FRESNO FALL SECTIONAL
September 28-30
Our fall sectional is coming up at the end of the month. It’s time to get your partners lined up for the games. We’ll have the usual open and 499er games on Friday and Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm, except that Saturday morning has a 199er game at 10 am instead of a 499er game. For Saturday morning only, members with fewer than 10 master points play free. If you need a partner, call Mary Lou Pease, at 288-2340 or e-mail marylou121@comcast.net You can help with hospitality by bringing a snack for one of the sessions. There’s a sign-up sheet at the bridge center. Popular tournament director Scott Campbell from southern California will be in charge.

NLM SECTIONAL
Attendance was down at our annual NonLM sectional, except for the 99er game on Saturday morning. We had lunch between sections each day organized by Hospitality chair Jackie Finn, with a lesson by tournament chair Laura Da Costa. The top master point winners were Sam Earnhardt and Jackie Thomas of the Bay Area. The top Fresno winners were Don and Marion Austin. I learned at the recent D21 meeting that each unit is allowed six one day NLM sectionals each year. We might have a few of those in the future.
 
PLACES and FACES
Anthony Toto was sixth in the open pairs, third in the side game, and second in the BC pairs at the Atlanta NABC. At the Santa Clara regional, Jacqui McGreal and Allison Farrell were 17th in the open pairs.
Congratulations!
 
Welcome to new members Ruth Fruehauf, Patricia Heckathorn, Lynda May Moller, Sandra Petrie, and Ruth Ann Townsend.
 
We’ve missed George Dalition. It was great to see him drop by the bridge club.
 
Our condolences to Paul Boyd, whose wife Susan recently passed away.

LESSONS
Mary Lou Pease taught some beginners through a Fresno State program. Now some of them are coming Saturday morning to continue lessons. If you want to take a few beginning lessons, call Mary Lou at 288-2340. Lessons continue through October.
Regular beginning lessons will start again in January. Call Mary Lou or Laura Da Costa, 999-2825 for more information.
Mun Takeda has given some outstanding lessons on various topics. She’s volunteered her time and therefore greatly helped the Unit. The August lesson raised $570 and the 2 over 1 series did even better.   Her next lesson is scheduled for the first Tuesday evening in November.

BOOK REVIEW
A friend of ours, Joel Martineau, wrote a bridge book for intermediate players, Hand of the Week, which received a very favorable review on page 30 of the August Bulletin. It discusses the bidding and play of 52 hands. I’d like to read it just to find out the definition of ‘Blunderwood’ in the glossary. I’ve had enough Blackwood bids go wrong that I think I can guess.


WINNERS
FRESNO NML SECTIONAL
SATURDAY MORNING
1              Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt
2              Don Austin - Marion Austin
3              Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
4              Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
99er
1A           Joyce Aiken - Madeline Lynes
2A1B     Cheryl Johnson - Ann Keag
3/4A 2/3B 1/2C   Alvin Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin
3/4A 2/3B 1/2C   Edward Hampton - Clint Hudson

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
1AB        Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt
2AB        Don Austin - Marion Austin
 3/4A      Rosalie Jorgensen - Jane Bragg
 3/4A      Deb Petersen - Jackie Finn
3B1C     Cheryl Johnson - Ann Keag
2C           Alex C. Sherriffs - Donnier Priest
 
SUNDAY MORNING
1AB        Steve Johnson - Deb Petersen
2AB1C  James Bushman - Andrew Graves
3AB        Don Austin - Marion Austin
4A           Larry Miller - Judy Shuster
2C           Alex C. Sherriffs - Donnie Priest
 
NLM SWISS TEAMS
1A           Jane Bragg - Rosalie Jorgensen - Robert & Tay Cherry
2A1B     Jackie Thomas - Sam Earnhardt - Donnie Priest - Jason Mcalexander
 
NORTH AMERICAN PAIRS
1A           Lowell Gist - Mark Stern
2A           Barbara Thacker - Howard Arquette
3A           Donny Graham - Robert Rouch Jr
1B           Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel
2B           Carol Miller - Judy Shuster
3B           Virginia Johnson - Delia Green
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
2A1B      Sally Anne Stern - Mark Stern
3/4A 2/3B 1C         Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
3/4A 2/3B               Rosalie Jorgensen - Laura Neville
2C                                 Judy Shuster - Barbara Wiedel
 
1ABC     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2AB        Sally Anne Stern - Mark Stern
3A           Richard Meffley - Gary Nelson
2C           Judy Shuster - Carol Miller

MEMBERSHIP
1AB        Ray April - Laura Da Costa
2A           Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
3A2B     Jason Mcalexander - Debbie Kemp
3B           Avis Morse - Lowell Gist
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 
1AB        Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane
2AB        Laura Neville - Irene Whelchel
3AB1C  Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
 2/3C      Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller
 2/3C      Joann E. Evans - Carol Rodder

 




 

MARY LOU PEACE and DEB PETERSEN
ACBL Goodwill Members
Mary Lou Pease and Deb Petersen were recently chosen as members of the Ailene Osofsky Goodwill Committee. Usually two members from each district are selected to join the committee. The Goodwill Committee was named for Ailene Osofsky who was chairman for twenty-five years. Members are chosen for the work they do in promoting bridge in their club, unit, or district, and showing by their presence at the bridge table that our game is pleasant and fun. This is a lifetime honor. We are proud to have two of our members recognized for their good will. Congratulations!

Treasurer’s report for September 2018
Good news to report. We were in the black in July by over $400. Thanks to Mun’s lesson and the Poker night fund raiser. Thank you to Mun, Mary Lou Pease, Anthony Toto, Mark Sterns and Don Meyers, Jackie and everyone else who have helped make these fund raisers a success. Poker night was fun, so come to the next one just to have fun at a party with other adults.
If you look at the financial statements posted at the center, you will see that we have consolidated the reserve funds. The intention is to move those reserves into places where we can earn the best interest rates possible. It may take a month or two for it to show progress, but in the long term we hope to make the most of our reserves.
Without the fund-raising efforts, we would be losing about $1000 a month on those months we don’t have tournaments. In August, we had a Non-Life Master tourney, which helps our bottom line. The August books will look OK, but keep in mind that a few good months don’t mean we are financially healthy.
If you want to help keep the bridge center alive, ask a board member how you can help. If you want to up your game a little, attend the lessons and play in an open game to see how the pros play. Don’t be afraid to play in another game once a month.

CLUB NEWS
     The Thursday morning game at the Fresno Bridge Center is closed as of now. Bob Durbrow will direct the Saturday noon game starting in October. You can call him at 779-7460.
Carol Kaufman was the top master point winner for August in Madera, followed by Gary Nelson and June Oeser, and Gay and Larry Slates. Gay and Larry are the top master pint winners for 2018, followed by Carol Kaufman, Gary Nelson, and June Oeser. The top winners for August in Oakhurst were T. Srinivasan, Al Ellis, Paul Mertens, Wally Wallace, Ken Doig, and Bette Mertens.
            The top players at the Fresno Bridge Center for July were Mark Stern, Ray April, Lowell Gist and Laura Da Costa. The leaders for August were Lowell, Mark, Irene Whelchel, Laura Neville, and Bob Durbrow. Mark Stern still leads for 2018, followed by Lowell Gist, Maggie Mahaffey, and Bob Durbrow.
            The top 99ers in July were Steve Johnson, Jeff  Nevins, Pam Pigg, Ann Keag, and Rita Gladding. Top 99ers for August were Steve, Rita, Pam, Ann, and Sandy Ow Young-Chu. Steve Johnson leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, and Mary Claire Ewing.

750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
2A1BC  Marge Field - Joan Fritz
3A2B     Deb Petersen - Cynthia Tingey
3B           Mary Gullo - Debbie Kemp
2C           Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
3C           Lois High - Ann Sadler
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram
2              Julia Kendall - June Oeser
 
OAKHURST WINNER
Bette and Paul Mertens (2)
T. Srinivasan and Al Ellis
Wally Wallace and Burke Zane
T. Srinivasan and Burke Zane
Karen Mc Cartin and Claire Molnar
Wally Wallace and Al Ellis
Paul Mertens and Karen Mc Cartin
 
SPECIAL
Margaret Mahaffey - Lowell Gist
Ray April - Irene Whelchel
Howard Arquette - Margaret Mahaffey
Kay Chrisman - Margaret Mahaffey
Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
Gary Nelson - June Oeser
Lowell Gist - Rose Boot
William Glass - John McGregor [B]
Laura Neville - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian [B]
Gay Slates - Larry Slates[B]
Jackie Reichard - Barbara Diebert [B}
Al Crane - Deb Petersen [B]
Debbie Kemp - Jason Mcalexander [C]
Carol Miller - Judy Shuster [C]
Laura Da Costa - Larry Miller [C]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [C]
Jackie Finn - George Efthemon [C]
 
750 SPECIAL
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Rita Gladding - Dick Powell
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Barbara Wiedel - Linda Town
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun [B]
Larry Miller - Jeremy Newel [B]
Don Myers - Doris Myers [C](2)
Mark Smith - Helen Smades [C]
 
99 SPECIAL
Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
 
99
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Nicki Gram - Lynda Moller [C]
Ruth Townsend - Joan Clark [C]
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso [B]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino [C]
Juan Sobenes - Suzanne Sobenes
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Joan Clark - Jung Kim

NON LIFE MASTER SECTIONAL
August 11-12, 2018
     If you’re not a Life Master and have fewer than 500 master points, you’re invited to our seventeenth annual NonLM Sectional. All points you win are silver points. You can choose to play any or all of four sessions – at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday afternoon game is Swiss teams. Swiss teams is a lot of fun – you play one match at a time against another team. It’s just like the Pro-Am teams we have once in a while except you get to pick your own partner and teammates. If you don’t have teammates, Mary Lou Pease can help you.
               Jackie Finn will organize lunch in between sessions – we’ll have a lesson during lunch each day. There is a sign-up sheet at the Bridge Center for hospitality – you can bring something tasty for the hospitality table.
            Be sure to get your partner for the tournament. If you don’t have a partner, check in with Partnership Chair Mary Lou Peace at 559-288-2340 or Marylou121@comcast.net.

POKER NIGHT
     Mary Lou Pease reports that it: was Fun and Successful.  We raised over $1,000 and had three full tables of folks playing poker.
     Our raffle winner of the TV was Don Meyers. Bill Glass won first place.  Angie Heisdorf came in second; Lowell Gist was third; and Don Austin was fourth, Big Thank-yous to Don Meyers, Mark Stern and Anthony Toto who were our poker dealers.        They did a great job! Thank-yous also to Jackie Finn and Deb Peterson for the great food and decorations and for getting the poker tables to the bridge club. Thanks to Laura DaCosta for helping to tear it all down and put the club back in order.  Everyone enjoyed the event and folks were asking to have another poker night.

PLACES AND FACES
     At the Long Beach Regional, Tay and Robert Cherry were second twice in the 299er pairs. Bill Glass and Rose Boot were third in the side game and fourth in the afternoon Swiss teams. Anthony Toto was third in Bracket 2 of the KO teams. At the Atlanta NABC, Anthony Toto was first in Flight C and second in Flight B in the Flighted Pairs.   
           Gerard Laquerriere was in Paris to help celebrate France’s victory in the World Cup. He says it’s a day and a night to remember on the Champs Elysées. If he had to trade for a win in the Blue Ribbon Pairs he wouldn’t know which to choose.
     Congratulations to new sectional masters James Bushman and MaryClaire Ewing, club master Barbara Gaudin, and junior master Juan Sobenes.
Welcome to new members Nikki Gram and Jackie Sterios.

     Get well wishes go to Monique Irion.
Our condolences go to the families of Carol Willoughby and Bev Daniels, who recently passed away.

