November 12, 2020

The Fall North American Online Bridge Championships (NAOBC) – featuring the Premier Knockout Team and Premier Pair events – are now flighted (open, 0-5000 and 0-1500)! Both events award NABC titles, and you won’t even have to leave home to win them! The team games start Friday, November 27, and the pair event starts the following weekend. Registration Information 

November 12, 2020

Stardust Week returns and so does your chance to win gold points at a Virtual Club! During this special event (November 23-29), all Virtual Club games will award double regular points, and points will be 1/4 gold, 3/4 black. You can get upgraded awards just by playing in your usual game!

November 12, 2020

There’s still plenty of time to register early for the Fall 2020 NABC Robot Individual and get the discounted entry fee of only $40! This independently played, three-day event (November 21-23) gives you the chance to win an NABC title with a bot as your partner. Warm up this weekend with a free practice tourney!

November 01, 2020

Josh Hoffman, from Greensboro, has earned the elite rank of Diamond Life Master.  Requirements for this rank are that the person must be a Life Master with 5,000 master points, at least 1,000 are silver/red/gold/platinum, of which at least 500 or more are gold/platinum.

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Of the current 888 Unit 169 members, only 8 have attained Diamond Life Master.  This is truly a great accomplishment, and we heartily congratulate Josh.

September 13, 2020

A WHOLE WEEK OF CHARITY... AND EARN GOLD POINTS TO BOOT!  The last full week of September (Sep 21 thru Sep 27), the ABCL is hosting a once in a lifetime pandemic-driven opportunity to earn BIG gold points at the club level!  All week, virtual clubs will be running Upgraded Club Championship Games.  What does that mean?  Well, for starters... points will be DOUBLED (right now, they only get a x1.5 multiplier).  What's more, 1/4 OF THE POINTS ARE GOLD!!

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In addition to the regularly-scheduled Cindy's Corner & Triad BC games that week, the TBC will be hosting 7 DAYS OF NIGHTLY CHARITY DINNERBELL PAIRS GAMES! 

• 7:05pm, Monday thru Sunday

• 18 boards, 6 min/bd... you'll be done by 9!

• MP Payout is DOUBLE, and 25% gold, 75% black

• Only $5!!!!

• 100%... yes 100% of the proceeds go to charity (minus BBO & ACBL fees)

• Open game, HOWEVER IT IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED THAT AT LEAST ONE PLAYER IN EVERY PARTNERSHIP HAVE LESS THAN 500 MASTERPOINTS.  We all love winning and earning points, but this is a a great opportunity to help our non-Life Master friends out by helping them earn their gold! 

• Every night... 10 GUARANTEED PARTNERS available for non-Life Masters to play with! The games will be BIG and PAY LOTS OF GOLD POINTS!

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"BATTLE ROYALE" VERSUS THE CHATANOOGA BRIDGE CLUB ... second match open to all 299er MPs Triad Bridge Club and Cindy's Corner 0-500 MPs on Friday, September 25, at 10:00 am

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Click HERE  for full schedule and details.

August 26, 2020

ACBL has two special events on BBO scheduled for the month of September:

• DOUBLE MASTERPOINT AWARDS ON LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 -  a one-day event!  

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• UPGRADED CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES THE WEEK OF MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27.  For this week, awards will also be doubled like the Labor Day event but with one major difference - the awards will be 1/4 GOLD and 3/4 black.  This applies to all games, including events that are masterpoint limited. 

August 17, 2020

ACBL Educational Foundation has collaborated with Trickster Bridge to bring you casual bridge-playing at its best.

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Social Bridge Online – Bridge With Friends is a brand new website established as a hub for social bridge players.  Here you can invite your friends to a game that you schedule, choose how you want to score, what level bridge you wish to play, and play face to face again. Really!

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Check it out here!

August 17, 2020

Did you know, there was once a fifth playing suit. The idea for five-suit bridge came from Walter Marseille, a Viennese psychologist who thought the added cards made the bridge games more complex and interesting. However, while bridge players seemed intrigued by the variation, it posed a formidable challenge.

Click here to read an interesting article about the fifth suit.

August 11, 2020

Virtual Vacation is the newest online regionally rated event and will be held August 27-30, 2020 on Bridge Base Online. That’s four days of chances to compete with players across the continent from your couch (the next best thing to a seaside hammock).

