ACBL Unit 431, District 19, Victoria BC
The Ace of Spades tournament for players with fewer than 200 masterpoints was held on October 21, 2017.
The premises had to be evacuated due to a gas leak, just after the tournament ended but before the results could be posted.
Results are currently available on VBC’s website and can be accessed directly here.
Bridge Buzz editor Nev Hircock has been hard at work preparing the October edition for your reading pleasure.
As always you can find it on our website, bridgevictoria.ca, by looking for it in the top menu. Or you can just click here.
A limited number of printed copies are available at local clubs this month. However, as all things paper, they will eventually be going the way of the dodo.
If you still prefer a hard copy, it’s easy enough to print out the pdf version found on the website.
Duplicate bridge is alive and well in Victoria. Since April 2015, when I first started charting membership statistics, we have gone from 515 to 549 members, which works out to a 3% annual increase.
The latest chart is shown below, but also found in our Masterpoint Statistics page, along with previous charts.
I have added data from the previous quarter to compare with current membership. A bimodal distribution is apparent, with a high number of non life masters, presumably newer bridge players. The large number of rookie players appears to confirm this influx of newer members.
One interesting aspect is the relative change in Regional/NABC ratio from March to September, showing members are moving rapidly through the MP ranks. It is likely that, despite the new requirements, we will have many new Lifemasters within the next couple of years.
Comments and questions are welcome. Just click on my name to send them.
For the past several years, we have been keeping track of Unit 431 members as they attain or surpass Lifemaster status, through monthly postings in our Masterpoint Milestones page.
However this left out the achievements of many new members as they progressed through the ranks from Junior Master on.
Starting this month we are celebrating all Masterpoint Milestones by posting the name of each new honoree (with their permission).
As a reminder, Masterpoint Milestones as well as other items of particular interest to members can be found on our website, bridgevictoria.ca under “MEMBERS” in the top menu.
Linda Patton, a former Unit member and secretary has written the following funny and touching poem in honour of Merv Adey. I have also included it in the tribute page to Merv.
A sweet and thoughtful man. I enjoyed playing at his club for many years and earned my highest percentage (72%) the one and only time I played with Merv. I am very saddened to hear of his passing and will miss him very much (Linda Patton).
I used to work at Tanners where we sold lots of books,
The customers were pleasant and I got no dirty looks.
Now I own a bridge club with all that it entails,
I’m Teacher, Maid and Diplomat to many different players.
Rookies, novices and pros; Victoria has them all,
They think I should stop everything, if and when they call.
Some complain about the coffee, others about the fees,
It’s quite a challenge, catering to their idiosyncrasies.
Duncan must have table one and James and Linda four,
I’m not sure why this is because it doesn’t help their score.
Distractions there are many, each and every day,
But, woe is me if I’m not sharp and give their seats away.
With Partnerships I do my best and always try to please,
But Marylou won’t speak to Sam and Joe can’t stand Louise.
Susie plays two over one and Ben is just beginning,
I hope they have some fun because there’s no way they’ll be winning.
Mike and Marion filled in, when I’ve called and begged,
I won’t be asking them again because they both reneged.
Of course that’s something I‘ve not done in all my bridge career,
But there’s always a first time for everything, I hear.
The lessons on a Wednesday night are something less than droll
But turning rookies into experts is my ultimate goal.
I try to make it simple by using Grant and Root,
But one look at their faces tells me they don’t give a hoot.
The water in the kettle must be hot, you see,
For James and Ruth who cannot play without a cup of tea.
Decaf must be made for those that cannot take caffeine
And yes, it’s all done with a smile so they won’t think I’m mean.
I have better things to do, I’m sure that they would find,
Than pick up all the cups or mugs that they have left behind.
My mother taught me to pick up my things when I was through,
I don’t employ a waitress so it’s something I must do.
The scores I try to enter just as fast as I am able,
But it would really help a lot, if they don’t crowd the table.
It’s very hectic at that time and can be stressful too,
I will announce the winners just as soon as I am through.
It’s very hard to please each one no matter how I try,
Sometimes I get so frustrated it makes me want to cry.
So, if they call me for a ruling and they have no luck,
Then they can call for Mike or Tim ‘cause I don’t give a . . .darn!