   

MUN TAKEDA’S LESSONS
Mun Takeda’s lesson on August 7 at 6:30 pm is on hand evaluation. There will be no 99er game that night.
On Tuesday, September 4, Mun will teach on two subjects:

1. The Law of Total Tricks
   This is a great way to help you decide how high to bid in a competitive auction. It’s amazing how well it works.
2. Is this bid forcing or not?
   If you’ve ever been passed in a bid you thought was forcing, this will help. (It was July 2018 last time for me.)
   
   The lessons are $25 each, which includes a booklet. We thank Mun for donating the fee to the unit.

CLUB NEWS
Last NAP Month
            There are several NAP qualifying games this month. They are sectionally rated and pay half red points. If you place in the top half of your flight, you  qualify for the unit final on Sunday, November 11. If you qualify in the top half of your flight in November, you may play in the District 21 finals next year. The district finals have a separate event for each flight. The top three in each flight can play in the NAP finals in Memphis in March. If you go there, be sure to take a short drive to ACBL headquarters and see the bridge museum. The flights are Open, under 2,500 masterpoints, and non-LM under 500 masterpoints.
     Ken Doig was the top winner at the Oakhurst Bridge Club in July, followed by Claire Molnar, Wally Wallace, Burke Zane, and Jim Luther. Gay and Larry Slates were the top winners in Madera, followed by June Oeser and Gary Nelson. 
     Sally Stern was the top master point winner at the Fresno Bridge Center in June, followed by Mark Stern, Anthony Toto, and Mark Stern. Mark leads for 2018, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Bob Durbrow, Lowell Gist and Bob Cross. Steve Johnson is the top 99er for June, followed by Rita Gladding, Pam Pigg, and Mary Claire Ewing. Steve leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, Judy Pardun, and Mary Claire Ewing. July winners are posted on the website.

Treasurer’s report for August 2018
 
You won’t see financial statements posted this month for the same reason you won’t see board meeting minutes. Things have been running so smoothly that the board decided to skip the July meeting, which is not an unusual thing for non-profit boards to do. So, no meeting; no approval of minutes or financial statements.
 
Nothing has changed in the finances of our regular operation, which is to say we are losing some money each month without a sectional tournament. But the fundraisers have helped. The latest one, the first annual Poker night, was a success. It was a fun night for many of us. I’ll leave it those tireless workers who put it on to brag about it. Keep up on the next series of lessons. Mun is donating the proceeds to the club. There will be more fund raising activities in the future.

WINNERS
ACBL-WIDE INSTANT MP GAME (N-S) 
1A       Robert Rouch Jr - Donny Graham
2A       Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A1B   Avis Morse - Lisa D'Arcy
2B        Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian
 
ACBL-WIDE INSTANT MP GAME (E-W) 
1A       Mark Stern - Lowell Gist
2A1B   Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
3A2B   Cynthia Tingey - Skip Miller
 
GRADUATION CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Richard Meffley - Ray April
2A1BC            Anthony Toto - Cynthia Tingey
3A2B   Belva Quattrin - Kathryn Miller
3B2C   Dick Powell - Deb Petersen
 
LONGEST DAY INDIVIDUAL
 1/3      Mary Lou Pease
 1/3      Laura Da Costa
 1/3      Anthony Toto

LONGEST DAY AFTERNOON
1A           Suzanne Cederborg - Warren Cederborg
 2/3A      Belva Quattrin - Patricia Delamontanya
 2/3A      Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
1BC        Lisa D'Arcy - Elaine Smith
2B           William Glass - Debbie Kemp
3B           Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
2/3C       Mary Lou Pease - Judy Nibler
2/3C       Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
 
LONGEST DAY 299ER PAIRS
1AB        JoAnn Huebner - Marilyn J. Kendall
2AB1C  Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
 3/4A      Larry Miller - Andrew Graves
 3/4A3B Michiko Taylor - Joan Dinwiddie
2C           Jean Moritz - Barbara Fulmer
 
LONGEST DAY FAST PAIRS 
 1/2A                 Jason Mcalexander - Richard Meffley
 1/2A                      Suzanne &  Warren Cederborg
3A                           Belva Quattrin - William Glass
1BC                        Anthony Toto - Jackie Finn
2B                           Wilson Wallace - Barbara Thacker
 3/4B                      Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
 3/4B2C               Deb Petersen - Angelina Heisdorf
 
LONGEST DAY BAROMETER
1              Anthony Toto - Jackie Finn
2              Kay Chrisman - Mary Lou Pease

INDIVIDUAL
 1/3         James Sweet
 1/3         Andrew Graves
 1/3         Carol Kaufman
 4/6         Steve Johnson
 4/6         Mary Lou Pease
 4/6         Avis Morse 

INDIVIDUAL
1              Joseph Tang
2              Avis Morse
3              James Sweet
4              Gary Nelson
5              Nancy Jones
 

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
 1/2         CynthiaTingey - Skip Miller
 1/2         Robert Durbrow - Laura Da Costa
3              Sally Anne Stern - Carol Miller
 
1ABC     Mary Lou Pease - Laura Da Costa
2C     Jeff Nevins - Gloria Fitzgerald
3A           Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette
3B           Andrew Graves - Jason Mcalexander
 
1AB        Gay Slates - Larry Slates
2A           Carol Kaufman - Richard Meffley
2B           Gary Nelson - June Oeser
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Pamela Pigg - Ann Keag
2A           Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2B           Clint Hudson - Jung Kim
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Bill Carroll and Jimmy Moore
Burke Zane and Ken Sommers 2
Claire Molnar and Ken Doig 2
Dana Brown and Wally Wallace 2
Karen McCartin and Claire Molnar
Judy Bingham and Judy Van Winkle
Burke Zane and Clem Bingham
Roger Harmon and Jim Luther
Ken Doig and T. Srinivasen 2
Clem Bingham and Jim Luther
 
SPECIAL
Lisa D'Arcy - Villa Vejvoda
Steve Holmes - Ann Derwin
Mark Stern - Dave Haberstich
Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
Gary Nelson - June Oeser
Gay Slates - Larry Slates
JoAnn Huebner - Ruby Buttereck
Howard Arquette - Ray April
Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow
Gwen Davey - Laura Da Costa
Mary Lou Pease - Sally Anne Stern[B]
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn[B]
Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio[C]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel[C]
 
750 SPECIAL
Jeremy Newel - Larry Miller
Jei Jeyapalan - Nalini Jeyapalan
Pat Huston - Nancy Holley
Mary Claire Ewing - Kathryn Miller
Patricia Creede - Renee Laquerriere[B]
Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto[C]
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun[C]
 
99ER SPECIAL
Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
Clint Hudson - John Cadwalader
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
 
99
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Alvin Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin
Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin[B]
Lynda Moller - Nicki Gram[C]

GRADUATION PARTY
PRO-AM PAIRS
JULY 1, 2018
On Sunday we’re honoring Renee Laquerriere, our newest Life Master. Each year we have a party at noon to honor the new Life Masters who made it the last year. Renee just made LM at the recent Sacramento Regional.  We may have some awards to give out, with plenty of hot dogs and ice cream, traditional food around Independence Day. Last month we said we’re having a pot luck, but we’re not. Just bring yourself!
The Graduation Party is always followed by a Pro-Am game – we’ve been doing it for over fifty years. Those who aren’t Life Masters yet get to play with Life Masters – we always expect that everyone has a friendly time with their partner for the day. It’s a game for fun, but not really a game for lessons.
  
POKER NIGHT
July 20, 2018
Invite your friends, neighbors and family to come play poker at the bridge club.  If they don't play bridge they might play poker. There will be pre-sale tickets for $20.00 which includes a buy in of 100 in poker chips and pizza with salad.  The tickets will be $25.00 each the night of the event at the door.
The fir2018st place winner will receive a $100 gift card and 2nd, 3rd and 4th place will receive free bridge club games.  RIchard will also have an individual game going for those bridge players who don't play poker.
Come join the fun. Don't forget our drawing for the flat screen TV will be that night.  We still have some tickets left for $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00.

CLUB NEWS
ACBL INSTANT MATCHPOINT
 GAME                (gold point)
July 9, 2018
One of the most exciting contests is ACBL’s Instant Matchpoint Game, held Monday afternoon July 9... Players all over the country compete, playing the same hands. The matchpoints for any score are determined based on the results of dozens of tables played at tournaments a few years ago. You’ll know your score instantly after each hand. There are overall awards in the ACBL and in each district, hand analyses, and best of all; first place in each direction gets one gold point plus some black points.
Carol Kaufman and Richard Meffley were the top master point winners in Madera in June, followed closely behind by Larry and Gay Slates. Larry and Gay lead for2018, followed by Carol Kaufman and Barbara Diebert.
Our top master point winner at the Fresno Bridge Center for May was Bob Durbrow, followed by Lowell Gist, Gerard Laquerriere, and Bob Cross. Maggie Mahaffey still leads for 2018, with Mark Stern less than a point behind. Bob Durbrow, Bob Cross, and Lowell Gist are within striking distance.  Steve Johnson is the top 99er for May, followed by Jonel Mueller and James Bushman.  Steve leads for 2018, followed by Pam Pigg, Jonel Mueller, and Judy Pardun.

PLACES AND FACES
           Fresno Unit players did well at the recent  Sacramento  regional. Mary Lou Pease, Judy Jessick, Renee Laquerriere, and Rhonda Hampton were third in Flight C of the evening Swiss teams and first in Flight B of the morning Swiss teams. Mary Lou and Judy were also second inFlight C of another evening Swiss teams. Anthony Toto, Donald Baze, Mary Lou Pease, and Judy Jessick won the Bracket 3 teams and made Donald a Life Master. Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were second in the Open pairs and third in the Fast pairs. Anthony Toto was fifth in Flight B of the Fast pairs. Rhonda Hampton and Renee Laquerriere were second in Bracket 3 of the Knockout teams. Wally Wallace was first in Flight B of the side series, third in Flight B of the side game, and fifth in the Open pairs.
            Farid Assemi was second in the Open pairs at the Oakland sectional, and with Richard Meffley, second in the Open pairs at the Palo Alto Firecracker sectional.
            Congratulations to new sectional masters James Bushman and MaryClaire Ewing,
club master Barbara Gaudin, and junior master Juan Sobenes.

MUN’S LESSONS
Mun Takeda will give lessons on various topics the first Tuesday evening of each month starting in August. If you enjoyed her lessons on 2 over 1, you’ll enjoy learning some more.

WINNERS

UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1BC  Irene Whelchel - Ray April
3A2B     Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen
3B           Bob Cross - Joseph Tang
1C           Gloria Fitzgerald - Jeff Nevins
2C           Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert
 
 
1A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A           Dave Haberstich - Mark Stern
3A1B     Anthony Toto - Joseph Tang
2B1C     Sally Anne Stern - Jane Bragg
3B2C     Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner
 


99ER UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2              Madeline Lynes - Pamela Pigg
 
NAP
1              Richard Meffley - Farid Assemi
2              Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3              James Sweet - Mary Lou Pease
 
750 MEMBERSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC     Marilyn J. Kendall - Jeremy Newel
2AB        Denny Tweed - Cathleen Burden
3AMary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
3B2C     Jo Ann Hollenbeck - Suzanne Sobenes
3C           Marlene Robinson - Barbara Kelley

750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB        Larry Miller - Jeremy Newel
2A           Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
3A2B1C                Rita Gladding - Jonel Mueller
3B2C     Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
3C           Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
 
 
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Barbara Gaudin - Juan Sobenes
2              Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski

99 SPECIAL
Alvin Fred Schellack - June Oeser
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Steve Johnson - Julia Kendall
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin
 
99
Walt Kelso - Fred Schellack
Juan Sobenes - Scarlett Richman
John Cadwalader - Barbara Diebert
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto[C]
Alvin Fred Schellack - June Oeser
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
Ruth Townsend - Joan Clark[B]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino[B]
Juan Sobenes - Scarlett Richman[C]
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto[C]
John Cadwalader - Carol Fiorentino[C]
Barbara Gaudin - Julia Kendall[C]

​ NLM SECTIONAL
AUGUST 11-12
Next month is our Sixteenth annual Non-Life Master  Sectional.  We’ll have pair games at 10 am and 2:30 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday at 10 am. We’ll also have Swiss Teams on Sunday afternoon. Newcomers with fewer than ten master points play free on Saturday morning.  If there’s enough interest, we’ll have a 99er game on Saturday morning, too. We’ll also have Lunch and Learn between sessions both days. Players must be non-LMs with less than 500 master points in order to play and try to win silver points.  Come enjoy the tournament!

