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| Unit 530 Election of Board Members 2023-24 |
Three Candidates Hope to Fill Three Positions on the Monterey Bridge Club's Board of Directors
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Kristen McMurray: Served as hospitality chair for the Unit. Oversees Bridge and Brunch food donations. Filled in as secretary. Completed the remainder of a vacated term.
Ray Mok: Served as treasurer of the Unit. Manages and reports on the Bridge Center financial operations and lease terms. Completed his first three-year term.
Joe Truskot: Served as membership chair for the Unit and manages the website. Completed his first three-year term.
Pat Heller and Fran Soskins serve as the Election Committee and will announce the election results at the Annual Meeting Bridge and Brunch Potluck, Sunday, June 11, 2023. They will make certain that each ballot unique.Electronic ballots have been sent out. Manual ballots will be available at the Bridge Center. All members are encourage to vote. In addition, any member who wishes to write-in a name may do so. If the names are unchecked and the ballot is received, this ballot will count as a vote for the three named candidates. This process isn't 100% anonymous but will provide some secrecy.
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| Brush Up on Your Bridge Game |
Lessons for Intermediate-level Players Begin Wednesday, June 21
 Lyde McReynolds will start a six-week program of Brush Up lessons for intermediate-level players each Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. starting on June 21, 2023. The lessons will take place at the Monterey Bridge Center, 201B Calle Del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks CA 93940. The cost is $15 per lesson. Attendees are encouraged to play in the Wednesday morning game beginning at 10 a.m.
'Intermediate' covers a wide range, from those who have had just a series of classes for beginners to those who have been playing for a while but want to improve their game even further.
For more information about these lessons, contact Lyde at 831-624-4796 or lydefromcarmel@comcast.net.
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| May STaC Week - Big Winners |
Congratulations Helen Rubin and Gerry Kapolka.
Thanks for making the Monterey Bridge Club Unit 530 stand out.
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Helen Rubin and Gerry Kapolka came in first place in all of District 21
with an awesome score of 75.79% earning them 14.19 Master Points.
Other point scorers are listed below.
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| Pizza Party Bridge and Brunch, Sunday, May 7 |
Silver Seekers Get Rewarded at May 7 Unit Game
Eight tables of Silver Seekers competed in the STaC game on Sunday, May 7, 2023 with pizzas from The Pizza Factory, hosted by Kristin McMurray and Bill Breen, with salads donated by Marti Jones, Kathy Pfitzer, and Shirley Smith. Thanks, too, for the great desserts, especially Flo Grivas' heritage recipe. Maja's direction was smooth and seemingly effortless. According to Monterey Bridge Center treasurer Ray Mok, the event netted $560 to help offset our operating costs.
Top Scorers North and South: 1st Marti Jones and Judith Murdock, 2nd Pat Heller and Kathy Pfitzer, 3rd Glenn Chee and David Ow, 4th Patricia De La Montanya and Andrea Sigmund.
Top Scorers East and West: 1st Helen Rubin and Gerry Kapolka, 2nd Nancy Barucki and Betty Jackson, 3rd Chris Boncich and Ed Lange, 4th Barbara Santry and Susan Sugimoto.
The next Bridge and Brunch Unit Game will be our annual meeting on Sunday, June 11, 2023. The Monterey Bridge Center is located at 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks, California. Call if you have questions: 831-747-1650.
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| Win Silver Points on Thursday, May 4 AND Sunday, May 7 |
Here's your chance to win silver points!
 Join your fellow Monterey Bridge Club members on Thursday, May 4 at 11:30 a.m. and participate in the STaC game. The fee is $12 and Maja is the director. The game is open to all players and will be stratified. If you have questions, contact Maja directly at the email on this message or call: 831-682-6110.
STaC is an acronym for Sectional Tournaments at Clubs. They are not run online but only at participating face-to-face clubs in specific geographic areas. A STaC tournament can be held for a maximum of seven consecutive days. Like other sectionals, the ACBL awards winners and overall places silver points.
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| April 2023 Bridge and Brunch Unit Game |
Promises Completed: The Sun Came Out and Shone Brightly and So Did Eleven Tables of Players
 Our popular Bridge and Brunch Unit Game attracted 11 tables on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Kristin McMurray coordinated with Neville Kirby, Louise Barnard and Jane Altavilla for a delicious ham, au gratin potatoes, citrus salad, sweet potato corn bread, cole slaw salad and a fruit tray, Farol Henderson's lemon bread and Trulee Ricketts' deviled eggs disappeared quickly. Doug Halleen directed the game with his usual smoothness.Thanks to all the dessert bringers for an excellent spread.