Complete results for the September edition of It’s Your Call Victoria have been posted in the Members section (under Past Results). You can get there quickly by following this direct link.
The October quiz is now available, also under Members, It can also be accessed directly by clicking here.
The ACBL Board of Directors has voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the Stop card after January 1, 2018. Although this decision applies specifically to sanctioned tournaments, clubs are encouraged to remove Stop cards from bidding boxes.
Players are reminded of the obligation to pause in the direct seat after a skip bid so as to avoid making unauthorized information available to their partner. And they should strive to maintain an even tempo during the auction. (see the Bridge Bulletin, Sept 2017, p 23)
My personal observation is that the Stop card is hardly used at Victoria clubs, and when it is, it’s mainly by players coming from other locations.
So it won’t be much of a change for most of us.
We are all saddened by the death of Merv Adey on August 19. Merv was a man of many talents. In addition to being a keen bridge player, director and teacher he was a respected observer of the BC political scene.
Here are some relevant articles from the blogging community:
Tribute by Norman Farrell and link to KEEP A LIGHT ON – MERV ADEY MEMORIAL Fund.
Victoria players who wish to post a tribute or share memories of Merv are invited to send their text for publication on this website. Please send submissions to the webmaster. They will be added as received.
What a nice man, a true gentleman!! He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Lainey Clark
I first met Merv when I was a fledgling duplicate bridge player over 20 years ago. He was working at Tanner’s Books in Sidney but he managed to play bridge in Victoria often.Years go by and Merv purchased the VBC on Head Street from Frank Ayers. The club quickly transitioned to a place where players of all levels were welcomed.
More years go by and I became Unit President. I saw the potential and skills Merv had to offer as a Tournament Director and with his permission I submitted a request from the Unit Board to ACBL to recommend his appointment as a TD. Eventually this came about and all players benefitted from his knowledge and gentle ways.
As well, during my tenure, ACBL’s Zero Tolerance Policy came into effect. The clubs were required to sign on, and even though the VBC under Merv practiced ZT, Merv signed on formally to ZT.
As a Club Director and a TD Merv went beyond fair. Always non-judgemental, always just to all players regardless of level, always displaying his unique sense of humour.
Merv and I had many quiet talks after games.We discovered a shared love of author John Irving, and years later we attended a film presentation where the author talked about his life and his writings. A great memory!
Merv and I shared political philosophies. His blog, his letters to the editor, his Facebook posts, all respectful, concise and passionate. He walked the walk and took actions to make this little piece of earth a better place. He was respected by all who came to know him. Premier Horgan has expressed his sorrow at hearing the sad news of Merv’s passing.
We have all lost a true friend. Very few people touch our lives in a meaningful way. Merv was one who touched the lives of all who knew him.
Van Buchanan
Merv Adey was responsible for an influx of new bridge players, including myself, when he hired Rita Beny to teach Easy Bridge at the Victoria Bridge Centre. By providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere he encouraged the newer players to get out and play against the “big guys.” He sponsored the Unit Mentor game and at our request, split the Saturday night team game into two sections to encourage novices to come out and play.
Merv was always a true gentleman whether he was playing bridge or directing a game. He was always ready to answer questions and provide advice including sending me several submissions for the Bridge Buzz. RIP Merv. You will be truly missed.
Leslie Wood
What a beautiful, wonderful, kind and humble human being our Merv was!! Victoria’s ACBL community, indeed, was fortunate with Merv taking over the helm of the Victoria Bridge Centre during the incoming 21st Century; attracting and increasing memberships. We will miss his quirky laugh, his calm flair on a director call. Could go on and on…
We cherish your memory, Merv.
Bye Dear Friend,
Love,
Sindy
Sindy Patterson
The day I moved to Victoria in 1986, my friend Muriel Adey dropped by to invite my family to join her family for dinner, and that included her son Merv, so he was the first bridge player I met in Victoria. Since then I grew to respect Merv for his intelligence, consideration for others, and especially his skills at bridge. He was an excellent player, a director who always treated players with fairness and courtesy, and a teacher with a faithful following. He did most of his teaching online on BBO, where he was known as SWERVE. He could be seen on BBO right to the end, and earned over 2,100 masterpoints playing online with students and friends. I am proud to have had Merv as a friend and will miss him terribly.