RENEE LAQUERRIERE NEW LM
Congratulations to Renee Laquerriere who made Life Master at the Sacramento regional, coming in the overalls in several events with partners and teammates Mary Lou Pease, Judy Jessick, and Rhonda Hampton.

Treasurer’s report for July 2018
Nothing much new to report regarding the latest financial reports. The balance sheet and P&L are posted at the center. We are still losing a little money each month from the games but making up some of it with fundraising efforts, like the Bid-a-Pro and Mun Takeda’s 2over1 lessons. And wonderful Mun is offering more lessons coming up.
Our next club fundraiser is POKER NIGHT, Friday July 20. It will be a night of fun. If you don’t know how Texas Hold’em poker is played, this is a chance to learn. “Buy in” means you donate some money and you get a stack of poker chips to be used in the poker games. (If you lose it quickly, you can “re-buy” one more stack with an additional donation.) There will be dealers ready to explain the game and help you place your bets. Of course, if you are an old hand at poker, you can help the novices, too. Prizes will be awarded to the players who win the most chips. A meal is included with the initial buy in, there will be a raffle and who knows, maybe a little dancing. It should be a fun night, with the proceeds going to our bridge center to help make up the recurring deficits.
We raised $2801 on the Longest Day fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with ACBL. Thank you to all who made additional donations. If you wrote a check, you should receive a thank you note from the Alzheimer’s Association in the next 30 days, which will include tax deduction information. If you don’t get such a notification, let me know. We had a great turn out. Thank you to all who came out and played. There were 37.75 tables on that one day! If we had that kind of turn out every day, the club would thrive on table fees.
And a personal thank you to the directors who put it on. Richard Meffley worked hard to bring in a couple of more people so that the last game was full. Kay Chrisman directed the noon and afternoon fast-pairs games, which included the biggest game of the day while helping man the kitchen. And mostly to Laura Da Costa, who directed the first two games and coordinated the food for the whole day. Next time you see her, thank her for all the great work she did that day. She went above and beyond. They all did.
And for the tee shirt winners. Karen Simpson was the biggest donor, so a shirt is awaiting her at the center. There were eight people who made the same second largest donation. While we could cut up the other two shirts into pieces or do a drawing, lets reward a couple of players. Two in particular played in all five games. 15 hours straight, playing bridge. When you combine their donations with their table fees, they actually were the next biggest donors. So, Mary Lou Pease and Anthony Toto, pick up your shirts at the center. 

LONGEST DAY
The Longest Day games were the best ever, with the Bridge Center filled for two of the sessions, and smaller attendance the other three sessions, totaling 38 tables. We may have raised about $3,500 for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Anthony Toto played in all the games and won the most master points. Thanks to many folks from Visalia who canceled their Friday game to play in the Longest Day. Also thanks to Laura Da Costa for organizing much of the activities, and the directors, who donated their time.

 CLUB CHAMPIONSHP
1A           Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
2A1BC  Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller
3A2B     Laura Neville - Irene Whelchel
3B2C     Carol Rodder - JoannE. Evans
 
1A           Mark Stern - David Haberstich
2A1B     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2B           James Bushman - Debbie Kemp
 
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1B     Rosalie Jorgensen - Jim Mckoane
3A2B1C                Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
3B2C     Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert
 
1AB        Margaret Mahaffey - Sally Anne Stern
2AB        Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3A           Richard Meffley - Robert Durbrow
3B1C     Bob Cross - Joseph Tang
2C           Susan Spears - Alex C. Sherriffs
 
 INDIVIDUAL
1              Robert Durbrow
2A1B     Rhonda Hampton
3A2B     Joycelyn Kauder
3B1C     Carol Kaufman
2C           Don Austin
3C           Andrew Graves
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan[3]
Ken Sommers - Burke Zane
Burke Zane - T Srinivasan
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Hal Mendoza - Ira Estin[2]
Ken Doig - Claire Molnar[2]
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Clem Bingham - Jim Luther
Claire Molnar - Wally Wallace
Karen McCartin - Alfred Ellis
 
SPECIAL
Bob Cross - M. Steve Johnson[2]
Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Linda Coppersmith - George Efthemon
Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
Laura Neville - Ruth Christensen
Barbara Thacker - Laura Da Costa
Margaret Mahaffey - Irene Whelchel
Robert Durbrow - Jim Mckoane
Howard Arquette - Ray April
Carol Kaufman – Richard Meffley
Jim Mckoane - James Sweet
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
Howard Arquette - Renee Laquerriere
Sheila Smith - Cynthia Tingey
Jason Mcalexander - Robert Cherry[B]
Judy Nibler - Mary Lou Pease [B]
Gay & Larry Slates [B]
  
750 SPECIAL
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Virginia Johnson - Estee Strombotne
Don Myers - Doris Myers[B]
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Rita Gladding - Pamela Pigg
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott [B]
Larry Miller - Sydney Bluestone[C]
Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu[C]
 
 

99er
LONGEST DAY
June 22, 2018
The Longest Day is a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We’ll have five games from dawn to night, all day Friday June 22.You can play as many as you wish. There is an individual game at 6 am, and pair games at 9:00, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:45. The 4:30 game will be Fast Pairs – a fun game that requires players to play each hand a couple of minutes faster than usual. A 299er game and an open game are scheduled for 12:30. You can donate for the Fresno Unit by looking up
Alzheimer’s longest day on line, clicking on FIND, and typing 522.  Or you can go to our webpage or Facebook page and click on the link. You can also donate a check or cash at the bridge club. The price for the game is the same as usual club games, so please make a donation. Last year we raised $2,501. Let’s see if we can beat our record.

PLACE and FACES
At the Visalia sectional, Wally Wallace and Dana Brown won the Friday morning open pairs, with Gerard Laquerriere and Lowell Gist third. Judy Nibler and Angie Heisdorf were fourth (winning Flight C), and Mun Takeda and Allyson Farrell were seventh. Cynthia Tingey and Skip Miller were fifth in Flight B. Jim Luther and Diane McDonough were fourth in Flight C. In the afternoon, Mun and Allyson were second and Gerard and Lowell were third. Wally and Dana were fourth (winning Flight B), Maggie Mahaffey and Laura Da Costa were fifth, with Judy Zimmer and Irene Whelchel sixth. Pat Huston was seventh, also winning Flight C. Cynthia Tingey and Skip Miller took fifth in Flight B again.
            Mun and Allyson won the Saturday morning pairs and were second in the afternoon pairs, with Bill Glass and Patrick Carroll second in the morning and fourth in the afternoon, Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were fourth in the morning    Gerry Jones and Pat Huston were sixth, with Howard Arquette seventh. Robert and Tay Cherry were fifth in Fight C.Bob Durbrow was fifth on Saturday afternoon with Kim Morris seventh, Dick Powell and Avis Morse were third in Flight B.
Lowell Gist, Mun Takeda, Gerard Laquerriere and Allyson Farrell won the Swiss Teams, with Paul Schommer, Richard Meffley, Barbara Thacker, and Wally Wallace second. Kim Morris won Flight X. Pat Huston and Gerry Jones were second in Flight B and won the Swiss Teams Flight C. Al Crane was third. Jonel Mueller, Debbie Kemp, Ann Keag, and Marge Field were second in Flight D. Congratulations to all Visalia winners.
Congratulations to new Bronze Life Master Wally Wallace and new Junior master Sue Brown.
Get well wishes go to Marlene Frazier, Carol Miller, and Diana Papazian.

CLUB NEWS
            North American Pairs games are held at clubs in June, July and August. Qualifiers can play in the unit finals, which we usually hold in November. Qualifiers from the unit may play in the District 21 finals in the Bay Area in December. The top three or four go to the NABC finals in March in Memphis. Check your calendar for NAP events. Winners at all levels receive red points, and gold points at the district level.
Carol Kaufman was the leading player in Madera in May, followed by Richard Meffley, Barbara Diebert, Gary Nelson, and June Oeser. Gay and Larry Slates lead for 2018, followed by Barbara Diebert and Carol Kaufman. At the Fresno Bridge Center, Lowell Gist leads for   April                                               followed by Maggie Mahaffey. Bob Durbrow and Victor Greener. Maggie leads for 2018, followed by Mark Stern, Bob Cross, and Lowell Gist. Steve Johnson leads the 99ers in April, followed by Mary Claire Ewing and Sandy OwYoung-Chu.  Pamela Pigg leads the 99ers for 2018, followed by Steve Johnson and Walt Kelso.



 

WINNERS
PEGGY OCHS MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
2A1BC     Mary Lou Pease - Kay Chrisman
3A2B       Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2C            Jane Bragg - Rosalie Jorgensen
 
PRO-AM TEAMS
1AB         Barbara Thacker - Mary Lou Pease - Rhonda Hampton - Kathryn Miller
2              Richard Meffley - Carol Miller - Deb Petersen - Ruby Buttereck
3A2B       Margaret Mahaffey - Barbara Wiedel - JoAnn Huebner - Marilyn J. Kendall
1C            Dick Powell - Patrick Carroll - Judy Shuster - Edward Hampton
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2A1BC     Rhonda Hampton - Judy Zimmerer
3A           Victor Greener - Margaret Mahaffey
2BC         James Bushman - Debbie Kemp
3B            Kim Morris - Anthony Toto
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Victor Greener - Skip Miller
2              Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
3              Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP             
1              Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder
2              Walt Kelso - Steve Johnson
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Victor Greener
2A           Robert Durbrow - Lowell Gist
3A           Bob Cross - William Glass
1B            Byron Steinert - Anthony Toto
2/3B1/2C Donny Graham - Nancy Holley
2/3B1/2C Annie Chiljian - Olivia Stockton
 
750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC       Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
2A           Angelina Heisdorf - Lois High
3A2B       Larry Miller - Sydney Bluestone
3B2C       Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
3C            Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
 
STAC
Irene Whelchel - Monique Irion
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere {11}
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist{22}
John Schnell –Della Schnell{27}
Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette {27}
Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross {43}
Skip Miller – Byron Steinert {90}
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow {5AUX}
Gerry Jones - Ray April [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Judy Nibler [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Mary Lou Pease [B]{2AUX}
Barbara Thacker - Wilson Wallace [B]
William Glass - Jane Bragg [B]
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn [B]
Debbie Kemp - Marge Field [B]
Jason Mcalexander - Pamela Pigg [C]
Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian [C]
James Sweet - Jason Mcalexander [C]
Debbie Kemp - James Bushman [C]
 
750 STAC
Linda Town - Barbara Wiedel{2A; 1C}
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little {3/4A; 1/2B}
Rita Gladding - Jonel Mueller {6}
Lois High – Ann Sadler {7}
Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
Denny Tweed – Cathleen Burden {5B}

GRADUATION PARTY
July 1, 2018
            Our annual Graduation Party will be held on Sunday, July 1, to honor our new Life Masters and others who have advanced in rank. This is the first time in many years that we have no new LMs so far. We’ll still have a pot luck party to honor those who have advanced in the last year. We’ll have a pro-am pair game at 1 pm after the pot luck lunch.

