Month 1: The first month of the Sagamore Bridge Club is nearly complete. The highlights of the month were that we had one game where we could play a Mitchell (5 tables) and the opportunity for me to meet so many kind people. Certainly, the technology challenges littered the month, and I am hoping those are now under control. I hope those who have come have enjoyed the overall experience and feel the club has an environment which will become contagious.
Help Me Make Things Better: I was certainly disappointed by the low table counts. Although I know there are several “snowbirds” who may return in the Spring, there are players out there who have yet to come. I am extremely grateful to those who have come … THANK YOU!! If you have ANY suggestions on ways to improve the club OR ways to better market, please let me know. My goal is to make this a GREAT club and I need your input.
Bring Someone New, Play for Free: When you bring someone who has yet to play at our club you will play for free that day.
Plymouth and Osterville Games: Plymouth: Will now start on Thurs. April 2nd. The Church wanted me to sign a one-year lease so I decided to just go for 1 day until I know if it will work (I’m pretty confident) at which point I will add Mondays. Osterville: For the time being there will continue to be a Monday Open Game in Osterville. HOWEVER, I need to evaluate the viability of this game since a very successful Monday game, run by Anne Bloomfield, begins in the Spring. I don’t know whether to move our Monday game to Tuesday, keep it as is or make it a non-life master game/supervised play. In the meantime, I am considering opening the space up for other people to play Maj Jong, cribbage, backgammon, etc… to offset my costs. I will keep you updated on everything. Cape Sectional Needs Volunteers: With Bernadine’s “retirement” there is a void in the running of the Cape Sectional. In my role for EMBA, I am responsible for making these tournaments run effectively. It is not my role as the new owner of Bernadine’s former bridge club to take over this tournament. If people on the Cape want to have this tournament, then some people need to step up as volunteers to do such things as getting tables to the site/setting them up, putting out bid boxes, procuring hospitality such as drinks and snacks, purchasing paper goods, organizing lunch, cleaning up and returning items. Please let me know if you are willing to volunteer to help. Unfortunately
February Schedule: Extra Point Games and Table Fees: EVERY Game in February will be an Extra Point game (65% more points) which will benefit the ACBL Education Fund. I strongly believe in this FUND (Others I don’t). Also, many people have expressed a desire for extra points. There will be a $1 surcharge for these games. ALL games in February will cost $13/Game (I make no more $). No Games Friday Feb. 20th (or March 6 & 9). I will playing in a tournament . Cancellations Due to Weather. I will try to email people and will post info on the top of the website: Sagamorebridgeclub.net
Tournaments: I’ve attached a flyer for 2 upcoming tournaments. If you want to earn Gold and Silver Points this is where to go. MansfieldDistrict 25 Regional Feb 17-21—This is especially geared to non-life masters. Lots of games for gold and silver. Watertown EMBA Sectional March 14-15-- (I’m in charge of the tournament). Saturday is an EXTRA Silver PT game. Sunday is a bracketed team game.
Love Bridge BUT Can’t Afford to Play?: If you know someone who loves bridge and can’t afford to pay (anything or the full-price), please have that person call me. I firmly believe no one should be denied the opportunity to play because of resources. Staying active can make a huge difference in someone’s life.)
Play Faster: There are some basic things which can be done to speed up play AFTER the bidding is complete. We need to get to a 3hr time. Now that the computer issues are solved (I HOPE), we should be able to finish within 3hrs. If you are on LEAD: DO NOT write down the contract in your convention card until AFTER you lead. If you are DUMMY: DO NOT write down the contract in your convention card until AFTER you put your cards down. If you are NORTH AND/OR on LEAD/DUMMY, Do not put the contract into the Bridgemate until AFTER you lead or put your hand down. Education: If you know anyone who wants to learn how to play bridge please let me know. If there is a topic/convention you want to learn about please let me know. Mini-lessons: As we get more people I will offer some mini-lessons before each game. Post-Mortem: If you want to discuss any hands at the end of the game please let just ask When Nathalie Comes in April we will be offering supervised play and/or 0-499 games. Drinks and Snacks: I will provide coffee, tea and water. There will be some candy and occasional snacks. Please start to bring your tumblers to the club as I will reduce the number of cups I purchase.