See the schedule for pair events all day, every day, including side series. Also be sure to check out the Daily Bulletins posted in BridgeFeed. Intermediate and Newcomer players will be invited to view special mini-lessons, also posted daily on BridgeFeed. You can come, too!

More details, including a FAQ and online tournament checklist are available at acbl.org/virtual. 

July 28, 2020

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Central Carolina Bridge Association is pleased to welcome incoming Board members Rich Peffer, Diane Pusch and  Chris Shepard.  Their terms expire July, 2022.  A list, photos and bios of the complete Board of Directors can be found HERE

July 21, 2020

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL INFORMATION:  For those driving down to Port Canaveral, Florida, we have obtained a discounted group block of rooms at the Best Western Oceanfront Resort, including free parking while on the cruise.  For those flying into Orlando International Airport, we have an excellent group rate at the Hampton Inn Airport.  All pertinent information can be found HERE

We will have a dedicated space for bridge play in the Conference Room on Deck 3 of the ship.  Unlimited bridge costs just $75 per player.  There is lots to do on the ship for those who aren't bridge players, and we will have some fun extras just for our group.

We are looking forward to having you and join us November 14-21, 2021 on the rescheduled 2020 Bridge Cruise, this time sailing on the Harmony of the Seas, round-trip out of Port Canaveral FL.  Please pass this information on to your fellow bridge players and friends who would like to take advantage of our group pricing.   Our travel agent is Nancy Bogert at Cruise Planners.  For questions or reservations, contact Nancy at nancy@planningcruises.com or phone 800-561-0802 or 570-323-0112

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"Sea You Later!"

July 15, 2020

Request to Purchase Gift Card: This scam is often directed at unit/district officers, but anyone could be targeted. In this scam, a request appears to come from someone you trust, like a fellow officer. The scammer asks you to purchase a gift card (often for the benefit of a charity) and then transmit the card number and pin number over the phone or via email. Do not share any payment information, including gift cards, over the phone or internet.

We know that this email scam has recently been received by some of our members..   Please be assured that neither ACBL or Central Carolina Bridge Association Unit 169 is involved in this solicitation.  Please watch out for these attempts.  For more information on potential scams and measures to report them, visit acbl.org/scamalert.

If you think you've received a scam email, we suggest reporting it to agencies like the Federal Trade Commission.  Click HERE for more information available on their website.

If a scam succeeds, we strongly recommend that you contact law enforcement authorities (police, FBI, U.S. attorney) to report a crime.

July 08, 2020

Thank you everyone for your participation, bids and donations to the Alzheimer’s Association for The Longest Day. Our unit raised a total of $6,552—$1,923 from the silent auction, $2,400 from the unit’s contribution for 60 tables in our seven games and $2,229 in individual donations. 

Thank you Cindy and Peter for donating your time and expertise to our The Longest Day games. Thank you expert players for your donations of plays. Thank you players for supporting our games. And thank you to those who donated, for your generous gifts.

And it’s not too late to make a gift. If you’d like to send a donation that will be credited to our unit’s total, mail your check made out to the Alzheimer’s Association to:

Fran Tewkesbury

1005 Country Club Dr.

Greensboro, NC  27408

July 04, 2020

WHO: Unit 169 Bridge Players in the 0-850 point range

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WHAT:  Mentoring Bridge players with 0-299 masterpoints

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WHERE:  The Triad Bridge Club Monday morning 0-299er game as well as the Wednesday morning Cindy’s Corner 0-299er game.

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WHEN:  Beginning July 13, every Monday and Wednesday morning 10 A.M. BBO game

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WHY:   Peter Boyd-Bowman and Cindy Wright are very excited about opening up these two games to folks with over 300 masterpoints as long as they are mentoring someone with less than 300 masterpoints.  Many of you have been mentored and want to “Pay it Forward,” and many of you are really trying hard to learn the game and would love someone to help you with your bidding, declarer play and defense. (This mentoring is in addition to the folks who have 0-299 pts. and just want to continue playing with each other.)

