- News - Pasadena Bridge Club

Something for your reading list
by Morris Jones 03 Sep '23

03 Sep '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks Mojo ABTA Master Teacher 649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201 Pasadena CA 91103 (626) 247-4457 pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> This past week I started a new series of Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction on Thursday evenings. On Wednesday night I was expecting 18 students. On Thursday night I had 24 in the class! I even got a round of applause at the end of the lesson. That doesn't happen often! Robots for half table I'm getting together the tools to use BBO Robots to fill a half table at the club. If I have a half, one table can have a pair of iPads or Fire tablets facing the E/W seats. The robots will play N/S. When I did this before at the BridgeMojo club, nobody liked it much. But most players at that time weren't really familiar with bridge online. It's different now — most of us know how to bid and play on BBO. It'll be an interesting experiment! As we first start out, I'll probably score the round as "No Plays" while we're trying it out. I'll only use it for the Open games. Love a good mystery? When I'm on the road, I love listening to episodes of "Sorry, Partner," <https://sorrypartner.com/> a bridge podcast by Catherine Harris and Jocelyn Startz. I enjoyed a recent episode featuring English champion Helen Erichsen, who also happens to be an author. She just released a novel /Murder By Natural Causes/, which revolves around bridge and a bridge club. I haven't read it yet, but it sounds like a good time! I love the title. :) Classes this week Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming! Here are the topics at this week's classes: * Wednesday 7:00 PM *Defense* "Interfering with Declarer" * Thursday 7:00 PM *Bridge Basics 1* "1 Notrump Opening Bids and Responses" The Saturday games will be closed this week for the tournament (see below). Next week we'll resume the Workshop and Game with "Developing Tricks in Notrump." On our *YouTube channel this week*, "Trumping in the dummy <https://youtu.be/iuk9irx4NJA?feature=shared>" Glendale Sectional *September 9-10*, with lots of seats available for the Open Pairs and 499er pairs, all four sessions! Note that this isn't a Pasadena Bridge Club event. The Glendale Verdugo Unit is renting the bridge club for their sectional, so writing me for a reservation won't work. Instead, visit the information page here <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/glendale-sectional> and use the reservation link. Teacher training coming up Become an accredited Better Bridge teacher! We're hosting a two-day seminar by Denise Hoffman on Thursday-Friday December 21-22. By completing the seminar you'll be recognized as an accredited teacher by the ACBL, and eligible to be listed in the teacher directory. It's a great credential to present to organizations like college extension programs. Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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This week at the bridge club
by Morris Jones 28 Aug '23

28 Aug '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks Mojo ABTA Master Teacher 649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201 Pasadena CA 91103 (626) 247-4457 pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> The Western Conference Sectional Tournament at Clubs is over. Several of our players managed to place in the tournament overalls in their particular game. Here's where you can find <https://tournaments.acbl.org/schedule.php?sanction=2308508> the overall results for each game. Thursday Open Game Postponed Unfortunately we've had to postpone the start of our Thursday 11:00 Open Pairs game. The original start date was September 7, and the new start date will be October 5. I know a lot of players are looking forward to the game, as am I. We'll get it started soon! We want to add more weekly games, of course. To do that, we need players who are trained and *interested in becoming a director.* Is that you? Let's talk! /There is no masterpoint requirement/ to be a club director, but there is a test! Last NAP Qualifier Our Wednesday 11:00 AM Open Pairs this week will be the final qualifier game for the North American Pairs at our club. Find all the NAP information here: https://nap.bridgemojo.com/ Classes this week Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming! Here are the topics at this week's classes: * Wednesday 7:00 PM *Defense* "Developing Defensive Tricks" * Thursday 7:00 PM *Bridge Basics 1* "Introduction" The Saturday *workshop and game* is back this week! I'm starting a series on play of the hand, with "taking tricks at notrump." We'll have a 40 minute workshop followed by a 12-board game. On our *YouTube channel this week*, Double finesses <https://youtu.be/IS7Q5s0pmfQ?feature=shared> and a fun question from the visitors. Glendale Sectional *September 9-10*, at the Pasadena Bridge Club. This will be our first experience with using the Community Room down the hall for ten or so extra tables. Space is still limited of course, and reservations are required. Here's an information page <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/glendale-sectional> with a flier and the link to register for one or more games. (Please don't send reservations to me!) Teacher training coming up Become an accredited Better Bridge teacher! We're hosting a two-day seminar by Denise Hoffman on Thursday-Friday December 21-22. By completing the seminar you'll be recognized as an accredited teacher by the ACBL, and eligible to be listed in the teacher directory. It's a great credential to present to organizations like college extension programs. Possible Healthcare Benefit If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan may have a benefit of interest to you. The ACBL has paired with Element3 to reimburse your annual ACBL membership dues to their customers who play bridge regularly. To find out if you might be eligible, here's a link: https://element3healthgroups.com/acbl Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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Special 0-750 STaC game Saturday
by Morris Jones 25 Aug '23

