Which country runs the best bridge tournaments? An editorial in the International Bridge Press Association Bulletin addressed that question. The United States’ American Contract Bridge League got high marks for tournaments in this country, but the top nods went to Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and Japan. If they took a poll on the toughest tournaments, the United States would win.
Meanwhile closer to home, Denver bridge unit sectionals are among the most successful in the nation, thanks to a hardworking unit board, an excellent and spacious playing site at the Jefferson Country Fairgrounds, and a popular schedule of events.
One recent adjustment came about as the result of a player survey. The traditional Saturday starting times of 1 and 7 p.m. for the double session Stratified Open Pairs were changed to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to boost attendance.
Goodwill Committee: Jerry Fleming of Los Alamos, N.M., the American Contract Bridge League District 17 national board representative and 2009 ACBL president, has announced the annual Goodwill Committee appointments for exceptional contributions to the world of bridge.
Among this year’s deserving recipients is Bill Michaels of Colorado Springs. Michaels directs at bridge tournaments in Denver and throughout the state, as well as elsewhere in the region and at national tournaments. Notes Fleming, “He has a reputation for being good with the players, and gets glowing reports from all the tournaments at which he works.”
District Finalists: Allen Kane of Pueblo West and En Hay of Littleton won the District 17 finals of the 2009-2010 North American Pairs competition at a regional tournament in Ruidoso, N.M. earlier this month. That won them a partially paid trip to play in the national finals at the ACBL’s Spring North American Bridge Championships in Reno in March. One level to go for a national title.
Upcoming Bridge Lessions: The Denver House of Cards is offering a beginning bridge class, Basic Bridge I, starting Nov. 3. This six-week course is taught Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The course utilizes the Audrey Grant Bridge Basics Series and will cover one no-trump openings, major and minor suit openings, play of the hand and elementary defense. You can register by calling 303-781-6552.
Elections: Jerry Ranney has been re-elected to a two year term as one of Denver’s two representatives on the ACBL District 17 board of directors. Denver’s second representative is Carolyn Newcomb.
In the District 17 board of governors election, winners included Frank Queen of Denver (former Denver unit and District 17 president), Bonnie Bagley of Colorado Springs (current District 17 board of directors secretary), and George Hanzas of Rocky Ford.
Overtricks: Congratulations to Merrell Anderson of Littleton and Steve Cooper of Fort Collins, new Emerald Life Masters at 7,500 masterpoints lifetime total. Carolyn Friesen of Grand Junction is a new Gold Life Master at 2,500. New Silver Life Masters (1,000 masterpoint level) are Bradley Brehmer of Denver, Sara Novachek of Littleton, and Brian Hegarty and Miriam Feinberg, both of Colorado Springs.
New Life Masters include Barbara Yoshimura of Lyons, Douglas Feisler of Montrose, Leah Mach of Castle Rock, Marsha Shaw of Littleton, Mindy Smith of Boulder, Bill and Gail Greeley of Windsor, and Cornelia Snyder, Mary Hess and Helen Pearl, all of Denver.