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HOW:   You may already know someone in this point range that you have been wanting to play with, but the Open Games are too tough to compete in and you have too many points to participate in the Limited Games.  You can certainly arrange this on your own…..OR…..if you are interested in either being mentored or in mentoring someone, and you need help finding you a mentor or mentee, you may contact one of the four people listed below:

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If you live in the WinstonSalem/Kernersville/Advance/Clemmons/Lewisville/High Point/Salisbury areas, please contact:

Mentees please contact:  Annie McKiernan (336-918-4872 anniemck10@aol.com)

Mentors please contact:  Ann Paschold  (336-978-8880 annpaschold@gmail.com) 

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If you live in the (Greensboro/Burlington/Reidsville/Eden/Martinsville/Asheboro areas)

Mentees please contact:  Marcy Maury (336-420-2040 marcyquakerday@yahoo.com)

Mentors please contact:  Susan Shroyer (336-273-9838 shroyersusan0@gmail.com )

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These ladies have offered to help Peter and me match players interested in this mentoring opportunity.  We also feel like folks who have 100-300 masterpoints can mentor folks with 0-50 masterpoints.  

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REMEMBER: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MENTORING IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO.  YOU MAY CONTINUE TO PLAY IN THE 0-299ER GAMES WITH YOUR REGULAR PARTNER.  YOU CAN BE MENTORED ONCE IN A WHILE.  IF YOUR REGULAR PARTNER CAN NOT PLAY, YOU MAY WANT TO BE MENTORED THAT DAY.  IT’S TOTALLY UP TO YOU!

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1.  How do I get started?  If you already know someone with less than 300 masterpoints and you are willing to mentor them, please contact them and ask them if you can mentor them.  If you know someone that you would like to mentor you, please contact them to see if they would be willing to do this.

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2.  What if I want to be mentored or want to mentor someone and don’t know who is interested?  Contact Ann Paschold, Annie McKiernan, Susan Shroyer or Marcy Maury and let them know how many masterpoints you have and that you would like to participate.  Let them know if you are willing to work with Standard American or Two Over One Bidding or either one of them.  They will start taking names and matching folks up.

Thank you in advance for being willing to participate in this wonderful effort to either learn more about this game or teach someone more about this game that we all love. 

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Cindy Wright  336-407-9842  crwbridge@yahoo.com

Peter James Boyd-Bowman  336-686-3680  peterboydbowman@yahoo.com

June 21, 2020

Thank you all for participating in this weekend’s The Longest Day bridge games and player auction in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. And a special thank you to Cindy Wright and Peter Boyd-Bowman who donated 100% of their director’s fees for all eight(!) weekend games to this worthy charity, and to Fran Tewkesbury for spearheading the auction. 

Congratulations to all the winners, and a huge thank you to our expert players who donated a free play, as well as to those of you who bid but did not win. Our winning bidders are:

Cathy McLeod for Bill Wisdom

Daryl Adams for Bob Hale 

Evelyn Fisher for Bruce Southard

Anne Osbourne for Cathy McLeod 

Gwen Blackmer for Cindy Wright 

Janet McCall for David Idleman

Nancy Osborne for Dwight Meredith

Laura Norman for Frank Burgess

Evelyn Fisher for Jerry Helms 

Anne Dick for Josh Hoffman 

Barbara Hooks for Kathie Dwyer 

Marcy Maury for Kay Joyce 

Susan Williford for Kent Leggett 

Susan Mann for Nancy Fitzgerald 

Marcy Maury for Peter J. Boyd-Bowman 

Marcy Maury for Randy Joyce 

John Barnes for Sue Cooper 

Eric Lee for Tom May 

So far, the Unit has raised over $3500 for The Longest Day this year.  If you would like to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association that will be credited to Unit 169’s fundraising efforts, please make your check out to the "Alzheimer’s Association" and mail to:

Fran Tewkesbury 

1005 Country Club Dr.

Greensboro, NC  27408

Note that Unit 169 receives nothing more than bragging rights for your gifts. 100% of your check will go toward Alzheimer’s research and support.

June 16, 2020

Throughout 2020, members of Unit 169 are automatically entered in the "Player of the Year" contest by attending at least eight Unit games and tournaments..  The award is based on the number of master points earned at these events.  A big thanks goes to Tim Stecker, our statistician for the year. 