25 Aug '23

For our novice and intermediate players, here is a chance to win some silver points! Game time is 1:00 PM, and we'll play 'til about 4:00 PM. Card fee is $11. Drop me a note if you'd like to play. I can usually find a partner for you if you'd like to play and don't have one! Best regards, Mojo -- build message Morris "Mojo" Jones mojo(a)PasadenaBridgeClub.com https://PasadenaBridgeClub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> Pasadena Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>

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Welcome to STaC week
by Morris Jones 20 Aug '23

20 Aug '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks Mojo ABTA Master Teacher 649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201 Pasadena CA 91103 (626) 247-4457 pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> *"All about Sectional Tournaments"* is the title of a new article on the web site. I go into some of the interesting history around Sectionals, and the always-present tug of war between interested parties. Read my article here <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/node/48>. Clearly I've had lots of time on my hands to write and work on things. Lots of love and thanks to Paula, Zachary, and Lisa who have been doing a fantastic job running games and classes while I've been holed up. I expect to be back in the club eager to go on Wednesday morning for the first STaC game. New Thursday Open Pairs Starting *September 7* (happy birthday Jane!) we'll be holding a second Open Pairs game at 11:00 AM. Join us for the game on Sept. 7 or 14 and we'll have a pizza party as well! I'll bring in pizzas from Blaze downstairs, and we'll take an extra break at about noon. STaC Games Three (really four) special silver point games this week: * Wednesday 11:00 AM Open Pairs * Thursday 11:00 AM Open Pairs (Special Game) * Saturday 1:00 PM 0-750 Pairs And thanks to tropical depression (once hurricane) Hilary, there's one more STaC game sponsored by the Unit at the Arcadia Bridge Center on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 12:30 PM. Reservations for any game on RSVP or here <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/contact/game_reservation>. Districts 21, 22, and 23 are included in this Sectional Tournament at Clubs. Learn more about Sectional Tournaments here. <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/node/48> Classes this week Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming! Here are the topics at this week's classes: * Wednesday 7:00 PM *Defense* "Defensive Signals" * Thursday 7:00 PM *Two Over One Game Force* "Practice Hands" * Saturday 9:30 AM *Competitive Bidding* "Practice Hands" The Saturday "workshop and game" will not meet this week, but I invite everyone to play in the 0-750 STaC game and practice all the great stuff you've been learning! Pasadena Bridge Club on *YouTube this week*: Finesses Part 2, combining techniques, and when to lead high cards. https://youtu.be/M67RSru5BZo Next Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction This is the starting point for non-bridge players to discover our favorite game. Six Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM, starting August 31. Let your friends and family know! Here's the link to register with PCC online <https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>. Glendale Sectional *September 9-10*, let's put on a show! We're hosting four sessions of bridge at the Pasadena Bridge Club, with two pairs events at each session. Games start at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM each day, with an Open Pairs game and a 0-500 game. Binge on bridge for the weekend and collect silver points! Space is limited and may not be available! Here's an information page <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/glendale-sectional> with a flier and the link to register for one or more games. And finally ... I have a fast, beautiful, almost new HP LaserJet printer for sale. Black & White only, USB or ethernet connecton. $150 takes it. Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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NAP Qualifier Wednesday and other news
by Morris Jones 13 Aug '23

13 Aug '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks 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> This past Saturday while doing the Saturday Workshop and game, I mentioned that the Saturday afternoon event is probably the best deal at the bridge club, and got no argument. On Saturday afternoons we have a real 40 minute or so workshop complete with practice deals to bid or play, followed by a snappy 12-board fun bridge game. If you're under about 300 points, this is a great opportunity! It's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. And yes, it's all for the regular $10 card fee. NAP Qualifier Wednesday August is the last month when players can qualify to advance in the North American Pairs. We have two NAP Qualifiers on the calendar: this Wednesday August 16, and again on Wednesday, August 30. The NAP games pay half-black, half-red masterpoints and lots of them. The stratification will be based on the highest point player in each pair, at Open, 2500, and 500. Players in the top 50% of each strat qualify to advance to the District Final on October 1. (Interesting twist for Flight C, if there are five or fewer C pairs, all pairs qualify to advance!) Special STaC week games Clubs in three western districts covering most of the Western US will be participating in a Sectional Tournament at Clubs (STaC) during the week of August 21-27. For the STaC I'm *adding a game on Thursday, August 24**,* at 11:00 AM. Open Pairs. The game is available now for reservations. On *Saturday, August 26*, in place of the "workshop and short game" we'll play a 0-750 silver point game. Card fees for all STaC games will be $11. Classes this week Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming if you can! Here are the topics at this week's classes: * Wednesday 7:00 PM *Defense* "Defensive Signals" * Thursday 7:00 PM *Two Over One Game Force* "Practice Hands" * Saturday 9:30 AM *Competitive Bidding* "Practice Hands" There will also be a topic "2-Level Simple Overcalls" at the Saturday afternoon workshop and game. Next Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction This is the starting point for non-bridge players to discover our favorite game. Six Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM, starting August 31. Let your friends and family know! Here's the link to register with PCC online <https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>. Coming Up ... The weekend of September 9-10 we're going to try hosting a sectional tournament for the Glendale Verdugo Unit, taking advantage of the "community room" down the hall from the bridge club. Reservations will be required, and the games will be limited to 20 tables for Open Pairs, and 10 tables for 0-500 pairs. We'll have more information and maybe a flier next week. Also, watch for an announcement about Thursdays in September. I'll say no more! :) Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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Seeking social game mentor for tomorrow
by Morris Jones 11 Aug '23