According to Unit 530 treasurer Ray Mok, April's Unit Game netted $883.25 which included $167 in extra donations. These games are $20 which help us offset the monthly operating deficit of running the Monterey Bridge Center. The more players who attend our games, the smaller the loss is and the greater the camaraderie.
Top North-South Point Scorers: 1st - Trulee Ricketts and Maja, 2nd - Ray and Karen Mok, 3rd - Lyde and Curt Hussey, 4th - Ed Schrenzel and Neville Kirby, 5th - Pat Heller and Fran Soskins, 6th TIE - Mary Ann Pirtoee and Louise Barnard, Diane Duey and Shirley Smith
Top East-West Point Scorers: 1st - Ron Coffee and Ron Loiacano, 2nd - Chris Boncich and Ed Lange, 3rd - Mano Singham and Jim Lauderdale, 4th - Eleonore Gutierrez and Paula Robichaud, 5th - Kristin McMurray and Bill Breen
The Center is located at 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks, California. Call for questions: 831-747-1650. The next game will take place on May 7, 2023.
  
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| Wednesday Morning Bridge Packs Them In |
Wednesday mornings at the Monterey Bridge Center have consistently drawn nine to ten tables despite the often treacherous weather conditions.
No electricity to play BBO on line? Have an old-fashioned face-to-face game at 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks.
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| Championship Bridge - Early 60s TV Show |
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| Jump Shift Into Spring |
We jumped. We shifted. And we played bridge!
Bridge players from Monterey Unit 530 fought power outages, downed trees, and flood waters to play their favorite game on Sunday, March 12, 2022. Ray and Karen Mok provided delicious croissant sandwiches and St. Patrick's Day table decorations, Debbie Anthony mac 'n' cheese, Stephanie Booth three bean salad, Betty Jackson brought Brie and Crackers, and Jane Altavilla green salad. The dessert table offered Trulee Ricketts' chocolate cupcakes with out-of-this-world mocha frosting, David Ow's Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, and so much more.
Many folks braved the challenges the storm brought. None more so than Bonnie Tragni of Scotts Valley who realized with the Highway One closed she would have to go through San Jose to get to Monterey. That trip took one and half hours! Thanks Bonnie for your dedication.
Thanks Maja for directing a smooth game with nine tables. According to treasurer Ray Mok, The event brought in a net profit of $699.75. Thanks Mary Block and others for the donations.
Here are the top pointer-getters:
North and South: 1st Ray and Karen Mok, 2nd Sharon Larson and Ron Loiacono, 3rd Thomas and Ewan Eby, 4th Bill Breen and Kristen McMurray, 5th Kathy Pfitzer and Leon Heller.
East and West: 1st Martha Hawley and Gerry Kapolka, 2nd Fran Soskins and Mano Singham, 3rd Chris Boncich and Ed Lange, 4th TIED Kurt Schnebele and Arlene Sekel and Nancy Borucki and Betty Jackson.
The next Sunday Bridge and Brunch game will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023. A sign up sheet to play and to provide food is posted at the Bridge Center. The Monterey Bridge Center is located at 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks, California, 831-747-1650.
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| Picnic in February Unit Game |
Last minute sunny skies accompanied Bridge and Brunch on Sunday, February 5
 
The Off and On, Sun and Showers weather worked well for the Monterey Bridge Club's "Picnic in February" themed bridge and brunch open game on Sunday, February 5. Doug Halleen directed eleven tables and we welcomed a few first-timers at this monthly event. According to treasurer Ray Mok, the net result was $776.25 profit. These funds will help us offset the operating costs of the Bridge Center.
The brunch this time featured sloppy joe sandwiches by sloppy joe himself, egg salad sandwiches by Trulee Ricketts, potato salad by Jane Altavista, baked beans by Carol Sendell, fruit salad by Maja, green salad by Sharon Larson, outstanding crab dip by Eleanor Gutierrez brought and cheese and crackers by Betty Jackson. Players also brought an array of desserts. Left picture: Jane Altavilla, Stephanie Booth, Eleanor Gutierrez and Sharon Larson. Right picture: Eleanor Gutierrez, Esther Takigawa, and Sharon Lason.
North-South Point Winners:1st: Maja and Sharon Larson, 2nd: Fran Soskins and Mano Singham, 3rd: Gabrielle Fischer and Marti Jones, 4th: Ray and Karen Mok, 5th Tie: Miranda Morris and Chuck Olvis - Meg Gallaway and Joe Truskot
East-West Point Winners: 1st: Trulee Ricketts and Helen Rubin, 2nd: Neville Kirby and Ken Gaskins, 3rd: Kurt Schnebele and Arlene Sekel, 4th: Betty Jackson and Nancy Borucki, 5th: Carol Sendell and Ted Hill
Our next Bridge and Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, March 12.
The Monterey Bridge Center is located at 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks, California, 831-747-1650.
