to shut down these live games until the week of August 9th. Everyone was enjoying getting back to the bridge table, not only for the bridge opportunities, but also for the renewal of bridge friendships. But, for your health and safety, we feel canceling these games or moving them online is the prudent thing to do. Please check our website for our new schedules and reopening dates.
New Rank Advancements
Congratulations!
New Sectional Master
Karen Guido
New Regional Master
EJ Krall
New NABC Master
Dave Willgruber
Save the Date
October Sectional
Unit 133 is planning our Fall Sectional for October 15, 16, and 17. We will try to make it as normal as possible while still adhering to the federal/state safety rules, and the rules mandated by ACBL.
Lehigh Valley Active Life, our facility, has made many safety and cosmetic improvements while closed, including updating its HVAC filtration system. The Tournament Committee will provide more information next month.
The Longest Day
Unit 133 is pleased to report that so far together we raised $955.31 for the Alzheimer’s Association. There is still time to make an extra contribution.
If you wish to make an additional donation, please mail your check, payable to the Alzheimer’s Association, to Betsy Cutler, 1383 Deerfield Drive, Allentown PA 18104
Thank you to everyone who played Father’s Day Weekend, to everyone who made extra contributions, and to everyone who volunteered time to make this fundraising event a success.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Craig Bailey and his partner Gilbert DeLeeuw who finished 3rd in the 0-1550 two-day pairs event. These games were held during the recent NAOBC event. Sixty-four people participated in this online competition.
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Unit 141: Philadelphia
Howard Kahlenberg
howard.kahlenberg@gmail.com
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“So, Howard,” a reader asks, * “are you ever going to include another chart that compares master point achievements over time?” Well, here is a chart that compares figures for 3 months in 2020 to the same three months in 2021.
* Is there an actual reader, or is this just poetic license? I’ll never tell.
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So, there has been some decline in the past year, which is not surprising given that much of the achievement is among newer players and the last year has not be a fertile recruitment period. Hopefully that will rebound as the general situation rebounds.
Congratulations to a new Life Master this month – Judith Simkins of Meadowbrook, which, judging from the train station, has neither a meadow nor a brook.
Other Masterpoint achievements:
New Ruby Life Master (1,500 points) – Robert Grinwis
New Silver Life Masters (1,000 point) - Marylyn Calabrese, Glenn Fuhrman, and Eileen Zakuto
New Bronze Life Masters (750 points) – Don Baker and Judith Simkins Richter (zoom!)
New NABC Masters (200 Points) - Andrew Cantor and John Matera
New Regional Masters (100 points) – Joanne Duffy, Michael Duffy, and Cliff Jackson
New Sectional Master (50 points) – Roselee Feinour
New Club Masters (20 points) – Barbara Auerbach, Patricia Bonetti, Evelyn Doyle, Jeanne Flynn, Sharon Harris, Terry Marzo, and Gepke Schimmelbusch
New Junior Masters (5 points) – Roseann Clark and Barbara Ann Cook
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Unit 168: Central Pennsylvania
Jeanne Gehret
jeannegehret@comcast.net
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Check back next month for Unit 168 news. In the meantime, stay well! |
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Unit 190: Delaware
Ala Hamilton-Day
alabridge@gmail.com
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PLAYER ADVANCEMENTS
JUNIOR MASTER: Jane R. Wooten
SECTIONAL MASTER: Neil Himelein and Cheryl L. Shields
REGIONAL MASTER: Rohan Mandayam
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Bridge Camp
By Rohan Mandayam
In early July, the DSBA sponsored a two-week virtual bridge camp for young people that took place over Zoom. In total, three students living in Unit 190 (ages 15-17) ended up participating in our two-hour sessions. They quickly proved to be fast learners and my co-counselor Stefan and I could not have been happier with their progress. Furthermore, two of them even attended a casual in-person session at the Bridge Studio!
I also had the pleasure of introducing bridge to summer campers at Wilmington Friends School's summer camp. The middle schoolers proved to be enthusiastic card-players who enjoyed the challenge of a new game. The takeaway, I believe, is that young people overall enjoy playing bridge, and we therefore need to redouble our efforts to introduce bridge into younger communities. Bridge, after all, has no age bounds.
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Congrats to David Venetianer!
Unit 190's own David Venetianer, as a member of team Mr. 1700 and Friends, won the North American Online Bridge Championships (NAOBC) 0–5000 Knockout Teams event. David was playing with his longtime friend and partner, Richard (Mr. 1700) Franklin. In a remarkable performance, their team never trailed in any quarter of any of their matches throughout the event and they defeated the defending champions in the final round.
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For news and information about the F2F Bridge games at the Studio, and online games there, the Shuffles games on BBO on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30, the August Dummy and other happenings, check out the Unit 190 website and click on the links below:
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Unit 217: Susquehanna
Jim McKeown
jcm@psu.edu
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Since our earlier sectional was canceled, we hope to hold our next tournament in Boalsburg in October. |
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