11 Aug '23

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 I have some newer players coming for a social game. If you like to play social bridge, answering questions from players when they have them, or just hanging out at the bridge club with fresh coffee, consider volunteering to be a social game mentor. You may or may not fill a seat at a table. Free play at the club for any mentors. :) Mojo -- build message Morris "Mojo" Jones mojo(a)PasadenaBridgeClub.com https://PasadenaBridgeClub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> Pasadena Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>

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Social Media icons on website
by Morris Jones 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks 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> Jane and I took advantage of some quiet travel time this past week to work on the club's social media presence. If you visit our web site <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> now, you'll see icons for Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, You can "like" or "follow" the Pasadena Bridge Club on any of those platforms. If you subscribe to our channel on YouTube, every Saturday morning I'll be re-releasing a 15-minute-or-so bridge lesson, first produced during quarantine. The lessons mostly cover some aspect of play or defense. Great little bites. STaC game Thursday 8/24 For the upcoming Sectional Tournament at Clubs (STaC), I'll be adding an Open Pairs at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 24. The event is live on RSVPBridge now, and you can sign up to play. Also Saturday 8/26 STaC In addition, in place of the Saturday workshop and game, we'll have a *0-750 Silver Point game*, starting at 1:00, and finished by 4:15 or so. Club Championships All duplicate games this week will be Club Championships. That's Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Extra points, no extra charge! Privacy on RSVP By default, your email address is visible to other logged-in club members at RSVPBridge. You can change the visibility this way: * Log in to RSVPBridge * Click on your name icon in the lower right corner * Click on the control "Privacy" from the pop-up menu. And if it's easier, just drop me a note and I'll take care of it. Classes this week Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming if you can! Here are the topics at this week's classes: * Wednesday 7:00 PM *Defense* "Second Hand Play" * Thursday 7:00 PM *Two Over One Game Force* "The Choice Between Game and Slam" * Saturday 9:30 AM *Competitive Bidding* "The Competitive Auction" (redoubles, negative doubles, and more) There will also be a topic "to be announced" at the Saturday afternoon workshop and game. Next Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction The PCC Extension catalog has landed in mailboxes all around Pasadena. On Thursdays starting August 31 is "Bridge Introduction." Let your friends and family know! Here's the link to register with PCC online <https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>. Coming Up ... In September, we're planning to make the *Thursday morning Open Pairs* a regular game. We'll promote it with postcards, special games, pizza! The Pasadena Bridge Club will be hosting the *Glendale Sectional Tournament* on Sept. 9-10. We'll be making use of the Community Room down the hall from the bridge club. Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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Welcome to August!
by Morris Jones 31 Jul '23

31 Jul '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks 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> Welcome to August! The bridge club remains a cool refuge on hot days. Hopefully the landlord will get the air conditioning in our lobby area fixed soon! Respect for Social Bridge One of the things *we will always* do at the Pasadena Bridge Club is offer social bridge games. We currently have two sessions: Thursdays at 7:00 PM and Saturday mornings at 9:30 AM. (I'm open to suggestion if you'd like others!) In Chicago I spent a lot of time with other club managers and teachers. Many of us were making the point that that social bridge is a fun and valuable event in itself, not just a way point to tournament bridge. In the next few weeks I hope to implement some features to make the social bridge games their own fun event. We don't call it "party bridge" for nothing! Stay tuned for that. Next Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction The PCC Extention catalog has landed in mailboxes all around Pasadena. On Thursdays starting August 31 is "Bridge Introduction." Let your friends and family know! Here's the link to register with PCC online <https://pasadena.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&i…>. Bridge Basics 1 is six Thursday evenings. While it's listed in the PCC Extension catalog, the class meets happily at the Pasadena Bridge Club. Classes this week Anyone is welcome to join a single session of any course at the bridge club for $25. Here are the topics for classes this week: * *Defense* Wednesday 7:00 PM "Third Hand Play" * *Two Over One Game Force* Thursday 7:00 PM "Rebids by Opener and Responder" * *Competitive Bidding* Saturday 9:30 AM "The Takeout Double" Saturday Workshop and Game Every Saturday at 1:00 PM we feature a mini-workshop on a bridge topic for about 30-40 minutes, always with some example hands. Following that will be a fun 12-15 board duplicate game, finishing up by 4:00 PM. The subject this Saturday is "Michaels Cue Bids." It's a great way to compete with a very special hand. You won't see them often, but when you do (or your partner does), wouldn't it be fun? Coming Up ... I just learned that we have a new STaC (Sectional Tournament at Clubs) coming up the week of August 21 - 27. We're probably going to add some special games so everyone can have more than once chance to win some silver points. Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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North American Pairs
by Morris Jones 25 Jul '23