Delma Murray
I had the privilege of playing with Merv in Mike Ainsley’s evening mentor game. I only knew Merv as a bridge director and was nervous at the prospect of playing with such an accomplished player. After a few boards, Merv put me totally at ease. At the end of the game it was late and Merv said to email him a few questions and he would answer them. I did that and his answers showed me not only his talent for bridge but for writing as well. He ended by saying we will do it again . . . I am so sad that I will not have that chance.
A phrase I learned that night that I often quote – remember, if you are going down “save the furniture”.
Thinking of you
Heather Cozens
As Van says, all players benefitted from Merv’s knowledge and gentle ways.
I cannot go into detail, but there were a couple of occasions when Merv showed me that it’s more than just who’s right or wrong.
Merv always answered my email questions about bidding or playing, and with great advice.
A real class guy who will be missed.
So long Merv.
Bill Birney
This poem was written by Linda Patton in honour of Merv Adey
A sweet and thoughtful man. I enjoyed playing at his club for many years and earned my highest percentage (72%) the one and only time I played with Merv. I am very saddened to hear of his passing and will miss him very much.
I used to work at Tanners where we sold lots of books,
The customers were pleasant and I got no dirty looks.
Now I own a bridge club with all that it entails,
I’m Teacher, Maid and Diplomat to many different players.
Rookies, novices and pros; Victoria has them all,
They think I should stop everything, if and when they call.
Some complain about the coffee, others about the fees,
It’s quite a challenge, catering to their idiosyncrasies.
Duncan must have table one and James and Linda four,
I’m not sure why this is because it doesn’t help their score.
Distractions there are many, each and every day,
But, woe is me if I’m not sharp and give their seats away.
With Partnerships I do my best and always try to please,
But Marylou won’t speak to Sam and Joe can’t stand Louise.
Susie plays two over one and Ben is just beginning,
I hope they have some fun because there’s no way they’ll be winning.
Mike and Marion filled in, when I’ve called and begged,
I won’t be asking them again because they both reneged.
Of course that’s something I‘ve not done in all my bridge career,
But there’s always a first time for everything, I hear.
The lessons on a Wednesday night are something less than droll
But turning rookies into experts is my ultimate goal.
I try to make it simple by using Grant and Root,
But one look at their faces tells me they don’t give a hoot.
The water in the kettle must be hot, you see,
For James and Ruth who cannot play without a cup of tea.
Decaf must be made for those that cannot take caffeine
And yes, it’s all done with a smile so they won’t think I’m mean.
I have better things to do, I’m sure that they would find,
Than pick up all the cups or mugs that they have left behind.
My mother taught me to pick up my things when I was through,
I don’t employ a waitress so it’s something I must do.
The scores I try to enter just as fast as I am able,
But it would really help a lot, if they don’t crowd the table.
It’s very hectic at that time and can be stressful too,
I will announce the winners just as soon as I am through.
It’s very hard to please each one no matter how I try,
Sometimes I get so frustrated it makes me want to cry.
So, if they call me for a ruling and they have no luck,
Then they can call for Mike or Tim ‘cause I don’t give a . . .darn!
See what the Oracle of Omaha thinks about bridge in this article from the Washington Post:
Click here for a very interesting story by Paul Hunter which aired on the National a few days ago.
Send it to your non bridge-playing friends. They will be impressed.
Congratulations to Audrey Mactier who won the July quiz, with an impressive total of 480 (out of a possible 500).
Complete results for July are posted in the Members section (under Past Results) or by following this direct link.
The August quiz is now available, also under Members, It can be accessed directly by clicking here.
As a reminder, for the first time ACBL is hosting an NABC Online Individual event that allows you to play online and earn gold points. It is a four-day, four-session Bridge Base Online (BBO) robot duplicate event running from July 23 to 26. You need to preregister and can do so starting July 9. Full details are found on ACBL by clicking here.
We ran a quick survey to see what Victoria players thought of the idea. Out of 17 respondents, 4 indicated they would play, 7 declined and 6 were uncertain.