Joe Truskot, membership chair
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| Volunteers Recognized at Clambake |
Congratulations Lyde and Thank You Unit 530 Volunteers!
District 21 awarded Lyde McReynolds the Goodwill Ambassdor Award on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the Monterey Regional Clambake held at the Monterey Hyatt. Present were Sharon Larson, president of Unit 530, Gail Gabiati, Good Will chairman for ACBL's District 21 and a crowd of supporters cheering on her recognition.
In addition, several members of the Monterey Bridge Club volunteered time at the Hospitality Desk throughout the tournament. Pictured are Neville Kirby and Greg Norcroft. Also, doing time at the Clambake were Debbie Anthony, Glen Chee, David Ow, Maja, Bill Breen and Sharon Larson. Special thanks to Hetty Eddy who help coordinate the return of our tables to the Center. Turns out the Clambake had a larger than expected turnout and the hotel ran out of tables. Happy to help our fellow bridge players in any way we can.
  
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| New Year's Eve Dinner and Bridge Ringing Success |
Monterey Bridge Center Celebrates and Says Goodbye to 2022
Bridge director Lyde McReynolds hosted a New Year's Eve party again this year which drew 11 tables. Players braved the wind, rain and sporadic power outages to make their way to the Monterey Bridge Center. The afternoon began with donated champagne, wine, and hors d'oeuvres, then an open duplicate game, and a traditional Chinese dinner served mid-game. A champagne toast and enthusiastic rendition of Auld Lang Syne led by Unit 530 Choral Director Richard Sheere drew the evening to a close. As promised, all were on their way home before 9 p.m. as the skies cleared.
North-South point winners were: 1st Joe Truskot/Meg Gallaway, 2nd Tom Eby/Ewan Eby, 3rd Fran Soskins/Kathy Pfitzer, 4th Annemarie Von Adelung/Amy Pofcher
East-West point winners were: 1st Mano Singham/Curt Hussey, 2nd Kathy High/Candace Garvey, 3rd Wolf Sommer/Helga Greaver, 4th Cindy Kirk/Carol Champion, 5th Jane Altavilla/Mary Ann Pirotte, 6th Leon Heller/Don Fennel
For complete results and hand descriptions, click here.
After the toast: from left, Amy Pofcher, Helga Greaver, Wolf Sommer, Lyde McReynolds, Carol Sendell, Cincy Kirk, Carol Champion, Kathy Pfitzer, Louise Barnard, Fran Soskins, and Mano Singham.
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| McMurray named to Unit 530 Board of Directors |
Kristen McMurray appointed to the Board of Directors
A regular Wednesday morning player at the Monterey Bridge Center, Kristen McMurray will bring her grace and enthusiasm to the leadership of the Center.
Appointed by Sharon Larson, Monterey Bridge Center president, earlier in December, McMurray stepped in to fill a vacancy on the board created when long-time board member Patricia Heller needed to take time off. Earlier in the year, Heller actually completed her term but had agreed to serve out the term of Mary Block who left the board because of recurring scheduling conflicts.
McMurray will serve until June 2023. We appreciate her willingness to join the team. Please welcome her should you see her at the Center.
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| December Holiday Potluck and Silent Auction |
 Bridge Center members raise record sum
The Monterey Bridge Club hosted its Holiday Potluck on Sunday, December 11, 2022 with 13 1/2 tables playing in the open game. Ham, mac 'n' cheese, ambrosia salad, meatballs, croissant sandwiches, and scrumptious drinks and desserts were just a few potluck goodies donated by our most supportive players. Thanks Maja for running such an efficient game and thanks Mano for assigning tables and collecting the fees. Kudos to our decorating committee: Rita Sturgeon, Carol Sendell, Don Fennell, and Neville Kirby.
Results for North and South players: 1st - Thomas and Ewan Eby, 2nd - Tony Muller and Joyce Newell, 3rd - Marti Jones and Farol Henderson, 4th - David Ow - Rita Sturgeon, 5th - Glenn Chee - Gina Brown, 6th - Sharon Larson and Kathy Pitzer, and 7th - Carol Sendell and Ted Hill.