25 Jul '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks 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> It's the little things, you know? Parks Coffee just replaced the coffee maker in the hopes that I'll be able to make pots back-to-back more quickly. :) North American Pairs This Wednesday is designated as a North American Pairs Qualifier game. Every year during June, July, and August, clubs hold qualifier games for the NAP. We'll be having games at the Pasadena Bridge Club on *July 26*, *August 16*, and *August 30*. The NAP is really three tournaments: Open, 0-2500, and 0-500. If you finish in the top 50% of your strat in a club qualifier game, you'll be invited to compete in the *NAP District Final on October 1*. If there's demand for it, we could hold a *0-500 NAP Qualifier on a Saturday afternoon*. What say you? I think maybe we should! Top finishers in the District Final will be invited to represent their district at the Spring NABC in Louisville, KY, and the winners even get a subsidy for their travel! Double treat: The district final will be held at the Pasadena Bridge Club! It's a two-session pair game, to be played on Sunday, October 1, starting at 10:00 a.m. Wear the Pasadena Bridge Club The full catalog from Lands' End is now available with the classy Pasadena Bridge Club logo. Find your shirts, caps, bags, jackets, gear of all kinds. The catalog is available online here: https://business.landsend.com/store/pasadenabridgeclub/ Saturday Workshop and Game This Saturday I have a fun topic, from Robert Todd's Adventures in Bridge <https://www.advinbridge.com/>: *"Doubles of Artificial Bids." *It's a cool way to get the defense off on the right foot. Saturday at 1:00 PM, followed by a 12-board game for novice/intermediate players. Class Topics This Week Everyone is welcome to join any single class for $25. Look for the class topics in the weekly newsletter, or on the front page of the web site. * Wednesday, 7:00 PM, *Defense* "Opening Leads against Trump Contracts" * Thursday, 7:00 PM, *Two Over One Game Force* "The Forcing 1NT" * Saturday, 9:30 AM, *Competitive Bidding* "Simple Overcalls And Responses" (The Competitive Bidding lesson is particularly good. Learn how to use cue bids to make a strong raise, and jump raises to preempt!) Coming up ... I think in September it's time to add another game to the schedule. What do you think? Should it be an open game or a limited game? When would you like to come to the bridge club? Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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Flying home from Chicago
by Morris Jones 18 Jul '23

18 Jul '23

Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com> News from N Fair Oaks 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> It's been an amazing few days in Chicago, and I'm writing this as I wait for the first leg of the trip home. To see what it's like to visit an NABC, I shot a little two-minute walkthrough on Saturday: https://youtu.be/HbHg4KDrUXY Last night was also the award dinner for the ACBL Goodwill Committee, and it's written up in today's tournament Daily Bulletin: https://cdn.acbl.org/nabc/2023/02/bulletins/db5.pdf To my right in the photo is Bronia Jenkins, the ACBL's rock star new executive director. I even got to play bridge all day Wednesday with Brenda Egeland who created RSVPBridge. It was a chance to lobby for some new features. We also had a great time playing bridge! New courses week! This is the week we start *Defense*, *Two Over One Game Force*, and *Competitive Bidding* courses. They're dynamite courses each. With all of our courses you are always welcome to /try the first class with no obligation/. If you're not sure it's for you, give it a try and see! See the full schedule and enrollment links here: https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses Saturday Workshop and Game The subject this Saturday is "Corrective vs. Forward Going bids." If it sounds a little obscure, don't worry! It's a common misunderstanding at the table, and we can help clear things up. Saturday at 1:00 PM, followed by a 12-board game for 299ers. Coming Up ... Our next /Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction/ course will also be in the PCC Extension catalog. It will be on Thursday evenings starting August 31. Save the date! Thanks so much to Paula Olivares and Zachary Vedro for covering the games and classes last week! Best regards, Mojo, Jane, Zachary

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