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Mojo
Pasadena
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Play the BBO Robots
Over the last many years, I attribute much of my improvement in bidding,
play, and defense, to playing and studying the robot tournaments on
Bridge Base Online.
The robots are the butt of many derisive comments among bridge players.
They're actually much better than most people assume.
On Saturday afternoon at 1:00 I'm going to spend 30-40 minutes showing
you my tips for using the BBO robots to improve your game. I'll show you
features that are mostly invisible until you know about them, and how to
revisit your tournament history to find out why other players did better
than you (or vice versa!).
Then watch over my shoulder as I play a BBO robot tournament live and
study my results. Will I do well or be burned? I don't know! Come find
out with me. :)
Workshop+Game Saturday 1:00 PM
After the workshop we'll have a game for our novice/intermediate
players. The workshop is free, and the usual game card fee is $10.
To sweeten the deal, we'll play an Upgraded Club Championship Saturday,
so we'll be awarding lots of extra masterpoints!
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Today I received a copy of /The ABTA Journal/ in advance of the summer
convention of the American Bridge Teachers Association. It includes my
first published article for the group, and possibly the first of many to
come.
I'll be in Chicago from July 9 through July 18, attending the ABTA
convention and playing in the Summer NABC for a few days. I'll be
installed as the new president of the ABTA, and pick up my award as
Aileen Osofsky Goodwill Member of the Year 2023. :)
North American Pairs
June marks the beginning of three months of club qualifying games for
the North American Pairs, one of two annual "grass roots" tournaments
organized by the ACBL.
I'm planning to hold four NAP qualifier games at the scheduled Wednesday
11:00 AM game. The first will be this Wednesday, June 7.
Future NAP qualifiers will be on July 26, August 16, and August 30. Card
fees will be $11 for all NAP Qualfiers.
Players in the top 50% of any designated NAP qualifier game will be
invited to compete at the District Final for the NAP on October 1,
hosted this year at the Pasadena Bridge Club. :)
Closed Saturday for GNT
This Saturday and Sunday the Pasadena Bridge Club is scheduled to host
the district final of the /other/ annual grass roots tournament, the
Grand National Teams.
I thought we'd have plenty of space, based on the attendance from
previous years, but it seems our central location has attracted 22 teams
to play in the event!
If you ever count the tables in our club, we have fifteen in the main
room, and five in the Harold Knowles Memorial class room.
We may not need to, but I'm planning to set up two bridge tables in the
hallway just outside the main door.
I know, right? For the NAP final in October I'll have use of the
Community Room down the hall for an extra 10 tables or so.
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Play of the Hand "Finesses!"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Popular Conventions "Slam Bidding and Blackwood"
* Saturday 9:30 AM Bridge Basics 1 d/ark this week for the GNT final/
June Bridge News
Be sure you download your copy of the Southern California Bridge news at
this link <https://www.bridgewebs.com/acbl23/CurrentNews.pdf> for
everything bridge-related in Los Angeles County.
I always have a copy on the bulletin board at the club, but it's nice to
have your own. :)
Coming Up ...
Next week all of our scheduled games will "Upgraded Club Championships,"
awarding extra black points.
Wednesady, June 21, we'll have a special fund raiser game for the
*Alzheimers Association*, part of their annual event called *The Longest
Day*.
Saturday June 17 we'll have another 1:00 PM workshop on "How to play the
BBO Robots."
The next courses starting at the bridge club will all be the week of
July 19, and it's a great lineup! See the list at
https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
When there isn't a Sunday bridge event, I get to enjoy enjoy a
nearly-three day weekend with Jane. Today we're in Moonstone Beach,
Cambria, We visited some favorite wineries in Paso Robles.
Saturday Afternoon Team Workshop
The Bridge Week Regional starts on July 3, and there are team events
every day. If you're hunting for gold masterpoints to make Life Master,
there's no better way to do it than playing the Bracketed Round-Robin Teams.
At a regional of this size, you don't even need teammates to get
started. Show up early at the event, and other pairs will be looking for
teammates. Every big tournament has a "partnership desk" for putting
together pairs and teams.
*So let's practice playing teams!*
Last Saturday I introduced the arithmetic and mechanics of playing a
team match.
This Saturday, I'll review a little of that, and spend more time on how
IMP scoring affects your strategy during the auction and the play of the
hand.
I contend that team-of-four bridge with IMP scoring is truly the purest
form of duplicate bridge. It's also my favorite way to enjoy the game
competitively and socially.
*We need a couple of teams! *Who's available to play on Saturday
afternoon? Don't worry — if you want to come play, we can put together
teams.
