On February 21, 2025, Unit 431 held its first face-to-face Annual General Meeting since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. 36 members gathered at the Strawberry Vale & District Community Club for the business meeting and elections, followed by an enjoyable, complimentary individual movement bridge game, and pizza.
2024 new Life Masters were announced, and 2024 Helen Shanbrom Ace of Clubs certificates were presented to those winners present. All Ace of Clubs and Mini-McKenney winners can be found here, and the remaining certificates will be distributed when received.
Marsha Ross was announced as the winner of the Dawn Hueston Memorial trophy, for members who start the year with fewer than 20 masterpoints, and earn the most MPs at the four Sectional tournaments. Janice Closson presents the Rose Bowl trophy to Farhad Rohani
Farhad Rohani was the winner of the game, and his name will now be added to the list of winners, dating back to 1956.
Many thanks to Bill Wastle for his continued support of Unit bridge functions by facilitating use of the Strawberry Vale space.
ACBL Unit 431’s Annual General Meeting will be held starting 12:00 noon, February 21, 2025, at Strawberry Vale Hall, 11 High Street, Victoria.
All paid-up ACBL member in good standing with Unit 431 are invited to attend.
The meeting’s agenda is to review the past year, confirm current board members, and vote in new players taking positions.
If you wish to volunteer as a board member or assist with events held by the board, please contact Ernie Tradewell (president) orFarhad Rohani (vice president).
There will be an individual bridge movement game after the meeting, followed by pizza.
Players participate solo and switch partners each round. Debbie Wastle will organize and direct the game: [email protected].
For ordering purposes (we don’t want to order too many or too few pizzas), please pre-register by emailing Maureen Trappe at[email protected].
Terry Foster and Heather Erskine, long-term organizers of the monthly Unit Mentor Game are cancelling the game due to low turnout.
Here is the message they sent to their participants:
After going through many game cancellations (due to low game registrations) in the last several months, we have decided to cancel the monthly Unit 431 Mentor Games until further notice. This decision does not affect Mike’s game and he will continue on as normal.
We have enjoyed getting to know and work with you all over the past 8 years and we wish you all the best going forward.
Thanks very much,
Terry and Heather
As they mention, VBC continues its on-line (BBO) mentor game at 12:15 on the fourth Sunday of each month with Mike Ainsley in charge. For more information, contact Mike at [email protected].
Last month’s Bridge Bulletin featured two smiling Victoria bridge players. Our little contest asked you to name them.
A total of 616 players received the invitation (also posted on our website), with 300 actually opening the email. Of these, 21 accepted the challenge and sent in their answer.
15 gave the correct answer, which can be found on page 25 of the October Bridge Bulletin. The featured players are Jill Plasteras and Madeleine Tremblay, part of the runners-up in the 0-2500 Mini-Spingold KO Teams.
The winner, drawn randomly from the correct results is Jim Brackenbury. He received Augie Boehm’s book, Masterpiece Deals, A Gallery of Beautiful Card Play.
Participants at Thursday’s VBC game were invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes and several took up the challenge.
The ghostly winners for best costume were Margaret Skinner and Nicole Dupuis, who received a dinner gift card from Victoria Pub Company, valid at any of their four pubs, Bard & Banker, Irish Times, Penny Farthing, Vis-a-Vis.
I’m sure most players enjoy the monthly Bridge Bulletin. In fact, I’ve been told that some people who are no longer playing keep up their ACBL membership just for the magazine.
The October issue features something we rarely see – photos of Victoria players. Have a look. Once you’ve found them, click here for a chance to win a bridge-related prize.
There’s also a very funny and relatable article by Susan Morse on surviving a bad slam. And of course, all the usual good stuff.
Victoria, B.C. — Five talented local bridge players are set to represent Canada at the prestigious World Bridge Championships this Fall. Michael Roche, Daniel Lyder, Gordon McOrmond, Michael Hargreaves, and James McAvoy have honed their skills over years of competitive play and are excited for the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
The group secured their spot at the World Championships by winning a competition sponsored by the Canadian Bridge Federation in May 2024.
Michael Roche (Grand Life Master, Canadian Hall of Famer) and his young partner, Daniel Lyder, qualified for the Open Pairs event, while Gord McOrmond and Mike Hargreaves qualified as part of a Senior Team.
They will be accompanied by non-playing Captain, James McAvoy (Grand Life Master), who will be sharing his extensive experience representing Canada at 6 World Championships. He will set lineups and coach the team in strategies for specific opponents.