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Click image for the complete list.​  Or, Click HERE

June 05, 2020

The 2020 bridge cruise has been rescheduled to November 14, 2021 aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Harmony of the Seas.  This is a 7-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean round-trip from Port Canaveral FL.  The ship stops at CocoCay (private island), San Juan Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg St. Maarten.  There are three sea days.

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A negotiated rate of $85 per night, plus 12.5% tax has been obtained from the Hampton Inn Orlando International Airport for one pre-cruise night of November 13, and one post-cruise night of November 21.  Here is a link to further information and photos of the hotel:  Hampton Inn Orlando Airport

Bridge will be offered mornings and afternoons on sea days, and afternoons on port days ... at least 9 sessions of bridge!  The charge for unlimited bridge play will be $75 per person.  Non-bridge players will not incur the extra fee.

If you have not canceled the 2020 trip, your deposit can be transferred to the November 14, 2021 sailing.  Of course, it is your choice to sail in 2020, but note that this is no longer a bridge cruise for our Unit members and friends. 

Prices are subject to change until booked.   Deposits are refundable.  Please contact our travel agent Nancy Bogert at Cruise Planners / Phone: 570-323-0112 or 800-561-0802 / Email: nancy@planningcruises.com with any questions and to book . 

Remember:  book early for the best selection of staterooms and prices.  We hope you'll join us for this fun week at sea!  Click HERE for detailed information about this trip including hotel, transportation from hotel/airport to port, etc.

June 02, 2020

Our traditional The Longest Day Alzheimer's Association fundraiser will be held on BBO on June 20 and 21st this year  The game schedule is as follows:

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Saturday, June 20

• 10:00 am - 0-499er Game - Triad Bridge Club

• 10:10 am - Open Game - Triad Bridge Club

• 2:00 pm - 0-199er Game - Cindy's Corner

• 2:10 pm - Open Game - Cindy's Corner

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Sunday, June 21

• 2:00 pm - 0-750 Game - Cindy's Corner

• 2:10 pm - Open Game - Cindy's Corner

• 6:30 pm - 0-199er Game - Triad Bridge Club

• 6:40 pm - Open Game - Triad Bridge Club

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The charge for each game is $10 ... 100% of which will go directly to the Alzheimer's Association.  Cindy Wright  and Peter Boyd-Bowman are donating their time and directing expertise and will not receive any payment for their work on these days. 

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We are necessarily modifying our customary Silent Auction for playing time with some of the Unit's best players.  Here's how it will work:

• On the morning of June 20, you will receive an email listing the players who have generously agreed to offer a free game in exchange for your donation. 

• If you would like to bid on any of these players, you will be instructed to send an email to tewkesbury@mac.com with the player's name in the subject line and in the body of the email the top price you are willing to pay.

• In the event of tie bids, the first bidder wins.

• If you would like to bid on multiple star players, send a separate email for each player.

• The auction will be open until 9:00 pm on Sunday, June 21.

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If you have any questions about the process of this Alzheimer's fundraiser, contact Fran Tewkesbury at tewkesbury@mac.com

Link to ACBL's Longest Day.  Keep reading for an example of how the Alzheimer’s Association is helping caregivers.

May 18, 2020

The dynamic duo, Peter James Boyd-Bowman (Triad Bridge Club) and Cindy Wright (Cindy’s Corner) have created an exciting schedule geared to help all players earn as many silver masterpoints as possible.  These points are normally only earned by attending weekend Sectional tournaments.  Every game during the week will award TRIPLE masterpoints ... all dripping in silver!

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All games will be bumped up $2 for this week only due to the fact that ACBL charges much more for awarding silver points.  All Open games will offer 21 boards for this week only, except for the Wednesday Open game which will remain at 24 boards.

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April 05, 2020

Now you can play SIX DAYS A WEEK online at BridgeBase.com!   Cindy Wright (Director of several club games in Winston-Salem) and Peter J. Boyd-Bowman (Director of the Triad Bridge Club games in Greensboro) have joined forces and are working closely to coordinate their schedules in order to give everyone in the Unit as many opportunities to play bridge on BridgeBase.com in the comfort of your own home during the nation's health crisis. These games are restricted to local club players and will directly support Peter's and Cindy's clubs. 