Results for East and West players: 1st - Jane Altavilla and Stephanie Booth, 2nd - Betty Jackson and Nancy Borucki, 3rd - Trulle Ricketts and Helen Rubin, 4th - Mano Singham and Bob Dubroff, 5th Barbara Hake and Annemarie Von Adelung, 6th - Ron Coffee and Ron Loiacono, and 7th - Jim Lauderdale and Don Fennell
Silent Auction brings Loud Results
Auction bidders helped to raise $2,170 to offset the expenses of the Bridge Center. We send our warmest wishes to those who donated items including Rocky and Judy Franich (sail cruises), Sharon Larson (Nob Hill Stay/wine collection), Ron Loiacono (Golf at Tehema), Monterey Symphony (tickets), Curt Schnebele (paella dinner), Maja (designer bag), Curt Hussey (French Wine), Glenn Chee (portfolio, glasses, coffee grinder, poker set), Lyde McReynolds (lessons/Xmas stockings/gift certificate), Miranda Morris (gift certificate), Doug Halleen (planter), Betty Jackson (lessons), Janet Kanstrup (poker lessons), and Joe Truskot (child quilt). Here are the winners: Holiday Game Auction.pdf
In addition, our heartfelt thanks go to Mary Ann Pirotte, Glenn Chee, and Trulee Ricketts for their generous cash donations. Combined with several smaller gifts at the game check in counter, we received in a total amount of $995.
More Special Games in December
The Sign Up Sheet for Lyde's traditional New Year's Eve party and open game, 4 p.m., Saturday, December 31 is posted at the Bridge Center, 201B Calle del Oaks, Del Rey Oaks.This game is $25 per person and includes a Chinese dinner buffet. Players must be pre-registered.
In addition, the Wednesday, December 21 game will also include a potluck. Celebrate with your favorite players as we approach the Holidays.
  
  
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| Lyde McReynolds named Goodwill Ambassador for District 21 |
 Lyde McReynolds is the 2022 District 21 Goodwill Ambassador
Upon the unanimous vote of the Goodwill Ambassador Committee of District 21 of the American Contract Bridge League, Lyde McReynolds became its Goodwill Ambassador of the Year.
Monterey Club president Sharon Larson announced this recognition at the Bridge and Brunch Unit Game, held Sunday, November 13, 2022. The application was written by Amy Pofcher who read part of the rationale our club used to secure this important award. The Official Presentation will take place at the Clambake Regional games in January 2023. Congratulations Lyde!
As you may know, goodwill is essential in expanding the number of bridge players throughout the world and sharing the love we have for the game. Lyde's effort over the years to engage players in good bridge practices and helping us all to acquire new skills is greatly appreciated.
We also can't thank enough yesterday's Brunch Pros: Neville, Jane, Stephanie, Sharon, Maja, and all the others who brought appetizers and those incredible desserts. Oh yes ... and we thank Lyde for organizing the seating and directing the game. We would like to post several photos of the November 13 event taken by players. Please submit any pictures you have to: jtruskot@comcast.net so we can share them with those who couldn't attend.
Mark Your Calendars
The next Bridge and Brunch Unit Game is set for Sunday, December 11, 2022. Lyde will also hold a special Holiday game on Wednesday, December 21 and her traditional New Year's Eve game on Saturday, December 31. Details will follow.
Congratulations Lyde
I cannot thank Lyde enough for being one of the best teachers of bridge and the etiquette in playing bridge and playing in tournaments. I have learned everything from her and moved away and continue to notice the difference in Lyde's teachings and examples compared to others. Cannot ever praise her enough,
To a game I love,
Candace Garvey
No ONE COULD EVER BE MORE DESERVING!!!!
Congratulations Lyde!!
What a great turn out to celebrate you and the wonderful news of your huge award! You'll always be the best teacher ever!!! I use to have a feeling of excitement for our Friday lessons. Thank you for creating a "family" for me away from the table. Most of my dearest friends were/are from our trips to the Dunes. Those "plays" you wrote were great fun and my "child" always had a ball! Your homemade cookies are the best as are the root beer floats! I appreciate you more than you could imagine.You were always thinking of how to make something special for all of us...AND you did!!
Sending love and a big hug.
Betty Jackson
Congratulations Lyde, I received the Award in 2017 and Winners are invited to the Regionals. The Nationals usually have a dinner or cocktail event which the Goodwill recipients are to attend. I attended the San Diego event.
Long overdue for Lyde, what she conttributed to bridge is incredible. Pat Thomas received the award and not sure who else from our club.
Donna Jett
Thanks for sharing. I am sorry I missed that event. She certainly deserves it!
Best regards.
James Dergin
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| Unit Game Draws Largest Attendance Since Reopening |
 The Sunday, November 13 Bridge and Brunch Game Brought Out 13 1/2 tables - A Record Number
The Monterey Bridge Club hosted its popular bridge and brunch unit game at the Bridge Center on Sunday, November 13, 2022. The Thanksgiving theme event offered elegant turkey croissants by Neville Kirby, homemade stuffing by Maja, fall salads by Sharon Larson and much more. Decorations beautifully handled by Jane Altavilla and Stephanie Booth. Appetizers and desserts were abundant. Lyde McReynolds organized table assignments and directed the game..According to Ray Mok, club treasurer, the game netted $1,259.50.