Left to Right: Daniel Lyder, Michael Roche, James McAvoy, Mike Hargreaves, Gord McOrmond at Victoria Bridge Centre. *Photograph Confetti Cards by Phil McOrmond
“We feel fabulous about qualifying, having been underdogs in winning the Canadian trials” says Daniel Lyder about his first World Championships. “I was extra happy for our team, because relative to other competitors, we had significantly less experience.” adds his expert partner, Michael Roche.
Each member brings unique strengths to the table but one thing they all have in common is the ability to perform well under pressure, keep their emotions in check, be flexible and stay positive. “Have fun and play well, is my mantra” says Michael Roche.
The World Bridge Championships, held every two years, gather the best players from 116 countries around the globe, making it a highly competitive event. This year’s championship will take place in Argentina, providing not just a chance to compete but also to experience a rich culture.
The World Bridge Federation, which hosts the World Bridge Championships, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Duplicate Bridge is a Sport!
The team has been preparing intensely, refining their custom systems, practicing their bidding and playing for several hours every week. They hope to, not only perform well, but also foster connections with players from different countries.
Left to Right: Michael Roche, Gord McOrmond, Daniel Lyder, Mike Hargreaves at Victoria Bridge Centre. Photograph by Phil McOrmond
As they prepare for their journey, the group emphasizes the camaraderie and friendships built through bridge. “The mental challenges of bridge are a big attraction for me” shared Mike Hargreaves, “but probably the most important would be the social aspect. I have played bridge in 8 different countries and been greeted with open arms even where little English is spoken.”
For those unfamiliar with duplicate bridge, it’s a card game that combines elements of strategy, psychology, and teamwork. Unlike rubber (kitchen) bridge, luck plays a minimal role in duplicate bridge, as all pairs play the same hands. This format ensures that success is determined by skill rather than the luck of the deal.
Mike Hargreaves further explains: “It also offers near infinite variability. For example, in chess, every game starts with exactly the same board layout but in bridge there are hundreds of billions of combinations. One literally never plays the same hand twice.” Because of this “No matter what your level of experience, you can play a hand against the best players and have a chance to beat them”, Michael Roche explains. There is always an exciting new challenge ahead that keeps players coming back for more.
Daniel Lyder adds: “Bridge is basically the only game left where the best humans can beat the best computers. The contextual understandings in partnerships allows them to communicate with their cards at a level unmatched by computers. Bridge is the total package in terms of strategy and teamwork. Bridge is also unique in that it’s a game of fierce ethics. Under the rules of the game, you must alert your opponents to every understanding that you and your partner possess and that creates levels of sportsmanship unheard of at high levels of almost any other competitive endeavour”.
The local community has rallied behind the team, organizing fundraising. “The local bridge community has been exceptionally supportive. I know the 5 of us from Victoria really appreciate the kind words and the efforts to help with the travel costs.” says Mike Hargreaves.
With their sights set on the championships, Roche, Lyder, McOrmond, Hargreaves and McAvoy are ready to take on the world, hoping to bring home not just memories but also some accolades for their community.
Victoria (ACBL Unit 431) is a fertile training ground for high-achieving bridge players. We have more Grand Life Masters per capita (7) than any other Canadian city as well as a thriving bridge community with games at 2 clubs and online that cater to all levels of experience.
Entry level competitive bridge offerings include Mentor and Duplicate Light (play and learn) games that make growing one’s skills a fun experience with opportunities to ease upwards when ready. In addition, ACBL Unit 431 can help find a partner, if needed.
If you would like a new challenge and a taste of duplicate bridge, see our local ACBL Unit 431 website for more information: https://bridgevictoria.ca/
By Catherine Mustafa (250.744.7780, [email protected] On behalf of ACBL Unit 431
Victoria, B.C. Canada
September 2024
*The image of the group, Confetti Cards, captures the essence of duplicate bridge — a game steeped in strategy and skill, yet brimming with unexpected twists and shared experiences. However, the cards fall, every hand played, whether triumphant or troublesome, is part of a larger narrative woven through countless tournaments and social gatherings. Yet, those fleeting moments of flying cards remind everyone that behind the competitive edge lies a community united by their love for bridge, its complexities, and the occasional serendipity that comes with it. In the end, it’s not just about winning or losing but about the connections formed and the joy of playing together.
The history of organized bridge in Canada is linked inextricably with the evolution of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
Eastern-Central and Western Canada followed different paths. The former was always aligned with the ACBL, even before that organization became predominant in North America. Western Canada, on the other hand, was originally a part of the Pacific Bridge League which amalgamated with the ACBL in 1956.
