Stansfield Handicap Pairs - Sunday 27 October - 10.45am for 11am start

Where you have a GENUINE chance of success

In most bridge competitions, the best players win - and the rest of the field make up the numbers.

That is not the case with the Stansfield Handicap Pairs, where theretically the entire field has an equal chance of winning.

Each pair gives or receives a percentage start, based on their EBU NGS grade. For example, last year the least experienced players enjoyed up to an 18% advantage over the top players - before they had even played a card.

The Handicap system works in a similar way in golf and horseracing, to balance out the difference in ability between contestants so that if every pair plays exactly to their 'form' there will be a dead heat!

We know of no other competition like it and the entry for the event since it started two years ago would suggest it is popular. 

So enter on-line now by clicking on HANDICAP PAIRS. The entry fee is £15 per pair and the event takes place at Stansfield village hall (CO10 8LW). And for good measure, prizemoney totals £300. Please note lunch will NOT be provided.

The club opted for the relative cool of the great outdoors last week rather than the stifling heat inside a village hall. Members ventured on to the playing field outside the hall on Tuesday and came prepared so that when light started to fade torches, iPhones and, in the case of one pair, head lamps were produced to provide the necessary illumination. For Thursday, Marcus and Jackie provided some serious lighting kit, and despite rumbles of thunder managed to play most of the session outside.

The Laws of Bridge are anything but an easy read. And some of them are mind blowingly complicated, even for more experienced players.

However, help is now at hand thanks to an excellent ABC guide produced by Suffolk player Peter Bushby in which he offers an easy to understand explanation for the most common laws. Spare a few minutes, if you can, to read his guide by clicking on any of these links:

Hesitation, Use of Bidding Boxes, Changing Your Bid, Insufficient Bids,  Misleading Explanation, Penalty Cards, When to Alert, When to Announce.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it...

The club’s summer party is remarkably similar each year: Gerry’s delicious roast beef, poached salmon and salads, followed by summer fruits and yummie puds - and (always) sunny skies which permits that rare English treat of eating outside.

It seemed to hit the spot once again for 56 members on Thursday, so why change it?

Thanks to everyone who contributed, helped set up the tables outside; particulalry committee members headed by Pauline. 

It was fun.

The Bell tolls for Tony & Sue

The Bell, the unofficial club championship, has a new pair of winners - Tony & Sue.

They won in convincing style from John & Richard in second and Cleopatra & David in third spot. The Handicap prize went to Jackie & Jane.

The Sunday gathering, complete with tea, attracted nine full tables and promoted a discussion afterwards about the potential interest in more Sunday afternoon bridge, perhaps once a month between November and March. The committee would be very interested to hear the views, for or against, of as many members as possible.

A cheque for £1218 was presented to Stansfield Parish Council by the bridge club on Thursday and will enable the village to buy a defibrillator which will be kept at the village hall.

Sarah Hopkins, chairman of the parish council, thanked members of the bridge club for the fund raiser they held a couple of months ago which, together with donations made by villagers, ensured sufficient money was available to buy the life saving piece of equipment. She is pictured receiving the cheque from David Unwin, the club treasurer.

Celebrating...and on the winners rostrum

Stunning show by Chris & Gerry in Clare Swiss Pairs

Chris & Gerry produced a career best effort to finish third in the Clare Swiss Pairs at Lavenahm on Sunday.

Facing quality opposition from all over East Anglia, the Stansfield duo were undefeated in five of their six eight-board matches - which included an early thrashing of Richard and his partner, Andre 

After four rounds, the pair found themselves on Table 1 (and took a photo to prove it!) Although they lost their match against the eventual winners, they bounced back to win their final match to claim third spot...before celebrating in the local hostelry.

Fifty two pairs took part. Bridget & Paul finished fifth equal while Richard & Andre recovered from their drubbing to finish ninth. The other highlight of the day was the excellent sandwich lunch prepared by Clare members - far and away the best of its kind at any local bridge event.

To see all the scores, click on CLARE

Sue & Jean	Christine & Paul

The bridge afternoon in aid of the Stansfield defibrillator appeal surpassed all expectations and raised £1,640.

That means the village now has the money to buy the life saving piece of equipment and install it at the village hall, home of Stansfield bridge club.

Sixty two players from far and wide supported the event. A raffle rasied £540 and a number of members made donations.

Richard Evans, chairman of the club, said: "The sum raised by a bridge club which, let's face it, is in the middle of nowhere was remarkable. A huge thank you is owed to members and visitors who made it happen and together with local businesses provided some fabulous raffle prizes."

The winners of the afternoon, based on handicap scores, were Sue & Jean, while Christine & Paul recorded the top overall score. Hugh & Sue Sandle, playing in their first ever duplicate, deserve a special mention for finishing runners-up in the Handicap. To see all the scores click on DEFIB

Den at 90: 'I'm learning all the time'

Den Bishop, one of the most popular players in the area, started his birthday celebrations early at Stansfield bridge club on Tuesday.

A card signed by many of the club's 130 members was presented to him and a special chocolate cake was baked in his honour. Den, who is 90 on Saturday, has been a Tuesday and Thursday evening regular for many years, together with Dave, his son-in-law. After bidding a particularly adventurous 6NT, he quipped: "I am learning all the time!"

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STANSFIELD bridge club, formed in 2007 and situated in the heart of Suffolk countryside between Clare and Bury St Edmunds, is not only the county's jolliest and fastest growing bridge club - but also one of the most progressive with a state-of-the-art scoring system, computer generated hands and lively website.

The club meets three times a week in the village hall. On Thursday evening (6.45 for 7pm) the emphasis  is very much on having a fun evening out where less experienced players can flourish (and use 'crib sheets' or receive supervision)

There is a half-time  break when players enjoy delicious nibbles prepared by members, and a glass of wine or cup of tea/coffee. A host system is in place so visitors are welcome. Bridgemate scoring means duplicate players get the result on the night and, in addition, computer generated boards are available every week with the hands uploaded on to this website. (Click on 'Results' in right column)

In September 2013 the club voted in favour of affiliating to the English Bridge Union. Thursday nights continue to focus on encouraging beginners and improvers - while Tuesday night (6.45 for 7pm start) offers 24+ boards for more experienced players.

On Wednesday afternoons (2-4.30pm) there are Supervised Learn & Play sessions for Improvers and those who prefer gentle or afternoon bridge.

As of August 2019 the club had 120 members.

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