Unit Game Sunday
The Pasadena Unit Game is held twice-monthly on Sunday afternoons. The
first for this month will be June 3, at 12:30, at the Pasadena Bridge
Club. The following game is on June 17 at the Arcadia Bridge Center.
This game draws some of the best players in the district. If you're a
new bridge player, you might want to drop in to kibitz a few hands. Let
me know and I can set you up!
Make reservations for the Unit Game by contacting Miriam Harrington at
(626) 232-0558, or miratpf(a)aol.com.
Grass Roots Fund Game Wednesday
Let's raise a little more money for the ACBL Grass Roots Fund Wednesday
and earn lots of extra masterpoints.
The Grass Roots Fund helps send district winners of the North American
Pairs and Grand National Teams to compete at the NABC against other
districts.
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Play of the Hand "Promotion and Long Suits"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Popular Conventions "Very Strong Opening Hands"
* Saturday 9:30 AM Bridge Basics 1 "1NT Opening bids and Responses"
All classes meet in person at the Pasadena Bridge Club, and are taught
by me, Morris "Mojo" Jones.
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
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This past Saturday morning marked a watershed moment for beginning
bridge classes.
For the past 10+ years, I've been teaching beginning bridge through the
Pasadena City College Extension program. The classes have always been
held at Arcadia High School, in a classroom where a history teacher used
round tables instead of traditional school desks.
I made arrangements to offer the PCC Extension class at the Pasadena
Bridge Club instead of Arcadia High School starting this year. No more
hunting for the room, or finding the bathrooms in the dark!
The first class met this past Saturday with 25 students on hand, and a
few more joining in progress. I'll be repeating the first class this
coming Saturday, and continuing for the next several Saturday mornings.
(If you'd like to help out with the beginners on Saturday mornings, I'd
be delighted to have you!)
Saturday Afternoon Team Workshops
The Grand National Teams are coming soon! Let's practice playing some
team matches on the next two Saturday afternoons.
On May 27 I'll go through the mechanics and arithmetic of playing and
scoring a team-of-four match.
On June 3, I'll discuss IMP scoring strategy and how it affects your
decisions during both play and bidding.
On both Saturdays, after the workshop, let's play a practice team match!
We can make up teams from the players and pairs available. We can hold a
match with as few as two teams.
Play of the Hand
Wednesday evening May 24 7:00 PM will be the first of eight classes
dedicated to play of the hand. Learn how to plan your play and make more
of your contracts!
During the course we'll also touch on several bidding topics, including
overcalls, takeout doubles, preemptive opening bids, and slam bidding.
Drop me a note if you'd like to join the group!
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Play of the Hand "Making a Plan"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Popular Conventions "Jacoby Transfer Bids"
* Saturday 9:30 AM Bridge Basics 1 "1NT Openings and Responses"
All classes meet in person at the Pasadena Bridge Club, and are taught
by me, Morris "Mojo" Jones.
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
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We had a fantastic full day of bridge learning last Sunday with Robert
Todd. Five tables turned out, and it seemed like the time flew by. I
think everyone felt like the day exceeded all expectations, even my own.
The club will be closed on the weekend of June 10-11 so we can host the
District 23 Grand National Teams final. See below for some coaching for
your team. :)
Saturday Workshops
The turnout has been light for the Saturday afternoon 299er games, so I
think for the next few weeks we should use the time for some
single-session fun subjects.
I'm going to pick some topics that don't warrant a full class, but are
worthy and fun. Let's start at 1:00 PM on Saturday, and we can even play
a short game after the workshop.
Let me know if you have requests for other specific one-session topics!
Is there a favorite convention you'd like to learn in-depth with your
partner?
Same $10 card fee for the workshop plus a short game!
May 20 Convention Cards
Let's go through how to fill out a convention card and how to read one.
You've all seen them on the "supplies" table, and I know they look like
a strange and wonderful, but foreign, language.
I'll walk you through how they're organized, how to read one, and how
you can sit down with your partner to fill one out. It's a great way to
document your agreements with regular and one-time partners.
May 27 and June 3 Teams of Four
Team-of-four bridge is the most popular game at tournaments for good
reason. Here at the club we usually play "matchpoint pairs," but
matchpoints distort the natural scoring of bridge by a lot.
I'll explain more on these two Saturdays, which also happen to be the
two Saturdays before the June 10 Grand National Teams District Final
being held at the Pasadena Bridge Club.