In addition, attendees got the first look at Silent Auction items.The closing time is 3:30 p.m., December 11, 2022 and the Holiday Potluck.
These Unit Games provide additional funds to help us offset our costs and attract players back to face-to-face games.GAME RESULTS
SAVE THESE DATES FOR BRIDGE AND BRUNCH
Upcoming Sunday Unit games include the Holiday Potluck on December 11, Winter Game on January 15, Valentine's Day Special on February 12, and the Jump Shift into Spring Game on March 12, 2023. Also, a Wednesday Morning Holiday Potluck game on December 21 and Lyde's Annual New Year's Eve party and game on December 31. Sign up sheets will soon be available.
  
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| October Unit Game draws 10 tables |
Unit Game sports Autumn decor and happy players
 The Monterey Bridge Club held its monthly Bridge and Brunch game on Sunday, October 9, 2022 and attracted ten tables. Brunch included pulled pork sliders provided by Joe Truskot, potato salad from Jane Altavilla, and green salad from Kathy Pfitzer. Attendees brought delicious appetizers, desserts and fall flowers. Doug Halleen directed and ended up playing with our hero-of -the-day Leon Heller who changed his plans and joined us so we could avoid a sit out.
Treasurer Ray Mok reported the event netted $652.50 to help us offset the cost of running the Center.
Top scorers for North-South: 1st-Lyde McReynolds/Curt Hussey, 2nd-Maja/Jerry Kapolka, 3rd-Doug Halleen/Leon Heller, 4th-Meg Galloway/Joe Truskot, TIE for 5th-Janet Hedlund/Amy Pofcher & Mary Block/Kathy Pfitzer.
Top Scorers for East-West: 1st-Thomas Eby/Ewan Eby, 2nd-Keith Hedlund/Candace Garvey, 3rd-Trulee Ricketts/Helen Rubin, 4th-Nancy Borucki/Betty Jackson, 5th-Miranda Morris/Charles Olvis, 6th-Rita Sturgeon/Carol Sendell.
Dates for Unit Games in November and December will be established at the October 20 meeting of the Monterey Bridge Club board of directors.
Stay tuned.
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| Unit 530 Loses Its Champion |
 Remembering Brad Dow
Brad Dow, Monterey Bridge Club's hero and friend, moved to the next table on June 8, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Dow was a life master and great advocate for the game. He personally oversaw and funded the renovation of a building on the former Fort Ord grounds for the daily use of the Monterey Bridge Club. That building served the club well for about 15 years. His negotiation of the terms of our lease with the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, allowed the club to build a cash reserve which continues to sustain our operations today.
Brad was born in Queens, New York on April 7, 1930. He came to the Monterey Peninsula in the late 60s. He is survived by his wife Hallie and four children. He was much-loved and will be sorely missed. His long-time partner Shirley Temple said, "When my time comes, I want to sit at your table."
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| Record Turnout to Remember Brad Dow |
Thirteen Tables play bridge and remember Brad: Sunday, September 18, 2022
 The Monterey Bridge Club Unit 530 paid tribute to Brad Dow at its September Bridge and Brunch event. President Sharon Larson led the remembrance at the break and attendees shared several stories gleaned from Brad's long involvement with the Bridge Club. He was a remarkable and generous person. The turnout was the largest the club has had since it reopened after the pandemic. According to our treasurer Ray Mok, the net proceeds from the event was $875. The catered lunch from Tarpy's Roadhouse was completely underwritten by Brad's friend Sam Dodson. We also were joined by ACBL board member Stu Goodgold who played with Kathy Pfitzer.
Brad Dow was instrumental in securing the former bridge center in Marina, working out the details with the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, funding its renovation into the exclusive facility that served our needs for 15 years, and most of all being one of the nicest, smartest bridge players in the Unit. Unfortunately his long time partner Shirley Temple (pictured with him on the left) was unable to be with us on this special day.
Maja directed the game. The winners North-South were: 1st Sharon Larson - Dorothy Cody; 2nd Stu Goodgold - Kathy Pfitzer; 3rd Ed Schrenzel - Neville Kirby; 4th Robert Dubroff - Mano Singham; and 5th Lyde McReynolds - Curt Hussey. The winners East-West were: 1st Kathy High - Candace Garvey; 2nd Nancy Borucki - Betty Jackson; 3rd Kurt Schnebele - Arlene Sekel; 4th Bill Breen - Kristin McMurray; 5th Ewan Eby - Thomas Eby. All scores.
Our next Bridge and Brunch event will take place on Sunday, October 9. Doug Halleen will direct. Join us!