At the 1965 Nationals (now called North American Bridge Championships) in Chicago, a group of Canadian organizers and enthusiasts, led by Eric Murray, made the historic decision to create the CBF. This would be a voluntary association of Canadian ACBL units where each member unit would decide the level of its financial contribution. Besides Murray, the Chicago group included: Henry Smilie (Vancouver); Doug Cannell (Winnipeg); Chuck Jane (Woodstock); Bill Robinson (Toronto); Al Lando (Toronto); Doug Drew (Toronto); Aaron Goodman (Montreal); and Don Dobson (Halifax). Together, these individuals represented more than 80% of Canadian ACBL members.
Special shout-out to Doug Drew (now of Victoria) who plays frequently at the Monterey Bridge Club. Many people probably aren’t aware that Doug was formerly President of the CBF, President of the ACBL, and is a member of the Canadian Bridge Federation’s Hall of Fame.
The founders presented a plan for the formation and structure of the CBF, to be approved by unit officials. The latter would provide further direction on policies governing selection of our international teams through national trials, and funding of selected players. The CBF has grown and changed since those early years. The CBF now represents all Canadian players, not just champions vying for international competition, and offers programs that have broader appeal such as flighted national championships, rookie-master games, and a magazine tailored to a wider readership. Furthermore, in 1990 the CBF became a membership organization in addition to being a federation of Canadian ACBL units.
The current Canadian membership in the ACBL is roughly 16,000. But the sad fact is that only 4,000 of those players support the CBF. Current membership dues are $25 annually.
The CBF currently wears many hats, but their initial specific goal was to oversee International representation for the Canadian Bridge teams. This they have done since 1967.
Funding
Every country in the World charges modest mandatory annual membership dues and funds their International teams through those dues. Except for Canada and the USA…..
The ACBL requires bridge players to join their organization, but their goal is to run local tournaments and record master-points. There is no proviso for supporting their International teams.
In fact a few years ago the ACBL created the USBF which is now charged with that task. There was no thought of the implications to other ACBL-member countries – Canada Mexico and Bermuda. The USBF is fortunate. They have several well-heeled sponsors who provided the necessary seed money to start their organization and continue their selection process.
Canada and its International Fund is in dire straits. The inability to attract corporate sponsorship or healthy donations imperils Canada’s future on the international scene.
Due to declining membership and also Covid, the CBF monetary reserves are at an all-time low.
I strongly urge each and every Canadian member of the ACBL to become a member of the CBF to help ensure that our game thrives at the International level.
Over 20 Victoria players attended the Summer NABC in Toronto, held from July 17 to 28.
Here are pictures we received.
Jill Plasteras and Madeleine Tremblay teamed up with Floridians Richard Aufmann and Patrick Thompson to win the Silver Medal (in Olympic terms) in the 0-2500 Mini-Spingold. In actual bridge terms, they won 31.5 Gold MPs for finishing second.
Ernie Tradewell, Deb Hargreaves, Barb Stewart, Anne-Marie Crabbe, Chris Penner, Debbie Wastle, Gina Curran, Shelley Burnham and David Reid were some of the Island players.
Jon, Caroline and Shelley share a moment.Debbie, Gina, David and Jon are all looking happy.
Our list shows in what year Victoria players (319 of them) became Life Masters. It covers the period between 1962 and 2023 and is updated yearly. You’ll find the full list under Members.
Quick trivia question: When did our current Unit president become a Life Master? Hint: it’s been a while.
You can also look at Masterpoint Milestones (also under Members) to see who’s moved up the Masterpoint ranks, from Junior Master to Grand Life Master. Updated every month!
Unit 431 held its Annual General Meeting on February 16th 2024, via Zoom.
Two new board members were elected by acclamation for 2-year terms:
Jill Stainforth as Membership Coordinator. Jill had been serving as interim for the past few months.
Susan Jobbins as Inventory Coordinator.
The president welcomed both to the board. He also thanked outgoing Inventory Coordinator Madeleine Tremblay for her service.
The list of board members, including photos (for most of them), can be found on the Unit’s website, bridgevictoria.ca, under Governance.
Highlights
We held 1 regular Sectional Tournament and 2 limited (0-299) sectionals. We will be using both Monterey and Mary Winspear for tournaments this year. Monterey is preferred due to the cost so we will continue to try to locate both seasonal sectionals at that location.