Team bridge is the lowest-tech way to play duplicate, and it's great for
playing with friends at home. I'll work through the mechanics of running
and scoring the game, and discuss how the scoring affects your bidding
and play strategy.
June 17 How to play the BBO Robots
Playing the "Robot Individual" tournaments on BBO is fun, but it can
also be a great tool for improving your play, defense, and even your
bidding.
On this Saturday afternoon I'll have you watch over my shoulder as I
play a BBO robot tournament, and show you how to review the hands where
you did well or poorly and figure out exactly why.
Popular Conventions Thursday
We're continuing the Thursday morning Bridge Basics series with Popular
Conventions.
Join us for the next six Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM to learn the
Stayman convention, Jacoby Transfer Bids, strong opening hands, and slam
bidding.
Drop me a note if you'd like to join the group!
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Popular Conventions "Practice Hands"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Popular Conventions "Stayman"
* Saturday 9:30 AM Bridge Basics 1 "Introduction"
If you're interested in observing or helping as a guest mentor for the
beginning bridge class, let me know!
All classes meet in person at the Pasadena Bridge Club, and are taught
by me, Morris "Mojo" Jones.
Bridge Basics 1 starts May 20
I have 19 students enrolled for the class starting this weekend. We have
room for a few more! If you know someone who'd like to join:
Click here to enroll or send the link to a friend!
<https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zachary
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
We have new signage in the works -- a decal for the lobby door, a sign
over the entrance doors, and hopefully a spot on the "monument" signs by
the street. We've talked about putting something in the windows, but
that might not be effective -- and I don't want to interfere with the
view out. Suggestions welcome!
Robert Todd Sunday May 14
This is a special treat. Robert is a regular columnist in the Bridge
Bulletin, and a speaker at national and regional tournaments. He's also
the current president of the ACBL Educational Foundation.
I never miss an opportunity to spend time hearing Robert talk about
bridge. He has a knack for making complex subjects understandable.
(Maybe that's from his time spent as a math professor!) He's based in
Florida (Bridge Central) so it's good to catch him on a west coast visit.
We get to spend a full day with Robert on Sunday May 14 at the Pasadena
Bridge Club. It's $90 invested in making your bridge game more enjoyable
and successful.
Drop me a note to save a seat for the day! The session starts at 9:30
and finishes by 4:00. There will be plenty of break time for lunch and
socializing.
STaC results from the week
I spoke to Arleen Harvey yesterday. She was the Director in Charge for
the Sectional Tournament at Clubs that just finished up. There were some
97 bridge clubs participating (California, Nevada, Washington, and
British Columbia) and she said over 1,700 tables of bridge reported!
The overall results from each session are found here:
https://tournaments.acbl.org/schedule.php?sanction=2305508#schedule
The biggest surprise of the week for me was the Sunday Afternoon Unit
Game / STaC game, where *Mark Peters* and *Sin Orensztein* had a
remarkable 72.83% game, and it was only good enough for second place in
the conference!
Other big winners were *Milt Kalikman* and *Gitta Earll* on Wednesday
with a 2nd overall finish.
Improving Your Judgment - Opening the Bidding, May 11
This six week class will reveal how experts evaluate their hand
regarding opening, and /change/ that evaulation based on seating
position relative to the dealer, vulnerability, and other factors.
Six Thursday evenings, 7:00 PM, first class May 11.
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Popular Conventions "Practice Hands"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Competitive Bidding "Practice Hands"
* Thursday 7:00 PM IYJ - Opening "Opening at the One Level in First
and Second Position"
* Saturday 9:30 AM 2 Over 1 Game Force "Practice Hands"
All classes meet in person at the Pasadena Bridge Club, and are taught
by me, Morris "Mojo" Jones.
Bridge Basics 1 starts May 20
This is the starting point for non-players to learn our game! The
registration link is now available on the PCC Extension web site.
We already have 18 students enrolled! I've set a soft limit at 24.
Click here to enroll or send the link to a friend!
<https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zach
Here's a reminder that we have three more Royal STaC games for 0-750
players on the calendar:
* Thursday 12:00 Noon
* Friday 11:00 AM
* Saturday 1:00 PM
(Also the Open Pairs Unit Game on Sunday at 12:30.)
If you're planning to come play, please drop me a note! We'll play if we
can get 3 tables together, but it's more fun with more. :)
Best regards,
Mojo
--
build message
Morris "Mojo" Jones
mojo(a)PasadenaBridgeClub.com
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ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
It looks like the property management is about finished with the noisy
work being done outside the bridge club. Good news, the lobby and
elevator have new carpet, and the new roof should be complete. No more
leaks! Right?