Joe Truskot, Membership Chair
  
  
  
  
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| August 21 Bridge and Brunch Attracted Eight Tables |
Paella on the Patio brings shouts of "Olé"
Eight tables played on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at our monthly unit game, the proceeds of which help us offset our operational costs. Kurt Schnebele prepared a Spanish paella which everyone declared as "Fantastica!" Hong Hai and Bob Dubroff brought a delicious salad, Trulee Ricketts offered a plate of incredible heirloom tomatoes from her garden, Joe Truskot sliced up a fresh melon served in a decorated bowl brought back from Spain. Lyde McReynolds directed the open game and made table assignments. Thanks to all who brought delicious desserts.
North and South point-getters were: 1st - Kathy High and Candace Garvey, 2nd -Trulee Ricketts and Helen Rubin, 3rd - Mano Singham and Bob Dubroff, 4th - Bonnie Tragni and Joe Truskot.
East and West point-getters were: 1st - Nina Leitman and Patricia Johnston, 2nd - Kurt Schnebele and Arlene Sekel, 3rd - Stephanie Booth and Jim Lauderdale, 4th - Bill Breen and Kristen McMurray.
The next Bridge and Brunch Unit Game will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2022 and will be a game in memory of Brad Dow. Save the date and visit the website for periodic updates.
The Monterey Bridge Center is located at 210B Calle del Oaks, Monterey.
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| Board Elects Officers for 2022-23 |
Sharon Larson to continue as President
 At the July 14, 2022 meeting of the Monterey Bridge Club, the board of directors appointed its leadership for the year: Sharon Larson, president; Mano Singham, vice president; Neville Kirby, secretary; and Ray Mok, treasurer. In addition, the following directors will serve in specific roles: Bill Breen, new site committee; Pat Heller, goodwill; Maja, director liaison; Rita Sturgeon, hospitality; and Joe Truskot, membership/webmaster.
The board thanked Curt Hussey, Pat Heller and Kathy Pfitzer for their exceptional service to local bridge players during their completed terms. Upon the recent resignation of Mary Block, the board appointed retiring director Pat Heller to complete the final year of Mary's term.
Many important decisions will be made concerning the Monterey Bridge Club in the coming months and all members are encouraged to be active in local games and to stay informed.
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| Hot Diggity Dog what a Success |
July Bridge and Brunch Game draws 9 full tables
 On Sunday, July 10, 2022, the Monterey Bridge Club Unit 530 of the American Contract Bridge League hosted its monthly open game which included a light lunch. It drew 36 bridge players. The theme this was was "Summer Picnic" and heart-felt thanks go to Neville Kirby for the hot dogs, chili, and beans; Jane Altavilla for the excellent potato salad and the fun ice cream, and Stephanie Booth for all the fixings. Manu Singham helped organize and assign the game directed by Maja.
According to treasurer Ray Mok, the event netted $505.75. This will help offset the cost of operating the Monterey Bridge Center. Also, we certainly appreciate the extra donations we received on Sunday. Here's to the return of face-to-face bridge.
If you have already been to a Bridge and Brunch game and enjoyed it, please come back for our event in August. We haven't selected a date yet but Kurt Schnebele will definite make a paella in the patio. Buen Provecho Todos!
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| Second Quarter Ace of Clubs & Mini McKenney |
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| Monterey Unit 350 Welcomes New Board Members |
Annual Meeting Draws Forty Bridge Lovers
At the Annual Membership Meeting of the Monterey Bridge Center held on Sunday, June 12, 2022, President Sharon Larson welcomed Bill Breen, Neville Kirby, and Rita Sturgeon to the board of directors to serve three-year terms. She thanked Fran Soskins, election official, and the nominating committee Curt Hussey, Trulee Ricketts, and Joe Truskot for their work.
Larson also thanked departing board members Patricia Heller, Curt Hussey and Kathy Pfitzer for their dedicated efforts to promote the game of bridge during their time on the board.
During the meeting, Larson also recognized the winners of both the 2021 Ace of Clubs and Mini McKinney masterpoint championship.(Results are elsewhere on the website.)
She also congratulated four members who achieved Life Master status this year: Glenn Chee, Bob Champion, Leonard Chriss, and Patricia Heller.
Minutes and Financial summary are posted at the Bridge Center. (Photo from left, Rita Sturgeon, Sharon Larson, and Neville Kirby. Bill Breen is away.)
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| Long Time Friends gathered for Bridge and Brunch |
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| District 21 game for 199-ers |
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| President's Weekend Unit Game - Sunday, Feb.20, Noon |
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| New Year's Eve Game and Dinner |
Thanks to the nine tables of bridge players who enjoyed the game, the food, and the good cheer.
Addios to 2021 and hello 2022. Party photos.
  
  
  
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| Holiday Party Scores |
Here are the results from the December 12, 2021 Holiday Party.