BEGINNING LESSONS.
Free Beginning lessons start Saturday June 2 at 9 am, and continue through August. This includes lessons for beginners and Easybridge 2 for those who previously took the first series. Call Mary Lou Pease at 288-2340 or Laura Da Costa at 999-2825 for more information,
 INTERMEDIATE LESSONS
            By popular demand, Mun Takeda is going to continue additional lessons.  Starting in August, on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, there will be special topic lessons.  The lessons will cost $25, which will include a Marty Bergen pamphlet ($10 value) and a 2 hour lesson.  The first four topics Mun has selected are: 
Hand Evaluation,
Law of Total Tricks,
Mastering weak two bids, and
How to bid good slams and avoid bad slams. 
         Mun will continue to offer more topics and will take suggestions for different topics. Mun will continue to donate her lesson fees to the Bridge Club.

Treasurer’s report for June 2018
THREE T-SHIRTS for contributions to Alzheimer’s research. More about that below.
The last treasurer’s report was not approved by the board because of a quirk related to the budget process we are re-establishing. The actual financial reporting is accurate and was not an issue when reviewed by the board. However, when we set up a budget for this current year, it involved using last year games and directors. Two directors who had games last year are not directing games this year. One moved away and one passed away. Those games were taken over by other directors, but I failed to make the necessary corrections in the software, so the budget, not the actual, had issues. Look for that to be fixed. To summarize, we are in the same financial shape as before, not great, but not bad.
Let me take this opportunity to mention you can make a tax-deductible contribution to support research for Alzheimer’s Disease at the club. I am involved because it touched me. My mother suffered from this affliction.
I learned how to play bridge by playing at the dining room table with her and my father. She taught me about opening 1NT. She and my father were members of a rubber bridge club that met once a month. Although heavily involved in the community, their time playing bridge the apex of their social life.
My brothers and I saw her issues with short term memory as she got older. She got to the point she could not play bridge, which devastated my father. It was more than fifteen years from the time she began to show memory issues until she died. It was a long and dragged out goodbye. 
Alzheimer’s Disease touched me. I will be playing from dawn until dusk on June 22, along with my son, my mother’s grandson. If you can’t play an extra game, donate in the box at the center. The top three contributions will be given a T-Shirt.

POKER NIGHT
Save Friday July 20 for our first Poker night. We’ll have more news next month.

 
 
 
 
 

Judy Geary - Marsha Infausto [B]
Robert Cherry – Tay Cherry {3C}
Betty Pash – Joanne Cohen {5C}
June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto [C]
 
99 STAC
1              Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2A1B       Eiko Corbin - Vera Bryan
3A2B       Fred Schellack – Barbara Gaudin
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Dana Brown - Wally Wallace [2]
Clem Bingham - Jim Luther [2]
Nancy Hays - Ruth Ann Fruehauf
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan
Diane Mcdonough - Jim Luther
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Claire Molnar - Karen McCartin
Ken Doig - Ira Estin
Greg Ennis - Jim Luther
Bill Carroll - Jimmy Moore
Burke Zane - Alfred Ellis
 
INDIVIDUAL
1              James Sweet
2/3           Steve Johnson
2/3           Bob Cross
4              Robert Durbrow
5              Rhonda Hampton
 
SPECIAL
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones
Barbara Diebert - Virginia Hailey
Jackie Reichard - Jan Armbruster
Carol Rodder - Bob Cross
Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
Avis Morse - Dick Powell
Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
Irene Whelchel - Judy Zimmerer
William Glass - Belva Quattrin
Joseph Tang - Bob Cross [B]
Barbara Thacker - Wilson Wallace [B]
Carol Miller - Linda Coppersmith [B]
Jim Mckoane - Rosalie Jorgensen [B]
Bob Cross - Judy Dodd [B]
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola [C]
Mary Lou Pease - Rosalie Jorgensen [C]
Judy Shuster - Carol Miller [C]
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Judy Geary - Judy Pardun
Kathryn Miller - Karin Blanchard
Kathleen Coit - William Coit
Jonel Mueller - Cheryl Johnson
Bill Rogers - Chris Rogers [C]
Nadine Nemechek - Donna Berman [C]
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun [C]
 
99 SPECIAL
Betty Wilson - Rita Putirka
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski [2]
Juan Sobenes - Suzanne Sobenes [B]
Fred Schellack - Barbara Gaudin [B]
 
99
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso [2]
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall
Barbara Gaudin - Clint Hudson
Joan Clark - Ruth Townsend (2[C])
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Julia Kendall - Robert Heisdorf [C]
Clint Hudson - Barbara Gaudin [c]

PEGGY OCHS MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
May 6, 2018
On this day, we remember Peggy Ochs and our players who have passed away since our memorial game last May. Peggy devoted a lifetime to our bridge club, hosting and directing games every afternoon and twice a month on Sunday. Bring something nice for the pot luck at noon and a nice partner for the game at 1 pm.
 
LONGEST DAY
June 22, 2018
The Longest Day is a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We’ll have games all day Friday June 22.You can play as many as you wish. There is an individual game about dawn, and pair games at 9:00, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:45. The 4:30 game will be Fast Pairs. A 299er game and an open game are scheduled for 12:30. You can donate for the Fresno Unit by looking up Alzheimer’s Longest Day on line, clicking on FIND, and typing 522.
 
THE FORUM
Perhaps you’ve noticed that the Contract Bridge Forum is no longer mailed to us. It’s a sad day that the newspaper which has been mailed to western bridge players since before most of us were born is no longer printed. District 21 newsletter is now the Diamond in the Ruff. You can find it at http://www.contractbridgeforum.com/ and click on District 21. You should get an e-mail whenever it is published.
 PLACE and FACES
We had many winners at the recent Modesto regional. Wally Wallace and Jim Luther were fourth in flight C of the Choice pairs, second in one side game, and first in flight C of another side game. Pete Weber and Avis Morse were fifth in fight B of the side game. Gerard Laquerriere and Richard Meffley were tenth in the Choice pairs and second in the Swiss teams. Kim Morris won flight B of the evening Swiss teams and took second in the side game. Rhonda Hampton and Renee Laquerriere took a first and a third in flight C of the side game. Farid Assemi and Richard Meffley were second in the KO teams and first in the bracketed Swiss teams Farid was also second in another KO teams.  
 
At the Bakersfield sectional, Jacqui McGreal and
Gerard Laquerriere were fifth and seventh in two open pairs. Richard Meffley was second in the Swiss teams.
Congratulation to new Silver Life Master Laura Da Costa, new Bronze LM John Oakshott, and new junior master John Cadwalader.
 
We’re glad to see Mary Lou Pease back after successful surgery. Here’s a note from Mary Lou:

A big thank you to all my bridge friends for your support, prayers, and rides.
Your Bridge Friend,
Mary Lou
 
We are very late in sending our condolences to the family of Ruth Reynolds, and to her partner John Donaldson. Ruth passed away last December.
 
 
 

WINNERS
UNIT CHARITY CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Richard Meffley - Margaret Mahaffey
2A1B     Belva Quattrin - Robert Durbrow
3A           Mun Takeda - Gerard Laquerriere
2B1C     Laura Da Costa - Ray April
3B           Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
2C           Marion Austin - Don Austin
 
UNIT CHARITY PAIRS
1AB        Al Crane - Laura Neville
2A           Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A2B     Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3B1C     Marion Austin - Don Austin
2C           John McGregor - Patrick Carroll
3C           Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
 
UNIT 299ER CHARITY PAIRS
1              Cheryl Johnson - Karen Matthews
2              Joan De Yager - Marsha Infausto
 
 CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert
2A1B     Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
3A           Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
2B1C     Jason Mcalexander - Andrew Graves
3B           John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
2C           Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
 CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           William Wood - Barbara Moore
2A1BC  Laura Da Costa - Gwen Davey
3A2BC  Mary Lou Pease - Sheila Smith
3/4BC    Carol Miller - Judy Shuster
3/4BC    Robert Cherry - Stephen Blumberg
 
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Walt Kelso - Brenda Ward
2              Julia Kendall - Tom Callahan
 
INDIVIDUAL
1              Gary Nelson
2              Bob Cross
3              Joycelyn Kauder
4              Robert Durbrow
5              M. Steve Johnson

OAKHURST WINNERS
Paul Mertens - Wally Wallace (3)
Annette Calhoun - Martha Robrahn
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown
Grant Sturm - Tom Upton (2)
Burke Zane - Bill Carroll
Paul Mertens - Karen McCartin
Jimmy Moore - Bill Carroll (2)
Burke Zane - Ira Estin
Nancy Hays - Ruth Ann Fruehauf
Kirk Moulin - James Cosby
Nancy Hays - Judy Bingham
 

CLUB NEWS
            Most clubs will be holding Sectional Tournament at Club (STAC) games the week of May 7 – 12. They pay silver points. If you get a high percentage game, you could win lots of silver points, since the games are held throughout all western states.
            Barbara Diebert and Virginia Hailey were the top master point winners in Madera for April, followed by Jackie Reichard and Jan Armbruster. Larry and Gay Slates lead for 2018, followed by Barbara Diebert and Nick and Mary Gullo. At the Fresno Bridge Center, Maggie Mahaffey was tops in March, followed by Laura Da Costa, Ray April, and Byron Steinert. You can now check April winners. Mark Stern leads for 2018, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Bob Cross, and Ray April. In the 99ers,   Jonel Mueller was tops in March, followed by Barbara Brock and Walt Kelso. Pamela Pigg leads the 99ers for 2018, followed by Jonel Mueller and Ann Keag.
            The Fresno Bridge Center has improved security with added lighting and a camera at the front door, plus the ability to remotely lock and unlock the front entrance.
            The bidding ends after everyone has had a chance to bid, and three players in a row pass. The bidding is NOT over when someone bids three no trump or four spades. It’s still correct to use the pass card after someone bids 3NT. We recommend that players not thump the table or withdraw their bid cards until the third pass has ended the auction. We don’t strenuously object if that third person ends the auction with a thump.

Treasurer’s report for May 2018  
As expected, March was not a great month for the Bridge Center. Flu season hit, so games were not well attended. The official financial reports for March were tabled (put on hold) by the board because of a quirk with the budget system we are establishing. So the March financial reports won’t show with the board minutes. But not to worry. The income and outgo are accounted for. When they are officially reported, you will see that on a quarterly basis, we didn’t do so badly, thanks to the February sectional and the Bid-a-Pro fund raiser.
Looking forward on the income side, Mun’s 2 over 1 lessons looks to be a good fund raiser as well as a great way for the beginning and intermediate players to improve. There is still time to sign up.
As far as expenses go, you might have noticed we improved security at the Center. Lights, cameras and new locks. Not only should this make day time players feel safer, we won’t be relying just on the Starpoint security guard for security at the night games. The guard will be around to walk you to your car, but we now have our own way of making those bathroom trips safer, not that it was really a problem. (Spoken as one who plays in night games.)
How did we pay for the new locks? We have a memorial fund. This is money collected from special donations made in honor of our players who are now challenging the likes of Charles Goren and Omar Sheriff in heaven. The board decided that improved security was a good use for money in that fund. So feel safe and come play more.
ACBL expects clubs such as ours pay back to the community by supporting a charity of our choosing and the charity chosen by our regional district. We held two events for this in April, one in conjunction with our anniversary celebration. In June, we will be participating in the nationwide ACBL charity effort: the Longest Day for Alzheimer’s Association on Friday, June 22. This is a special effort for me, as my mother fell to the long goodbye of this disease. I will do my best to play bridge all five games from sun up to sun down that day. I challenge everyone to play as many games as they can that day. 
 
We have some fun summer activities to look forward to. Try a new game or two. You won’t be disappointed. 
 