STaC games Wed through Sun
This week we'll offer five /Royal/ Sectional Tournament at Clubs games.
Two Open games and three 0-750 games.
* Wednesday 11:00 AM Open
* Thursday 12:00 Noon 0-750
* Friday 11:00 AM 0-750 *(Added game!)*
* Saturday 1:00 PM 0-750
* Sunday 12:30 PM Open *(Pasadena Unit Game)*
Drop me a note to reserve your seat for one of these games. I usually
have good partners available at all games!
Card fees for STaC games will be $11. The masterpoint awards will be
Sectional rated, 25% Black, 25% Red, 25% Silver, and 25% Gold!
Improving Your Judgment - Opening the Bidding, May 11
This six week class will reveal how experts evaluate their hand
regarding opening, and /change/ that evaulation based on seating
position relative to the dealer, vulnerability, and other factors.
Six Thursday evenings, 7:00 PM, first class May 11.
Classes meeting this week
Single class sessions are always available for $25. Here are the topics
being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM Popular Conventions "Slam Bidding and Blackwood"
* Thursday 9:00 AM Competitive Bidding "Practice Hands"
* Saturday 9:30 AM 2 Over 1 Game Force "Choosing Between Game and Slam"
All classes meet in person at the Pasadena Bridge Club, and are taught
by me, Morris "Mojo" Jones.
(Every week in the newsletter I'll try to call out the topics for that
week's classes.)
Robert Todd, Sunday May 14
Come spend a delightful day at the bridge club with former math
professor, bridge champion, teacher, and author Robert Todd. Improve
your slam bidding, and play of the hand.
The full day bridge seminar starts at 9:30 AM and costs $90. Seats are
filling, but lots still available!
Bridge Basics 1 starts May 20
This is the starting point for non-players to learn our game! The
registration link is now available on the PCC Extension web site.
Fliers and emails have gone out to Pasadena area mailboxes from PCC
Extension, and seats are already being filled!
Click here to enroll or send the link to a friend!
<https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zach
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Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Big news! Unsweetened iced tea is back in the breakroom, alongside
lemonade. Arnold Palmers for everyone! :)
Wednesday Charity Pairs
This week's Open Pairs on Wednesday will pay /beaucoup /masterpoints and
help raise funds for ACBL Charities. Card fees for this game will be $11
(so if you've pre-paid, bring an extra $1).
(The game will not be part of the ACBL-wide Charity Pairs —I couldn't
start that game before 12:00 noon. )
Royal STaC Next Week
That's a Sectional Tournament at Clubs (STaC), but this STaC is
different from the usual silver point tournament. All awards will be 25%
black, 25% silver, 25% red, and 25% gold masterpoints!
Clubs throughout California, Washington and Nevada will be
participating, and to make more opportunities, we're *adding a Friday
11:00 AM game* on May 5 for players from 0-750 masterpoints!
Here are the STaC games for next week, May 3-6:
* Wednesday 11:00 AM Open Pairs
* Thursday 12:00 PM 0-750 Pairs
* Friday 11:00 AM 0-750 Pairs
* Saturday 1:00 PM 0-750 Pairs
Pasadena Unit / STaC game May 7
The Pasadena Unit Game will meet at the Pasadena Bridge Club on Sunday,
May 7, for a special game that's part of the District 19, 21, 22, 23
Royal STaC.
Game time is 12:30 PM, reservations are required with Miriam Harrington,
(626) 232-0558, or miratpf(a)aol.com
Robert Todd May 14
Robert ToddMake your reservation now for the full-day bridge seminar
with Robert Todd on Sunday May 14!
The morning session will start at 9:30 on *Slam Bidding*, and the
afternoon session will be on *Finesse and so much more*.
This is a rare opportunity to spend a full day with one of the best
bridge teachers in the world. Drop me a note for a reservation! The full
day is $90.
This Week's Classes
As always, you're welcome to visit a single class of any series for $25!
Here are the topics being offered this week:
* Wednesday 7:00 PM *Strong Opening Bids*
* Thursday 9:00 AM *The Competitive Auction*
* Thursday 7:00 PM *Defense Practice Hands*
* Saturday 9:30 AM *2/1 GF Opener and Responder Rebids*
/Coming up soon/*Improving Your Judgment - Opening the Biddin**g*, Six
Thursday evenings starting May 4.
Bridge Basics 1 starts May 20
This is the starting point for non-players to learn our game! The
registration link is now available on the PCC Extension web site.
Click here to enroll or send the link to a friend!
<https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zach