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| Monterey Unit 350 Mourns the Loss of Michel Nasr |
 Saphire Life Master Michel Nasr passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022, six weeks shy of his 98th birthday. Born in Lebanon, he came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1976 to join the Arabic Language Department of the Defense Language Institute. After retiring in 1998, he was a frequent player at the club. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Roene Nasr.
Monterey Unit president Sharon Larson remembers Michel, "He was a long time bridge player who always put the contract into three no trump. Such a great man. A loss for sure."
See more.
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| Holiday Party Sparkling Success |
 Happy Holidays!
The Monterey Bridge Club celebrated the holidays on Sunday, December 12, 2021 with a 10 1/2 table open game directed by Maja (plus three more folks who came to the party but couldn't stay for the game). This makes it our largest gathering since the pandemic. Maja prepared the hands and Lyde assigned the players and supervised the check-in process. The game went smoothly. (The winner's list will be added to this story soon.)
President Sharon Larson started the event by thanking all participants for attending, donating food and raffle prizes and helping to make the event a fun and successful one.
Rita Sturgeon and Carol Sendell decorated the room using sparkling items brought from their homes or clipped from a neighbor's holly tree. Ron Loiacono brought individually wrapped, artisan decorated Christmas cookies for each participant. The food table offered plenty of treats and a wide-array of baked goods made by our members. Board members Sharon Larson, Maja, Mano Singham, Ray Mok, Kathy Pfitzer, Curt Hussey and Joe Truskot came early and helped with the set up and stayed late for the clean up.
The raffle of an extensive list of donated items and services allowed half of the participants to go home with a special prize and brought in extra funds.
Ray Mok, treasurer, summed up the event and projected a net of $606.38. This sum is likely to grow as many members said they couldn't be there but would send a check.
  
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| Local players win big during STaC Week |
Alan Hedegard announced the local players who won big during STaC week. Games took place on Monday, December 6 and Friday, December 10, 2021. STaC is an acronym for Sectional Tournaments at Clubs. They are tournaments with a sectional rating staged at participating clubs in a specific geographic area. A STaC can last up to seven days. Like other sectionals, winners and overall places are awarded silver points.
Here are the listes of top winners.
 
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| Lyde's Wednesday Game Draws Ten Tables |
On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, Monterey bridge players came out in force to play. We hit a post-Covid record of ten full tables. Lyde McReynolds provided a quick lesson, Shirley Larsen told a funny story, and the refreshment table offered freshly baked bread by Helen Sue Brand and jelly by Joe Truskot from grapes grown on vines brought by the padres to Mission San Antonio. Face-to-Face bridge offers so much more than a point and click session at home alone.
Join us Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. for the open game directed by Maja and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. for <750 gane directed by Lyde.
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| Partnership Registry Now Available |
We have set up a partnership register for those members who do not have a regular partner or whose regular partner is unavailable. This register is designed specifically for face-to-face games at the Bridge Center in Del Rey Oaks. If you would like to be included in the register, please send a message to Mano Singham ( mano.singham@case.edu) with the following information:
- your name
- email address
- phone number
- approximate number of ACBL masterpoints
Also, please specify the sessions held at the Bridge Center you are available for:
- Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. - Up to 750 master points (Lyde)
- Thursday at 12:30 p.m. - Open Game (Maja)
- Friday at 10:00 a.m. - Up to 750 master points (Lyde)
We are currently updating the list and will send it to everyone who responds. The most efficient use of the list would be for people to contact each other directly when they need a partner and over time build up a personal network. We don't want you to not play because you don't have a partner.
Thanks for helping us rebuild our face-to-face games at the Center.
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| Charles Messenger Column |
 The Unwritten Rule
How often has this happened to you? You open 1H vulnerable, LHO bids 2S not vulnerable. Your partner makes a game forcing raise (3S is my choice). RHO bids 4S. Now what do you do?
The action in the immediate seat over the game-level preempt is the key.
The general rule is this: With 1st round control of the opponent's suit, bid 5H. With 2 fast losers in their suit, double. With 1 fast loser (singleton or Kx), PASS. This pass is forcing. This tells partner you are unclear whether it is better to defend (double) or to try and make 5 hearts. The same issues apply for your partner. Over a double, partner can still bid 5, for example, with a spade void herself. The double is not unilateral. It just tells partner your hand looks better for the defense. This is all pretty straightforward. But you should definitely talk to your partner about this so that you are both on the same page about the forcing pass.
This is standard in expert circles. It is assumed in this situation that a pass would be forcing. So what makes the pass forcing? When you have opened and partner has shown strength (not preemption herself) and the opponents have made at least 1 preemptive bid. The principle is the same as I have used in my previous column. When you have more trump and more shape, keep bidding. When you have strength but are more balanced, doubling is better. The part of this that is new in this situation is the forcing pass, so it's important to be clear when that is in play.