MORE WINNERS
 
 
SPECIAL
Mark Stern - Jason Mcalexander
Mark Stern - Belva Quattrin
Laura Neville - Robert Durbrow
Rose Boot - William Glass
Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane [B]
Debbie Kemp - James Bushman [B]
Judy Zimmerer - Irene Whelchel[B](2)
Carol Miller - Larry Miller [C]
 
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Pearl McGinnis - Barbara Brock
Jerry F. Noga - John Hempel
Patricia Creede - Angelina Heisdorf
Larry Miller - Andrew Graves
Patricia Creede - Mary Claire Ewing
Judy Nibler - Angelina Heisdorf
George Efthemon - Jackie Finn [B]
Helen Smades - Anna Harguindeguy [B]
Jeremy Newel - Lois High [B]
Nadine Nemechek - Donna Berman [B]
Mary Claire Ewing - Kathryn Miller [C]
Jonel Mueller - Rita Gladding [C]
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry [C]
Don Myers - Doris Myers [C]
 
 
99 SPECIAL
Barbara Gaudin - Fred Schellack
Madeline Lynes - Pamela Pigg
Brenda Ward - Walt Kelso
Fred Schellack – Walt Kelso
Barbara Gaudin - Clint Hudson
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [C]
 
 
99
Walt Kelso - Fred Schellack
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [B]
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall [C]
 

ANNIVERSARY PARTY
April  8, 2018
This Sunday we celebrate our ninth year at our Shaw Avenue address.  It seems like just a short while ago we packed up and moved from our clubhouse on Clinton Avenue where we’d played bridge for over forty years. We plan an open section and a 299er section. Come enjoy lunch at noon and bridge at 1 pm. An extra dollar in card fees goes to the March for Babies.

PLACES and FACES
Congratulations to new sectional master Madeline Lynes and Pam Pigg, new club master Margo Cegielski, and new club masters Robert Heisdorf, Vera Bryan, and Cheryl Ryder.
Our condolences are extended to the family of MaxShe and her husband Jack were regular partners until he passed away two years ago.
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Betty Coates. She was a regular player in the Reedley game, which used to meet on Tuesday nights. She later moved to Sacramento.
   Mike and Heather Sharp  are hosting an Open House in memory of Steve Sharp, from 12:30 to 5 pm  at their home on Saturday, April 28.
1107 Encino Ave Clovis 93619

LEARN 2 over 1
Mun Takeda will teach the 2/1 bidding system for four weeks on Tuesday evenings, starting in May. If you go to any tournaments, you’ll find that most tournament players are using 2/1, except for a few playing Precision or Polish Club, or Bob Hamman, who still likes four-card major openers. It’s not a big mysterious system. When you open a major, your partner needs a
forcing-to-game hand to bid at the two level. After that, all bids are forcing until you reach game. Mun will show you all the fine points that make the system work. The cost is $60, which includes a book by Larry Cohen on 2/1. If you already have this book, the cost is $45. Please sign up at the bridge center soon so we’ll be sure to have enough books for everyone. Soon you can play 2/1 like the pros.
Mun is donating her time to the unit. Thanks!

LESSONS
EasyBridge 1 and 2 continue on Saturday mornings through April 21. If you finished Easybridge 1, you can start Easybridge 2 on the first Saturday morning in June. For those who need to start at the beginning, or those who haven’t played in many years, EasyBridge 1 also starts the first Saturday in June, at 9 am. Invite your friends and neighbors to come and learn bridge.
Laura Da Costa is now teaching a series on Play of the Hand on Tuesday mornings at 10 am. It will go through May 8.

THE LONGEST DAY
The Longest Day is held every year on the first day of summer, the longest day of the year. Clubs hold games all day long to support the Alzheimer’s Association. This year, clubs can pick one day during the week for their “Longest Day.” We’ve chosen to observe the Longest Day on Friday, June 22, 2018. Please try to play as much bridge as you can that day. We’ll have more information in the next newsletters. 

WINNERS
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Debbie Kemp - Margaret Mahaffey
2A1B     Mary Lou Pease - Anthony Toto
3A2B     Deb Petersen - Cynthia Tingey

1          Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2          Mun Takeda - Avis Morse
3          Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
 
1/2A       Margaret Mahaffey - Mark Stern
1/2A       Belva Quattrin - J. Jay Roll
3A1B     Ray April - Laura Da Costa
2B1C     Mary Lou Pease - Sally Anne Stern
2C           Anthony Toto - Avis Morse
 
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1             Mary Gullo - Nick Gullo
2             Gay Slates - Larry Slates
 
 
 750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
2          Judy Geary - Marsha Infausto
3          Jerry F. Noga - John Hempel
 
 
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader
2          Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso

PEGGY OCHS MEMORIAL GAME
Sunday, May 6, 2018
On the first Sunday in May we remember all the bridge players who have passed away in the last year. Some may have moved away; some may have stopped playing the last few years, but we remember them all. The game honors Peggy Ochs, who at one time or another ran every afternoon game and the Sunday Unit games as well. Please come for the pot luck luncheon at noon and stay for bridge at 1 pm.

Treasurer’s report for April 2018
As expected, February showed a positive cash flow, thanks to our Sectional tournament which was the result of the hard work of those who made it happen; The Tournament Chair (Laura de Costa), Partnership Chair (Mary Lou Pease) and Hospitality Chair (Jackie Finn) stand out. Others who helped and those who gave up private games to make way for the tournament deserve our thanks. You will see it on the financial reports. And kudos to those who participated in the Bid-a-Pro fund raiser, as noted below.
The not as good news is that the expenses for the tournament are not yet recognized. That is, some expenses, such as for the food, were put on the club’s credit card and have not yet shown up on the books. So, with a gross income of $4,244.00 minus the ACBL fees of 2005.14, we cleared $2,238.86 but less the food and other expenses, which we don’t know yet.  It is still positive, which is good.
The Bid-a-Pro fund raiser brought in $1265 by the end of February which was great. More should be recognized in March. Thanks to Sally and Mary Lou and to the Pros and those who paid to improve their game. Let’s hope we keep doing this; advanced players helping advancing players. This is how we build a good unit.
Looking to March, it may not be one of our best months. A few games were canceled, due to low attendance. Let’s hope these are just anomalies.
Keep playing. Keep having fun. And call the director if needed.

CLUB NEWS
The top players in Madera for March were Larry and Gay Slates, followed by Carol Kaufman and Barbara Diebert. They are also the top master point winners for the year. The top player at the Fresno Bridge Center for February was Mark Stern, only .01 ahead of Maggie Mahaffey. Mark is the top player for 2018, followed by Bob Cross, Maggie Mahaffey, Lowell Gist, and Ray April. Pamela Pigg leads the 99ers for February, followed by Madeline Lynes and Sandy OwYoung-Chu. Pam leads for 2018, followed by Ann Keag and Fred Schellack.

PRO-AM TEAMS
April 29, 2018
Once again we have a team game where we pick teammates for you. Come early for the pot luck lunch at noon, so you’ll be sure to get picked for a team when we draw for teams about ten to one o’clock.

INDIVIDUAL
1          Joycelyn Kauder
2          James Sweet
3          Richard Meffley
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Michelle Oliver - Bill Carroll
Wally Wallace - Ira Estin
Paul Mertens - Wally Wallace (2)
Ken Doig - Claire Molnar (2)
Wally Wallace - Dana Brown (2)
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan (2)
Clem Bingham - Jim Luther
Bill Wood - Barbara Moore
 
SPECIAL
Jason Mcalexander - James Sweet
Lowell Gist - Avis Morse
Robert Durbrow - Judy Nicholson
Laura Neville - Dick Powell
Larry & Gay Slates
Gary Nelson – June Oeser
Monique Irion - Irene Whelchel
Cynthia Tingey - Skip Miller
Laura Neville - Ruth Christensen
Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
Laura Neville - Irene Whelchel
Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane
Avis Morse - Dick Powell[B]
Andrew Graves - Larry Miller[C]
Mary Lou Pease - Carol Rodder[C]
James Sweet - Andrew Graves[C]
 
 
750 SPECIAL
Marlene Frazier - Diana Papazian
Denny Tweed - Cathleen Burden
Pearl McGinnis - Barbara Brock
Jerry F. Noga - John Hempel
Helen Smades - Anna Harguindeguy [B]
Marge Field - Estee Strombotne [B]
Jonel Mueller - Kathryn Miller [C]
Mary Claire Ewing - Kathryn Miller [C]
 
99er
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson (2)
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
Rita Patirka - Betty Wilson
Robert Heisdorf - Julia Kendall [B]
Walt Kelso - Alvin Fred Schellack [B]
Robert Heisdorf - Barbara Gaudin [C]
 

PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND  SECTIONAL
February 16-19, 2018
      Attendance was good for this year’s tournament. We even had a couple fly in from Carson City to play.  Diane Barton-Payne directed a smooth tournament, with a lot of help from tournament chairman Laura Da Costa, who saw that boards were duplicated for all pair events, as well as several other tasks.
         Special thanks go to Jackie Finn, who again saw that we had great hospitality, including enough to satisfy everyone during the games and between sessions. Many of our members donated awesome food, including Belva Quattrin, Deb Petersen, Monique Irion, and many others. Thank you all. More thanks go to Mary Lou Pease, who saw that those without partners got to play.
     On the playing field, Richard Meffley won just .30 master points more than Mark Stern to win the President’s award. Kathryn Miller won the 99er Award, with Steve Johnson and Margo Cegielski tied for second. Congratulations!

PLACES and FACES
Gerard Laquerriere and Mun Takeda were third once and fourth twice in the open pairs at the San Luis Obispo sectional. Richard Meffley was fourth in the open pairs at the San Mateo sectional.
Our auction for partners raised nearly $1,500. Thanks to all who participated.
Welcome to new member Clint Hudson.
Ann Keag and Fred Schellack are now Club masters. Angie Heisdorf is now a Bronze Life Master. Congratulations!
     Our condolences go to Larry Miller, whose mother recently passed away.
 
     We are saddened that Steve Sharp recently passed away.  He was one of the top players at the Fresno Bridge Center, winning the most master points in 2007, and 2009 through 2012.  Up until last year, he was in the top five every year.   He and I never forgot when he was starting to play duplicate nearly forty years ago and we played in the annual unit KO teams with Bob and Marion Steinmetz. We won all our matches and played in the final round, nearly 50 imps behind at the half. But we persevered and won by a few imps.  We will miss Steve.


LESSONS
Saturday morning and Tuesday morning lessons continue in March. Call Laura Da Costa, 999-2825, or Mary Lou Pease, 288-2340, for more information. The second series of lessons at Clovis Adult School starts on March 13. You can sign up through the adult school, or come to the first lesson at the Bridge Center and sign up.

2 over 1 LESSONS
Mun Takeda will be teaching 2 over 1 bridge lessons in May on Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. There will be 4 lessons, starting May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd and May 29th. The cost will be $60.00 which includes $15.00 for a Larry Cohen 2 over 1 workbook, and 4 lessons.  Please tell Kay or Mary Lou if you are attending, so we can order a workbook for you.  Please note, Mun will be donating the bridge lesson fees to the Bridge Club.

ANNIVERSARY PARTY
April  8, 2018
This is the ninth anniversary of our moving into our “new” location. For our newer members, we spent over forty years at our “old” location on Clinton Avenue. We hope we’ll be able to enjoy the Bridge Center here for many years to come. Please come and enjoy lunch and a great afternoon of bridge.

TOURNAMENTS
            You can find out about all tournament schedules and results by looking on our website. On the right, scroll down under SCORES to click on “Look up all ACBL tournaments.” Use the drop down menus to get the right month and year.  You can limit it to one state, usually California, with another drop down menu. Then press search. You then might check one of the six tournaments in California in March.  Also, we have flyers for some tournaments near the front door of the Bridge Center. You’re free to take a flyer.