One respondent disagreed with the idea of gold points being available online. Another was going to the tournament in TO and therefore “would not be wearing pajamas” (thank goodness).
The survey is still on the website should you want to contribute you 2 cents’ worth to the debate. Look under Recent Posts” for “Get gold points in your PJs”.
Sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed the website looks a bit different. I thought that after two years, a facelift was in order.
The content is unchanged but I’m using a new theme (WordPress uses “themes” to set the overall appearance of websites) with more readable fonts and a cleaner look. I’ll be tweaking the look further in upcoming weeks. And although I’ve temporarily removed the heading pictures, they should eventually be back.
Feel free to send me your comments (both positive and negative) and suggestions at bridgevictoria.unit431@gmail.com
JP Weber,
Webmaster, Unit 431
Most bridge players are aware that this summer’s NABC is being held in Toronto, July 20-30.
What you might not know is that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to earn gold or red points. For the first time, ACBL is hosting an NABC Online Individual event that allows you to do just that. It is a four-day, four-session Bridge Base Online (BBO) robot duplicate event running from July 23 to 26. You need to preregister and can do so starting July 9. Full details are found on ACBL by clicking here.
As a bonus, no need to pay extra for drinks as they are provided by you, from your own kitchen. And you can also have as many breaks in the game during the day as you need – just keep the game open on your computer.
I’m a bit curious as to whether Victoria bridge players are interested in this type of event. Would you help me out by replying to the very short, anonymous and confidential survey below?
The Ace of Diamonds Sectional for players with fewer than 100 MPs was held today.
Sheila Collye and Sharon Shalinsky, playing N-S were first overall in the morning pairs game while Gillian Mouat and Jo Albinati came first in E-W.
The afternoon Swiss Teams game was won by the team of Audrey Mactier, Aimee Botje, Bakh Dhillon and Douglas Beard.
Detailed results are shown below. Interactive results can be found on Monterey Bridge Club’s website.
Your favourite bridge quiz is now online on our Unit website!
You will find it under the Members title in the top menu. Even easier, just click here.
And as a reminder, if you’re looking for last month’s results, look no further : June Results
Congratulations to the winner of the June quiz, John Miller, who receives a free play courtesy of Bill Wastle, valid at any regular game at Victoria Bridge Centre.
Complete results for June are available in the Members section (under Past Results) or by following this direct link.
The July quiz will be posted on June 24, also under Members, It can be accessed directly by clicking here.
I forgot to include one Victoria pair in my last post on Penticton Regional results.
Here is the correction, which is also now included in the original post:
A bi-coastal team composed of Terry Foster and Russell Page playing with Allan Callard of Mermaid PE, and Bob Edmundson of Beaver Bank NS won bracket III of the Wed.-Fri. Pinot Morning Knockout with 7.91 MPs.
The Penticton Regional wrapped up on Sunday with a table count of 3237½, the most since 1990.
A large Victoria contingent came to do battle with some being more successful than others at extracting those elusive gold nuggets.
Below are a few highlights. Complete results can be found in the Penticton Regional Bulletin’s Wrapup Edition. And for daily bulletins and tournament photos go to District 19’s Penticton 2017 Page.
In the Tue.-Wed. Chardonnay Knockout Teams, Donald Berry (third from left) and his Seattle teammates Thomas Brown, Monty Gray, and Lorenzo Migliorini won bracket IV with 18.19 MPs.
Playing in the same event, Joanna Daam got 12.56 MPs as part of the team which won bracket VI. Her fellow players were Janina Lysek, Packwood WA; Kalvin Garton, Pendleton OR; and William Curtis, Whitehorse YT
In the Wednesday Gold Rush 0-750 Pairs, Al Romanchuk playing with Marian Kosior, Penticton BC came in first with 11.25 MPs.
A bi-coastal team composed of Terry Foster and Russell Page playing with Allan Callard of Mermaid PE, and Bob Edmundson of Beaver Bank NS won bracket III of the Wed.-Fri. Pinot Morning Knockout with 7.91 MPs.
Al Romanchuk (him again) playing with Okanagan teammates Dennis O Donnell and Marian Kosior of Penticton and Philip Shadick from Summerland received 12.71 for first place in bracket VI of the Shiraz Thurs.-Fri. KO.