Here is another example where it wouldn’t be in play: You open 1H, opponent overcalls 1 spade, your partner bids 3H (preemptive) and RHO bids 4S. It is not clear here who has the balance of the strength and so the pass would not be forcing — even if you are vulnerable and they are not. It must be clear that you and your partner were in a game invitational or game forcing auction based on strength.
Here are a couple of sample hands to illustrate the point:
You have: Qxx AKxx Kxx Kxx.
Partner opens 1H, your RHO overcalls 2S. This hand would have bid a Jacoby 2NT (or whatever your game forcing raise is), if the opponents had not interfered. You need to let partner know that this hand belongs to your side and you have a heart fit. The way I do that is by bidding 3S. Your LHO now bids 4S and you have been pre-empted out of your normal game contract. Say now your partner passes. What do you do? With this hand, I would double. Perfectly balanced, lots of defense, and may not be enough tricks to make 5.
Say partner opened with: X QJxxx AQx Qxxx.
Making 5 will be a struggle, but you almost certainly can defeat 4S unless someone on their side has a void. Partner’s forcing pass told you that you had 1 loser for sure in spades, if you have 2 more losers you cant make 5, and doubling is your best option.
Now say partner had: QJxxxx AQx Qxxx.
Even though partner has a minimum in high card strength, she will bid 5 with this hand because of the void, and because of the void, 5 will almost certainly make.
Now say opener had: Jx QJxxx AQx Axx.
This is a double. No need to make a forcing pass here. Clearly let your partner know your hand suggests defending. With a void, partner will certainly bid 5 herself, and with a singleton will evaluate the rest of the hand for offense vs. defense and choose to pass or bid on based on knowing you have 2 fast losers in spades.
To re-iterate, the important part is being able to trust partner to take some action in passout seat if you pass. You must either get your vulnerable game or get the maximum penalty if they have sacrificed. The unwritten rule allows partner in direct seat to indicate they are not sure about doubling or bidding on without worrying that partner will take no action. I have seen this not work about 1 in 100 times, and I will take those odds.
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| Survey Says . . . |
What a motivated membership!
Thank you to all who completed the survey. We heard from half of our membership and got results which will help us all make decisions about playing bridge this year. For example, we heard loud and clear that members prefer morning games that start at 10 a.m. We know now that members with fewer than 500 masterpoints would like more educational opportunities. We know that most members will play both online and face-to-face bridge and a large number just haven't yet made up their minds what they'll do.
Here are the complete survey results with great thanks to Ray Mok who organized the raw data.
Unit 530 Membership Survey 2021.pdf
Looking forward to seeing you at a bridge table soon.
Joe Truskot, membership chair
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| Locally Directed Games Everyday |
 NEW ACBL RULES FOR 2021
We can no longer just use the word "transfer." We now must include the suit we are transferring to. For example, "Transfer to Spades."
Traditional Support Doubles and Re-Doubles are no longer alertable.
Direct Cue Bids (with the exception of Michaels) must now be alerted.
Uncontested jump shifts no longer require an alert.
Instead of saying “could be short” when bidding 1 Club, for example, you now must specify the number of cards in that suit: “Could be as short as one” etc.
Check out the January 2021 ACBL Bulletin (page 35) for a complete listing of the changes.
OLD STUFF
When asked what your bid means, never give the name of the convention! (i.e. Cappelletti, DON’T, Precision, etc.) Instead, you must describe your hand. There are NO secrets in the bidding.
Don’t be just a SLUG! Add your full name to your BBO profile. We all like to know who we are playing with at the table, since we can’t see you,
If your BBO rating is "3" or more, you're no longer a "Beginner."
Each pair must have a convention card posted. Unless, of course, you are subs or newly paired. In this case, you must announce your systems at each table.
Please pay attention! If your name is highlighted in YELLOW, it’s your turn to bid or play, unless you are the dummy.
Learn to use the BBO Chat function judiciously.
The "Table" setting is best for greeting your opponents which you should do regularly. Use it for magnanimous congratulations to the opponents especially when you witness a challenging hand well played. If subs are playing, thank them for joining the game.
The "Private" setting is best for discussions with your partner about the bidding or play of a game, or the sorry state of the world. As in Face-to-Face games, no one wants to hear you bickering or gloating. If you make a negative comment about your partner or the opponents, double check to make certain the right chat mode is on. Remember: sarcasm doesn't work well on these chats.
The "Lobby" setting is great for announcements, such as congratulating high point getters and special games,
MOST IMPORTANTLY!
Stay home and play bridge online. We want to SEE ALL OF YOU back at the club when it reopens. Sheltering at home gives you an opportunity to play more and hone your skills.
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