WINNERS
Fresno   Sectional

PRO-AM PAIRS
1A           Richard Meffley - Patrick Carroll
2A1B       William Glass - Joan Fritz
3A2B1C   Carol Kaufman - Debbie Kemp
3B2C       Gary Nelson - Deb Petersen
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2A1BC     Don Austin - Jason Mcalexander
3A           Howard Arquette - Margaret Mahaffey
2BC         Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1              Ann Keag - Cheryl Ryder
2              Alvin Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
3              Barbara Gaudin - Julia Kendall
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHP
1A           Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
2A1BC     Cynthia Tingey - Sheila Smith
3A           Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
2/3B2C    Renee Laquerriere - Judy Nibler
2/3B         Barbara Thacker - Jim Mckoane
 
1A           Mark Stern - David Haberstich
2A1B       Patrick Carroll - William Glass
3A2B1C   Paul Messner - Jane Bragg
3B2C       Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
 BAROMETER CHAMPIONSHIP
 1/2A       Robert Durbrow - Bob Cross
 1/2A1B   William Glass - Debbie Kemp
2B            Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
 
750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A           Angelina Heisdorf - Barry Druffel
2A           Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
3A1BC     Karen Matthews - Cheryl Johnson
2BC         Don Myers - Doris Myers
3B            Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner
3C            June Oeser - Alan Sakamoto
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Dana Brown - Wally Wallace
Ken Doig - Burke Zane (2)
Gary Smith - Judy Smith
Grant Sturm - Tom Upton
Kirk Moulin - James Cosby
Diane Mcdonough - Nancy Hays
Burke Zane - T Srinivasan
Pearl McGinnis - Alfred Ellis
  
INDIVIDUAL
1              Bob Cross
2              Anthony Toto
3              Marion Austin
4              William Glass
 5/7          Carol Kaufman
 5/7          Don Austin
 5/7          Joycelyn Kauder
 

CLUB NEWS
               Larry and Gay Slates, followed by Carol Kaufman, were the top master point leaders in Madera for February. The same three lead for 2018.
                    The top players at the Fresno Bridge Center for  January were Bob Cross, followed by Mark Stern, Sheila Smith, Gerard Laquerriere, and Laura Da Costa. The top 99er was Pamela Pigg, followed by Debbie Kemp, Fred Schellack, and Ann Keag.
                    Club championships this month are on Friday afternoon, March 23; plus Unit Championship games on Sunday March 11 and 25; Saturday March 17(Open and 99er); and 99er Championship on Tuesday March 6.

ZERO TOLERANCE
          You’ve heard the saying, if you see something, say something. That applies to bridge conduct as well. If someone’s conduct makes you uncomfortable, whether at your table or another table, whether it's your partner or opponent, call the director. The director can issue a penalty. If the conduct continues, the director can remove offenders from the game and send a zero tolerance message to our recorder.  You can also fill out a recorder memo for the recorder. Mark Stern is our Unit Recorder. Bad conduct won’t stop if you just gossip to your friends. Call the director and fill out a recorder form.

Treasurer’s report for March 2018
If you have been looking at the financial records, which are posted at the center after being approved at the monthly board meeting, you will see a change in the format and structure. We are now working with a budget. That is to say we are now trying to predict what we will be spending over the next twelve months. If expenditures in an area go higher or lower than expected, we can better examine the situation and make adjustments. The annual budget presented to the board in January needs a few tweaks, but it projects that we will break even over the year.
Going forward, the reports will be formatted to reflect working from a budget.  It will take a few months to get it balanced out, so to speak. In the few years I have been treasurer, January has never been a great month. The end of January report will be the first month with this format and it may seem odd; interest earned in January will be reported in February and some payments show up twice.  (Think of it as January has 31 days and yet some payments are made every 30 days.) All will balance out in February. This is a good example of how we should be focusing on our quarterly finances, not monthly.
That having been said, with an unofficial peek ahead to February’s totals (which are not official when this is written) thanks to Laura and others, we had a successful tournament, financially speaking. I hope everyone earned a few points to make it successful for the important stuff.
And thanks to Sally and Mary Lou and of course all the pros, the Bid-a-Pro was a successful fundraiser. This extra income will offset the cost of some club house improvement expenses which doesn’t include new carpet. The board is working on it.    

ROSTER
    We’re planning an update to our membership roster. We’ll have a membership list at the bridge center soon. Please check to verify that your information is correct. If you don’t want information printed in the roster, please line through it. Please put a check if the information is correct and it’s OK to be in the roster. If the information is incorrect, please write the correct information that you want in the directory.

SPECIAL
Sheila Smith - Mary Lou Pease
Mun Takeda - Gerard Laquerriere
Gerry Jones - Sheila Smith
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Kent Billeter - George Dalition
Belva Quattrin - Mark Stern
Margaret Mahaffey - Jim Mckoane
Lowell Gist - Robert Durbrow
Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert
Gay Slates - Larry Slates
Ray April - Bob Cross
Margaret Mahaffey - Ruth Christensen
Lowell Gist - Margaret Mahaffey
Rose Boot - Lowell Gist [B]
Jim Mckoane - George Dalition [B]
William Glass - Debbie Kemp [B]
Al Crane - Laura Da Costa [B]
Jane Bragg - Paul Messner [C]
Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller [C]
JoAnn Huebner - Ruby Buttereck [C]
Delia Green - Paul Messner [C]
Olivia Stockton - Annie Chiljian [C]
 
 
 
750 SPECIAL
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
Karin Blanchard - Mary Gullo
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
Madeline Lynes - Joyce Aiken
Mary Ann Clark - Renee Laquerriere
Andrew Graves - Larry Miller
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry [B]
Patricia Creede - Sandy OwYoung-Chu [B]
Mary Claire Ewing - Sandy OwYoung-Chu [C]
 
 
99er SPECIAL
Barbara Gaudin - Alvin Fred Schellack
Madeline Lynes - Pamela Pigg
Brenda Ward - Walt Kelso
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [C]
 
99er
Juan Sobenes - Suzanne Sobenes
Fred Schellack - Julia Kendall
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader [B]
Ruby Buttereck - Robert Heisdorf [B]
Tom Callahan - Julia Kendall [C]
Clint Hudson - Robert Heisdorf [C]
Clint Hudson - Joan Clark [C]

PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND SECTIONAL
February 16-19, 2018
Once again it’s time for our annual spring sectional, again over President’s Day weekend.  We’ll have a two session Swiss teams event starting at 10 am on Sunday.  Other days we’ll have two pairs events at 10 am and 2 pm.  The Friday afternoon game is dedicated to the memory of Mary Jo Davila, who always had a smile and made our games fun for everyone.  Each session is scheduled to have an open game and a 499er game, except Saturday morning, which has a 199er game instead of a 499er game. Members with less than ten master points can play free on Saturday morning.
We also have a special game on Friday at 6:30 pm for those who can’t get enough bridge. It’s the Fast Pairs, where you are allotted less than the normal 7 ½ minutes per board. That game should finish around 9 pm so you can get home in time to rest up for Saturday.
Call Mary Lou Pease at 559-288-2340 if you need a partner. Or shoot her an e-mail at marylou121@comcast.net.

PLACES and FACES
At the Glendale Regional, Anthony Toto won flight C of the Saturday afternoon Swiss teams and flight C of the Sunday Swiss teams. Rose Boot and Fred Hamilton won one side game and were second in another.
At the Monterey Regional, Denny Tweed and Cathleen Burden were second in the 299er pairs and sixth in flight B of the Gold Rush pairs. Kim Morris won a side game. Howard Arquette and Avis Morse were fifth in flight B of a side game. Howard also won another side game. Rhonda Hampton, Renee Laquerriere, Angie Heisdorf, and Judy Nibler were third in KO bracket 4, fourth in Flight C of the evening Swiss teams and fourth in Flight B of another Swiss team contest. Dick Powell, Pete Weber, and Avis Morse took third in Bracket 3 of the KO teams. Suzanne Sobenes and Joann Hollenbeck won Flight B of the 99er pairs and won another 99er pairs. Farid Assemi and Richard Meffley were second in the KO teams and fourth in the A/X Swiss teams. Anthony Toto and Jackie Finn were fifth in Flight C of the Fast Pairs.
Congratulations to all our regional winners!     Pat Huston is now a Bronze Life Master. Karen Matthews and June Oeser are Club masters. Julia Kendall and Alan Sakamoto are now Junior masters. Congratulations on your rank upgrades.

Welcome to new member Tom Callahan.
Get well wishes go to Barbara Kelley and Ann Sadler.
Our condolences go to the family and friends of Paula Baraldi. She was very active in the Madera community, and frequently enjoyed playing bridge at the Madera Bridge Club.

UNIT NEWS
Our officers for 2018 were re-elected:
President            Richard Meffley
Vice President  Laura Da Costa
Secretary             Kay Chrisman
Treasurer            Don Austin
 
Chairmen and appointments are the same as 2017 with the following changes
Membership                                       Sally Stern
Forum                                                   Laura Da Costa
Marketing, Recruitment,          Mary Lou Pease
and Publicity
Historian                                            Laura Da Costa
 
Our Bidding for a Life Master was very successful, with $1,055 pledged which may go toward Bridge Center improvements, such as carpeting.

WINNERS

NEW YEARS EVE GAME FAST PAIRS UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Jane Bragg - Rosalie Jorgensen
2AB     Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Lowell Gist - Anthony Toto
2A       William Glass - David Haberstich
2B        Jason Mcalexander - James Sweet
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1ABC  Anthony Toto - David Haberstich
2ABC  Al Crane - Alex C. Sherriffs               
 
 3/4A   Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
 3/4A   Barbara Thacker - Joseph Tang
 
1A                   Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2A                   Monique Irion - Margaret Mahaffey
3A2B1C          Mary Lou Pease - Kay Chrisman
3B                    Gerard Laquerriere - Mun Takeda
2C                    Carol Kaufman - Al Crane

CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Laura Da Costa - Mary Lou Pease
2          Avis Morse - James Sweet
 
CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Andrew Graves - James Sweet
2A       Ray April - Gerry Jones
3A2B   Laura Neville - Ruth Christensen
3B1C   Renee Laquerriere - Judy Nibler
2C        Karin Blanchard - Debbie Kemp
 
NEW YEARS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A                   Bob Cross - Richard Meffley
 2/3A               Monique Irion - Irene Whelchel
 2/3A 1BC       Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones
 2/3B2C           Nancy Holley - Donny Graham
 2/3B                Jim Mckoane - Barbara Thacker
 
CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2          Skip Miller - Barbara Thacker
3          Bob Cross - Carol Kaufman

750 SPECIAL
Marilyn J. Kendall - JoAnn Huebner
Jonel Mueller - Rita Gladding
Edward Grootendorst - Therese Grootendorst
Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun[C]
 