The Seasonal Gathering (formerly Christmas Party) was one of our largest celebrations in many years with 28 tables. Prior to the bridge game, attendees enjoyed a hilariously commented fashion show which saw golfers, boulevardiers and geocachers among others strutting the runway. A good time was had by all participants.
The unit posted a net profit of about $3000 for 2023, an improvement over the previous year.
The unit received a $4500 grant from ACBL to help develop bridge in Victoria, to be applied to Duplicate Light.
We are now using pre-duplicated boards for all sectional games including team games. Pre-duplicated boards are now available for all sectional team games on the island. It was made more convenient to provide these boards by having all unit boards barcoded for the duplicating machine.
We remember all those bridge friends we lost during the past year: Alan Filmer, Nancy Allan, Mary Szarka, Emma Abrams, Sue Foley, Nigel Williamson, and Michael Scott-Kerr. Obituaries can be found on our In Memoriam page (under Members).
The results of the 2023 Unit races (Mini McKenney and Ace of Clubs) for all masterpoint categories can be found under Members on our website. Click here for direct access.
Attendance
An announcement was sent on January 21st via ACBL’s email service (Pianola) to all 406 members with valid emails . 73% (297) opened the email and presumably read it. A reminder, which included the link for the Zoom meeting was sent to the same group on February 13th. 266 people opened the email.
Only ten people actually showed up for the AGM. We reached quorum (20), after phoning around for volunteers.
It’s disappointing that less than 4% of Unit members feel sufficiently motivated to attend the AGM. Perhaps the they are put off by the format (Zoom) which is unfamiliar to many. The board will be trying to bring back an in-person AGM next year. As with previous live AGMs it will include a bridge game, as well as free pizza.
We have updated our online member directory. In addition to 400 Unit 431 members, the directory contains another 160 Victoria area duplicate bridge players who have asked to be included.
Each player entry includes their name, phone number, email address and BBO handle when available.
The directory is available to registered users who can gain access after going to the website, bridgevictoria.ca and then logging in. If you need instructions on the login procedure, click here.
The day that Sandra Fraser attained the rank of Grand Life Master (GLM) there were 3 other GLMs playing at the Monterey Bridge Club in Victoria, BC to help her celebrate. All are Canadian Champions!
From Left: Duncan Smith, Jim McAvoy, Doug Fraser, Sandra Fraser at the post-game pub review
Sandra Fraser:
Won a North American Bridge Championship title and is a 5 time 2nd place winner
Won the 2019 Canadian Mixed Team Championship (CMTC) along with husband Doug Fraser, Jim & Constance McAvoy, and Rhonda Foster & Gerry McCully, all from Victoria, BC
Represented Canada with the above team at the World Mixed Team Championships in China, September 2019
Victoria’s bridge scene is vibrant. The two local bridge clubs running ACBL games are popular. The Monterey Bridge Club, under the direction of Nicole Dupuis, is flourishing post-pandemic with between 16 – 23 tables twice a week.
Greater Victoria has a population of 400,000 and now boasts 7 Grand Life Masters!
These include Doug Fraser, Rhonda Foster, Gerry McCully, Duncan H. Smith, Michael J. Roche, James McAvoy (Aug 2022), and Sandra Fraser (Feb 2023).
Congratulations, Sandra and Jim, Victoria’s newest Grand Life Masters!
By Catherine Mustafa Originally published in the ACBL Bulletin, May 2023 Reproduced here by permission of the author
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a bridge director on a cruise ship?
Jon and Caroline Preston have been doing it for several years. Jon recently published an article in the American Bridge Teachers’ Association magazine which is reproduced below for your reading pleasure. Note that this is a scan from the paper copy of the magazine. If you prefer downloading a possibly more legible text-only version, click here.
Many local players will recall seeing our Unit’s historical records displayed at VBC when it was located on Head Street.
These records include Unit presidents since 1956, Life Masters since 1962, as well as the impressive trophy rack.
Unfortunately we now have no physical location to keep and display these mementos of past achievements.
All is not lost, however. We have uploaded the lists onto our website (bridgevictoria.ca) where you will find them in the “Members” section.
Both lists are easily searchable, so if you happen to be wondering who was president in, say, 1973, it will only take you a few seconds to find out.
As to the trophies, we will be photographing them and adding the pictures to the site in the near future. For a preview of what this might look like, have a look at theKirkwood Trophy.
The World Bridge Federation, which hosts the 
Jon recently published an article in the American Bridge Teachers’ Association magazine which is reproduced below for your reading pleasure. Note that this is a scan from the paper copy of the magazine. If you prefer downloading a possibly more legible text-only version, click