The wholly Victorian team of Keith Hibbert, Esther Wiebe, Holly Boudreau, and Jean-Philippe Weber won bracket V in the Fri-Sat Riesling KO for a gain of 11.11 MPs.
| Name | Total Score |
|---|---|
| Bob MacDonald | 490 |
| dick vission | 470 |
| Name withheld | 460 |
| Tony Farr | 450 |
| Michael Cockerell | 440 |
| Susan Breiddal | 430 |
| Jack Campbell | 430 |
| Dick Dixon | 420 |
| Mike Ainsley | 410 |
| Don Copeland | 410 |
| John Miller | 410 |
| Russell Page | 400 |
| Duncan Smith | 400 |
| Name withheld | 390 |
| Name withheld | 390 |
| Name withheld | 390 |
| Name withheld | 380 |
| Shelley Burnham | 380 |
| Scott Miller | 380 |
| Sheldon Spier | 380 |
| Brenda Fox | 370 |
| Sophie Watt | 370 |
| Name withheld | 360 |
| Gail Argatoff | 360 |
| Cliff Kindree | 360 |
| nancy baal | 340 |
| glen thornborough | 340 |
| Heather Davies | 330 |
| Peter Lighthall | 330 |
| James Macdonnell | 330 |
| Norra Mirosevic | 330 |
| Delma Murray | 320 |
| mort nelson | 320 |
| lionel traverse | 320 |
| Bree Watts | 310 |
| Bill Birney | 300 |
| Bob Cheeseman | 300 |
| russ etherington | 300 |
| Edmund Patterson | 300 |
| David Buckman | 290 |
| Gina Curran | 290 |
| Janette Magne | 290 |
| Elaine Mauger | 270 |
| Gary Rosa | 260 |
| ed blumenthal | 250 |
| Tony Dason | 240 |
| Van Buchanan | 220 |
| Rob Feldstein | 180 |
| Name | Total Score |
|---|---|
| Mike Hargreaves | 450 |
| glen thornborough | 420 |
| Name withheld | 400 |
| John Miller | 400 |
| susan breiddal | 380 |
| David Todd | 380 |
| Cliff Kindree | 370 |
| Bob MacDonald | 360 |
| Sophie Watt | 360 |
| Russ Etherington | 350 |
| Duncan Smith | 350 |
| Name withheld | 340 |
| Michael Cockerell | 340 |
| Don Nemeth | 340 |
| Gary Rosa | 340 |
| Name withheld | 330 |
| Ed Blumenthal | 330 |
| Mike Dorn Wiss | 330 |
| Sheldon Spier | 330 |
| Name withheld | 320 |
| denis johnston | 320 |
| Sandra Taylor | 320 |
| Name withheld | 310 |
| Tony Dason | 310 |
| Dick Dixon | 310 |
| Peter Lighthall | 310 |
| Leo Resk | 310 |
| Mike Black | 300 |
| Jon Gage | 290 |
| Rita Beny | 280 |
| Bree Watts | 280 |
| Natalie Williams | 280 |
| Mike Ainsley | 270 |
| James Macdonnell | 270 |
| Don Copeland | 260 |
| Tony Farr | 260 |
| Donna Miller | 260 |
| John Billett | 250 |
| Gina Curran | 250 |
| Edmund Patterson | 250 |
| Linda Ellis | 240 |
| Joan McLeod | 240 |
| C. Ann Brydon | 230 |
| Deb Carnes | 230 |
| mort nelson | 230 |
| Rob Feldstein | 220 |
| Janette Magne | 220 |
| Name withheld | 200 |
| Brenda Fox | 170 |
| Name withheld | 160 |
| Name withheld | 140 |
| Marc Furnemont | 90 |
| Bob Cheeseman | 70 |
Please advise the webmaster of any error or omission.
Leslie Wood has laboured diligently at publishing our Unit’s newsletter, the Bridge Buzz for the last four+ years, putting out an impressive total of 18 issues. She now hands the baton to Nev Hircock to whom we wish great success in his new role.
The June edition of the Bridge Buzz is now available on our website. Just go to the Bridge Buzz page from the top menu.
Please address any comments or suggestions you might have directly to Nev at hircockn@gmail.com