January Treasurer’s Report
As I reported at the membership meeting in December, we are now on sound financial footing. We did not burn through our reserves to stay afloat. Our rent is manageable. As mentioned in an earlier report, we were able to get the attention of Starpoint Management because a club member gave us the chance to threaten to leave. So we got to negotiate and our rent is stable for the next five years. If you, the membership, are up to the challenge, we can grow.
A further bright spot is called our table count. Basically, this is the number of players over a given time. When we raised our table fees from $8 to $9, we saw a drop-off in attendance, or table count. When I took Economics 101 in my distance past, I remember the chapter about how when a fee like this is raised, you can expect a drop off in number people participating. I remember it because a similar situation with golf green fees was on the final exam for that course. The lesson was; if you raise the green fees, fewer people play golf, but revenue stays the same. That is exactly what happened when we went from $8 to $9; we took in the same amount of revenue with fewer people playing. This was before the lease negotiation so I saw the revenue stay flat. In other words, that increase in table fees ($8 to $9) didn’t help us. We were still bleeding.
I was a little worried about the next change the board made, but I was wrong. With the change from $9 to $10, there has not been a drop off in attendance, or table count. That means we are taking in a little more money. Not enough to make a profit, but now, enough for us to break even. The Econ 101 lesson was about finding that sweet spot on the supply/demand curve. If we were about making a profit, we could search for a price that makes us the most money. But we are not here to make a profit; we are here to create a space for us to have fun playing Bridge in the most cost effective way.
It looks like we have reached that spot. We have a nice place to play the game we enjoy and we are not losing money.
How can we do better? If you play regularly during the week, play at one of the occasional Sunday games. They are fun and challenging. OR play on a Saturday or on Wednesday night or at Richard’s Friday night game. Don’t drive at night? Learn about Uber. OR, if you know someone who would be interested in learning, encourage them to take the new lessons we are sponsoring.
Keep playing nice and have fun!
Don Austin, Treasurer Unit 522

CLUB NEWS
Carol Kaufman and Barbara Diebert were the top winners for January at the Madera Bridge Club, followed very closely by Larry and Gay Slates. Jim Sweet was the top player at the Fresno Bridge Center in December, followed by Bob Cross, Bob Durbrow, Victor Greener and Jim McKoane. Margot Cegielski topped the 99ers, followed by Mary Claire Ewing, Steve Johnson, Jonel Mueller, and Fred Schellack.  The top player for 2017 was Mark Stern, followed by Maggie Mahaffey, Bob Durbrow, Ray April, Skip Miller, and Lowell Gist. Top 99er for 2017 was Mary Claire Ewing, followed by Debbie Kemp, Jonel Mueller, and Kathryn Miller.

750 CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
2A1B   Patricia Creede - Sandy OwYoung-Chu
3A2B   Deb Petersen - Barbara Wiedel
3B1C   Don Myers - Doris Myers
2C        Larry Miller - Andrew Graves
 
 MEMBERSHIP GAME
1AB     Mary Ann Florio - Mike Florio
2A       Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
3A       Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
2B1C   George Dalition - Virginia Johnson
3B2C   Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola
3C        Carol Miller - Judy Shuster
 
BAROMETER
James Sweet - Bob Cross
Richard Meffley - M. Steve Johnson
William Glass - Debbie Kemp [B]
Laura Da Costa - Mary Lou Pease[C]
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Judy Smith - Gary Smith
Claire Molnar - Ken Doig
Grant Sturm - Burke Zane
Burke Zane - T Srinivasan
Wally Wallace - Paul Mertens[2]
Nancy Hays - Burke Zane
Joni Roberts - Alfred Ellis
Ken Doig - Burke Zane
  
SPECIAL
Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert
Margaret Mahaffey - Laura Da Costa
Laura Neville - Jim Mckoane
Lowell Gist - Gerard Laquerriere
Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
David Haberstich - Mark Stern
Irene Whelchel - Sheila Smith
Laura Da Costa - Sally Anne Stern
Gay Slates - Larry Slates
Gary Nelson - Richard Meffley
Lowell Gist - Mun Takeda
Laura Da Costa - Carol Miller
Byron Steinert - Skip Miller
Dick Powell - Peter Weber
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski [B]
Larry Miller - Carol Miller [B]
Dick Powell - Peter Weber [B]
Paul Messner - Jane Bragg [B]
Don Austin - Marion Austin [C]
 
99er
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson (2)
Fred Schellack - Walt Kelso
Walt Kelso - Fred Schellack(B)

PRO-AM PAIRS
January 28
Sunday, January 28, we’re having a Pro-Am game. Come without a partner – we’ll draw a “pro” for each “amateur” and an “am” for each “pro.” The game starts at 1 pm following a pot luck lunch at noon. Please bring something scrumptious for the players to enjoy. Be sure to arrive well before 1 pm so we have time to draw partners, meet your partner, and start on time.
 
WE’RE STARTING NOONERS
Mondays and Wednesdays
Effective this January, all open afternoon games (except Sunday) will start at noon. This is a change for Wednesday and Friday. The schedule is now Noon for games on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 1 pm for Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday games. Morning and evening games are not changing times.

BID on a GAME with a LIFE MASTER
A silent auction to play with Life Masters begins on January 8 and concludes on Sunday, January 28, with a Pro-Am game. Bid high and bid quick!  If you win Gerard Laquerriere, you may get an extra prize – we’ll announce it soon. If you win a Life Master, you must make arrangements to play sometime after January 28.
 
LESSONS
            Free lessons start again on Saturday January 20 at 9 am. We’ll have beginning Easybridge for newcomers, and Easybridge 2 for those who’ve learned from Easybridge 1. Call Laura Da Costa at 999-2825 or Mary Lou Pease at 288-2340 for more information. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors – they need to learn bridge, too.
            Laura is teaching lessons on bidding at 10 am, starting January 23. If you want to learn how to start bidding the right way, take these lessons.
Clovis Adult School will have beginning lessons at our bridge club on Tuesday nights, taught by Mary Lou Pease. Lessons will be from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, starting on January 16, 2018. A second series starts on March 13.

AROMAS
               Please be aware that some of our members are very sensitive to people wearing heavy perfume or cologne. Please do not wear much if any. Our playing room is not so big – sensitive people cannot avoid strong aromas at the bridge center.

SPRING SECTIONAL
February 16-19
               Our Spring sectional is coming soon, starting on Friday and continuing through President’s Day on Monday. Schedules are available at the bridge club, or on-line.

WINNERS

PRO-AM TEAM UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Anthony Toto - Rhonda Hampton - Patrick Carroll - Marge Field
2          Laura Da Costa - Mary Lou Pease - Don Austin - Marion Austin
 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1AB     Howard Arquette - Judy Dodd
2A       Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
3A       Ray April - Laura Neville
2/3B     Sandy OwYoung-Chu - Mary Claire Ewing
2/3B     Stephen Blumberg - Robert Cherry
 
1A       William Glass - Lowell Gist
2A       Mary Lou Pease - Richard Meffley
3A1B   Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
2/3B     Don Austin - Marion Austin
2/3B     June Oeser - Gary Nelson
 
1A       Mark Stern - Victor Greener
2A1B   Mary Lou Pease - James Sweet
3A2B1C          Don Austin - Marion Austin
3B        Jonel Mueller - Barbara Wiedel
2C        Cheryl Johnson - Cheryl Hiney
 
UNIT 99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Jonel Mueller - Pamela Pigg
2          Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
 
STAC   
Victor Greener - Mark Stern {3}
Skip Miller - Byron Steinert{41}
Al Crane - Ruth Christensen {5A4B}
Victor Greener - Skip Miller [8A}
James Sweet - Richard Meffley {20A}
Robert Durbrow - Gloria Fitzgerald {42A15B}
Crol Kaufman – Barbara Diebert {4B}
Robert Endara - Carolyn Lofton {27B}
Kathryn Miller - Mary Claire Ewing [C] {9/10C}
Sandy Richardson - Bob Cross {1Aux}
Margaret Mahaffey - Victor Greener {2Aux}
George Dalition - Jim Mckoane {4B Aux}
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola {5BAux}
Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette
Robert Durbrow - Belva Quattrin
Patrick Carroll - Richard Meffley
Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola [B]
Carol Rodder - George Dalition[B]
Patrick Carroll - John McGregor[B]
Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert [B]
Cynthia Tingey - Sheila Smith [B]
William Glass - James Sweet [B]
George Efthemon - George Dalition [C]
Judy Nibler - Angelina Heisdorf [C]
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski{C}
June Oeser - Alvin Fred Schellack [C]

UNIT NEWS
Awards to Don and Marion Austin
               Marion Austin received our Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to our bookkeeping and budgeting processes. Don will receive the District 21 Goodwill award at the Monterey regional for his efforts to work with our landlord securing a lease we can afford, plus heading our successful Longest Day event this year. Our thanks and congratulations go to Don and Marion.
               All our board members were reelected at our annual meeting. We hope they will work for an enjoyable and prosperous new year. Volunteers to work on unit events are welcome - just ask one of our board members.

PLACES AND FACES
Several of our members played at the North American Bridge Championships in San Diego. Anthony Toto and Deb Petersen were sixth in Flight B of the Swiss teams (second in Flight C). Farid Assemi and Richard Meffley were 20th in the Mitchell Open Board a Match teams and 28th in the North American Swiss teams. Pete Weber and Avis Morse were third in Bracket 5 of the KO teams. Jim Tritt and Richard Meffley were 68th in the Blue Ribbon Pairs. Corey Cole was 6th in one Daylight pairs and eighth h in another, as well as 28th in a third. Rick Whitworth was 26th in the Senior Mixed pairs. Congratulations!      At the Palm Springs Regional, Deb Petersen and Jackie Finn were sixth in Flight C of the BCD Swiss teams (fourth in Flight D). Well done!

CLUB NEWS
Carol Kauffman and Barbara Diebert were the top winners in Madera for December, followed by Gary Nelson, June Oeser, and Larry and Gay Slates. Gary Nelson is the top player for 2017, followed by Richard Meffley, Barbara Diebert, Carol Kaufman, and Larry and Gay Slates.
               Top players in Oakhurst for December were Wally Wallace, followed by T. Srinivasan, Burke Zane, Ken Doig, and Dana Brown.
               The top players at the Fresno Bridge Center for November were Maggie Mahaffey, followed by Lowell Gist, Howard Arquette, Bob Durbrow, and Gerard Laquerriere. The top 99ers were Steve Johnson, Bill Coit, Margot Cegielski, and Mary Claire Ewing. Mark Stern leads for 2017, followed by Maggie Mahaffey and Ray April. Mary Claire Ewing leads the 99ers for 2017, followed by Debbie Kemp, Jonel Mueller, and Kathryn Miller.
               Don’t forget Monday and Wednesday afternoon games now start at noon. Don’t be late!
               Tuesday morning games are going on hiatus again. Try playing on Thursday at 9 am.

750 STAC
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little
Mary Gullo - Marsha Infausto [B]
Nancy Jones - Andrew Graves {4A1B}
Mary Ann Clark - Beverly Little {3B}
Kathryn Miller - Mary Claire Ewing [C]
Rita Gladding - Jonel Mueller [C]
Patricia Biddy - Mona Omar {3c}
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott {6}
Robert Cherry - Joan Fritz [B]
Don Myers - Doris Myers {8A4B}
 
99ER STAC
Alvin Fred Schellack - June Oeser {A}
Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski {2}
Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader {4C}
 
 MEMBERSHIP
1A       Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
2A1B   Jim Mckoane - Barbara Thacker
3A       Margaret Mahaffey - Rose Boot
2B        James Sweet - George Dalition
3B        Bob Cross - Robert Durbrow
 
1          Laura Da Costa - Mary Lou Pease
2          William Glass - Debbie Kemp
 
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Howard Arquette - Margaret Mahaffey
2A       Mun Takeda - Gerard Laquerriere
3A       Belva Quattrin - Robert Durbrow
1B        Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2B        James Sweet - William Glass
3B        Skip Miller - JoannE. Evans
1C        Peter Weber - Susan Vildosola
2C        Patricia Creede - Paul Messner
 
1A       Gerard Laquerriere - Lowell Gist
2A       Carol Rodder - Margaret Mahaffey
3A1B   Bob Cross - Ray April
2B1C   James Sweet - George Dalition
3B2C   Mary Lou Pease - Barbara Thacker
 
 
1AB     Bob Cross - Sandy Richardson
2A       Margaret Mahaffey - Jim Mckoane
3/4A2B            Rhonda Hampton - Judy Zimmerer
3/4A    Belva Quattrin - Robert Durbrow
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Dana Brown - Wally Wallace (2)
Burke Zane - T. Srinivasan
Burke Zane - Wally Wallace
Karen McCartin - Claire Molnar
Ken Doig - T. Srinivasan
Jim Luther - Ira Estin
Wally Wallace - Paul Mertens
 
INDIVIDUAL
½         Carol Kaufman
½         Paul Messner
¾         Gary Nelson
¾         James Sweet
 
SPECIAL
Sheila Smith - Mary Lou Pease
William Glass - Rose Boot
Robert Durbrow - Gloria Fitzgerald
Bill Glass - Debbie Kemp
Belva Quattrin - Bill Glass
Al Crane - Ruth Christensen
Ray April - Bob Cross
Al Crane - Carol Kaufman
Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey
Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
Don Austin - Marion Austin [B]
Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey [B]
Anthony Toto - Jackie Finn [B]
Patrick Carroll - John McGregor [C]
Dick Powell - Peter Weber [C]
 

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY
ANNUAL MEETING
December 10, 2017
The Fresno Unit has planned its annual Christmas holiday party for Sunday, December 10 at noon, followed by a short annual meeting and Sectional Tournament at Clubs game, which awards silver points to the winners. We’re planning two sections – open and 299er. If you and your partner both have under 300 master point, you can choose which section to play in.
 
Ballots for the 2018-2019 Unit Board must be turned in by the annual meeting.  Place them in the ballot box at the Fresno Bridge Center or mail to Fresno Unit ACBL, 1320 E Shaw Avenue, Fresno CA 93710.
Those on the ballot are:
Jackie Finn, hospitality chairman. She is in charge of hospitality (meaning refreshments) for the Christmas party, sectionals, and other special events.
Kay Chrisman, unit secretary and bridge center chairman.
Anthony Toto, District 21 representative and I/N coordinator
Don Austin, Treasurer
Richard Meffley, President and newsletter editor.
 
PLACES and FACES
Steve Johnson and Jonel Mueller are now sectional masters. Joan Fritz, Cheryl Johnson, and Marva White are now club masters. Ed Hampton is now a junior master. Congratulations on the new ranks. Welcome to new ACBL member Sue Brown of Lemoore.
Our condolences to the family of Vi Steitz, who recently passed away. She was a long time member of the Fresno unit.
 
CLUB NEWS
STAC GAMES December 4-10
Check your calendar for Christmas parties this month. A new event for Sunday, New Year’ Eve, is a Fast Pairs Unit Championship at 1 pm. It will give you lots of time to get ready for your New Year’s party later in the day. We can’t fit it on the calendar because it’s in January, but Laura Da Costa will have a New Year’s Day party on Monday, January 1. 2018. She may even have the television on so you can check out the Rose Bowl in the small room.
November master point leaders in Madera are Richard Meffley, followed by Gary Nelson and Gay and Larry Slates. Gary Nelson leads for the year, followed by Richard Meffley, Barbara Diebert, and Gay and Larry Slates.
            Sectional Tournament at Club games are held at clubs the week starting December 4. Games are held throughout the western United States.Top players for the western states can win up to 20 master points. All points are silver points.

Treasurer’s report 
Financially, we broke even during the month of October. Actually, we were in the black by about $200. Before we get too excited, it was the month of our Fall Sectional, which provides us with extra income. But, we also had  some extra expenses, like paying the lawyer who brokered out lower rent. I am confident that when the extra-ordinary plusses or minuses to our finances end,

UNIT CALENDAR 2017 -2018
 
November 24- Dec 3                              North American Bridge Championships – San Diego
December 2     Noon            Open & 99er Unit        Championship
December 4-10                                       STAC games
December 10                          Noon       Unit Christmas Party
                                                12:45       Annual Meeting
                                                1   pm      Open & 299er STAC game
December 12                          6:45         99er Championship
December 11-17                                     Palm Springs Regional
December 20                          6:30         Unit Championship
December 26-31                                     LA Regional
December 27                          6:30         Unit Championship
December 30                    Noon       Open & 99er Championship
December 31                         I pm         Championship Fast Pairs
January 1-7                                             Monterey Regional
January 20-21   Noon & TBA  NAP D21 Flight A Burlingame
January 21         Noon & TBA NAP D21 Flight C Burlingame
February 3         Noon & TBA NAP D21 Flight B San Jose

WINNERS
NAP  UNIT FINALS
1          Laura Da Costa - Ray April
2          Robert Durbrow - Richard Meffley
 
MEMBERSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Margaret Mahaffey - Howard Arquette
2A1BC            Rosalie Jorgensen - James Sweet
3A2BC            Mary Lou Pease - Jane Bragg
 
750 MEMBERSHIP  
1ABC  Rhonda Hampton - Renee Laquerriere
2A       Jackie Finn - George Efthemon
3A2BC            John Hempel - Jerry F. Noga
3B        Mary Ann Clark - Gay Berry
3C        Pamela Pigg - Brenda Ward
 
99er MEMBERSHIP

1. Fred Schellack - Steve Johnson
2. Barbara Gaudin - Julia Kendall

 
99er MEMBERSHIP
1A           Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
2A1B      Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader
2/3B        Scarlett Richman - Juan Sobenes
2/3B        Robert Heisdorf - Joan Clark
 
 CLUB APPRECIATION  
1ABC  Sheila Smith - Mary Lou Pease
2A                   Carol Rodder - Margaret Mahaffey
3A2B   Skip Miller - Cynthia Tingey
3/4B2C            George Dalition - Gwen Davey
3/4B     Jim Mckoane - Judy Jessick
 
CLUB APPRECIATION
1A       Belva Quattrin - William Glass
2A       Mun Takeda - Gerard Laquerriere
3A1B   Carol Rodder - Avis Morse
2B        Carol Carr - Villa Vejvoda
3/4B     Anthony Toto - Byron Steinert
3/4B1C            George Dalition - George Efthemon
2C        Sheila Smith - Gerry Jones

750 CLUB APPRECIATION
1AB     Patricia Creede - Mary Claire Ewing
2AB     Rhonda Hampton - Mary Gullo
3A       Pearl McGinnis - Barbara Brock
3B        Don Myers - Doris Myers
1C        Sandy OwYoung-Chu - Marva White
2C        Yvonne Jeffrey - Lois Layne
3C        Robert Cherry - Tay Cherry
 

LESSONS
The current Saturday morning lessons conclude on December 9. December 16 will be an individual game for all taking lessons. The Tuesday morning series ends on December 5.
Easybridge I and II start again on Saturday morning, January 20. Please convince your neighbors or friends that bridge is a great game and they need to go to beginning lessons.
Clovis Adult School will have beginning lessons at our bridge club on Tuesday nights, taught by Mary Lou Pease. Lessons will be from 6:30to 8:30 pm, starting on January 16, 2018. A second series starts on March 13.

BID on a GAME with a LIFE MASTER
A silent auction to play with Life Masters begins on January 8 and concludes on Sunday, January 28, with a Pro-Am game. Bid high and bid quick!  If you win Gerard Laquerriere, you may get an extra prize – we’ll announce it next month. If you win a Life Master, you must make arrangements to play sometime after January 28.

WHAT ARE MASTER POINTS?
Master points are awarded to the top players at every level of ACBL sanctioned bridge events. They come in many colors – red, gold, black, silver, and platinum. There are even colorless points. Somewhat like golf events, the awards are higher when the level of competition increases. Awards in golf increase from club weekly events to the annual tournament to the Fresno City championship to the Northern California championship to state and national championships to the various professional tours to the Masters and US and British Opens. The ACBL sanctions many clubs, plus sectional, regional, and North American (NABC) tournaments – all color coded. Generally, clubs award black points, sectionals award silver points, regionals award red and gold points, and NABCs award red, gold, and platinum points. On special occasions, clubs can award silver, red, or gold points. Internet points are colorless. NABC events award more master points than regional events, which are more than sectional events which are more than club events.
Fifty years ago there were basically two rankings and two colors. Life Master and not Life Master; red points and not red points. Club games awarded a whole master point only once a month. Tournaments had Championship games and side games. Now there are a half dozen ranks below Life Master and even more ranks for Life Masters. Gold points started in 1968. Silver, black, and platinum points followed. Every rank requires a certain number of master points of various colors.
Tournaments now can have several events each day – open championships, plus two or three championships events with an upper master point limit, such as 200, 500, 750, or 1,500 master points. Since the competition is more difficult in open events, the ACBL awards more master points in open than in limited events. Master points are awarded according to a complicated formula which takes into account the master point limit of the event, the ranking of the event (club, sectional, regional, or NABC), the number of competitors, and the type of event. Every five years an ACBL committee gets together and examines the Master Point Plan and makes changes, often giving more points to some kinds of events and fewer to others. Most often the changes mean more master points for everyone.
 

 
UNIT CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Howard Arquette - Ray April
2A       Laura Da Costa - Margaret Mahaffey
3A1B   Brenda Ward - Walt Kelso
2B        Pamela Pigg - Jonel Mueller
 
 
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1          Mark Stern - Sally Anne Stern
2          Jim Mckoane - Judy Dodd
 
1          Gary Nelson – Richard Meffley
2/3       Mary & Nick Gullo
2/3       Larry & Gay Slates
 
1A       Robert Durbrow - Lowell Gist
2/3A    Skip Miller - Byron Steinert
2/3AB1            Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
2B        JoannE. Evans - Carol Rodder
 
750 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Janet Blumberg - Stephen Blumberg
2A1B   Kathleen Coit - William Coit
3A2B   Patricia Creede - Marva White
3B1C   Denny Tweed - Cathleen Burden
2C        Sandra Beebe - Judy Pardun
3C        Kathryn Miller - Mary Claire Ewing
 
INDIVIDUAL
1          June Oeser
2/4       Robert Durbrow
2/4       Gary Nelson
2/4       Angelina Heisdorf
 
OAKHURST WINNERS
Ken Doig - Claire Molnar [2]
Wally Wallace - Paul Mertens
Jim Luther - Ira Estin
Ken Doig - Kirk Moulin
Ken Doig - T Srinivasan
 
 SPECIAL
Mark Stern - Margaret Mahaffey
Gary Nelson – Richard Meffley
Jay Roll - George Dalition
Belva Quattrin - Sally Anne Stern
Sheila Smith - Cynthia Tingey
Judy Zimmerer - Rhonda Hampton
Byron Steinert - Skip Miller
Laura Neville - Margaret Mahaffey
Belva Quattrin - Mark Stern
Carol Kaufman - Richard Meffley
William Glass - Belva Quattrin
Lowell Gist - Mark Stern
Deb Petersen - Barbara Wiedel[B]
Gary Nelson - June Oeser [B]
Avis Morse - Lisa D'Arcy [B]
Mary Gullo - Nick Gullo [B]
Kent Billeter - Sydney Bluestone [B]
Virginia Johnson - Jackie Finn [B]
Jackie Reichard - Jan Armbruster [C]
Carol Kaufman - Barbara Diebert [C]
Virginia Hailey - Paula Baraldi [C]
 
750 SPECIAL
John Oakshott - Peggy Oakshott
Deb Petersen - Barbara Wiedel
Patricia Creede - Mary Claire Ewing [B]
Marlene Robinson - Barbara Kelley [C]
Jonel Mueller - Rita Gladding [C]
 
99ER CHAMPIONSHIP
1A       Steve Johnson - Margot Cegielski
2A1B   Carol Fiorentino - John Cadwalader
2/3B     Scarlett Richman - Juan Sobenes
2/3B     Robert Heisdorf - Joan Clark
 
99er
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson
June Oeser - Julia Kendall [B]
Ruby Buttereck - Alvin Fred Schellack
Margot Cegielski - M. Steve Johnson