May 17, 2020

FURNITURE CITY BRIDGE & BRIDGE CENTER OF WINSTON-SALEM JOIN CONSORTIUM

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As no one knows how long it will be before we can play live games again, Furniture City Bridge and the Bridge Center of Winston-Salem have received invitations and decided to join the SE Carolina Online Bridge Club with about 20 or so other bridge clubs. 

Click HERE  for the link to our consortium's online bridge club. You will find the latest game schedule on this link, as well as information about the ACBL's "Silver Linings" Event the week of Monday, May 25 thru Sunday, May 31.  Please check the link as we plan to continue to add games.   Questions? ... contact Gloria Halstead at howlerdemondeacon@gmail.com, or text her at 202-213-5672.

The 18-board games are $5 for each game.  The SE Carolina Online Bridge Club shares a small portion of the proceeds with each member club.  Current weekly schedule is:

Monday - Wednesday - Friday

10:00 a.m. Open     

1:30 p.m. 199er        

Tuesday -  Thursday

9:45 am 199er         

1:45 pm Open        

"Silver Linings" games for the week of Monday, May 25 thru Sunday, May 31 cost $7 per game.  The schedule is as follows:

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Monday thru Friday

9:45 am - 199er Game

10:00 am - Open Game

1:30 pm - 199er Game

1:45 pm  - Open Game

6:30 pm - 599er Game

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Friday and Saturday

1:30 pm - 199er Game

1:45 pm - Open Game

6:30 pm - 599er Game

NOTE:  SE Carolina Online Bridge Club often gets confused with another club with an similar name (Southeast Carolina).  We are SE Carolina. The easiest way to eliminate the confusion is to add  VACB262410 to your follow list under the "People" tab on the right-hand side of your screen on BBO.  This will highlight VACB262410 in bright blue with white letters when you are registering making us really easy to find!

May 05, 2020

For the latest Triad Bridge Club Newsletter Vol. 4, weekly schedule, results and photos, Click HERE

Noteworthy changes are:

• Night game has moved from Wednesday to Tuesday - no longer Speedball - 6 minutes per board, still $5 with free mini-lesson/Q&A after the game

• NEW!  0-99er Game on Thursdays at 10:00 am

• NEW!  Sunday Unit Championship Open and 0-999er Games

• NEW!  COMING SOON!  Ask the Director column … please email Peter at peterboydbowman@yahoo.com about problem hands, ruling questions, bidding conundrums, etc.  

May 09, 2020

ust a reminder that this Sunday, May 10, the Unit will be sponsoring two Mother's Day Unit Championship Games

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• 2:00 pm - 0-999er Game

• 2:15 pm - Open Game

These games pay Unit Championship points.  Last month's winners earned over 5 masterpoints!  And, a portion of the proceeds will go to Unit 169!

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Registration begins two hours before the start of the game.  The games will be directed by Peter J. Boyd-Bowman.  Questions or problems? ... email Peter at peterboydbowman@yahoo.com or text to 336-686-3680

April 27, 2020

For the latest Triad Bridge Club Newsletter Vol. 3, weekly schedule, and weekly results and photos, Click HERE

April 23, 2020

Lock-down has negated our ability to travel and enjoy vacations both in the States and abroad.

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For over a century, movies have proven to be the ideal escape. Romance, action, thrillers, fantasy, classics — not only do we get caught up in the characters and the stories, but we also get drawn into the settings. With that in mind, here are 14 movies you can stream that truly showcase some of the world’s most inspiring locales.

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Click HERE for a list of travel-inspired movies

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Music often moves us, but did you know it can also take us to another country?  Spotify has put together several playlists that will musically transport you to destinations around the world. Click the link below and take your ears on a toe-tapping vacation, from calming airplane tunes, to French romance, Mexico Mariachi and more.

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Click HERE for traveling tunes

April 05, 2020

Results are in for the ACBL 2019 Masterpoint Races.  Unit 169 members amassed a significant number of points in their categories in the Ace of Clubs, Mini-McKenney, and Online races for District 7.  Congratulations to all players!

1st Place Mini-McKenney winners in District 7 by Unit 169 members in the following brackets:

200-300 - Susan Mann - Winston-Salem - 252.59

500-1000 - Fran Tewkesbury - Greensboro - 430.66

5000-7500 - Peter J. Boyd-Bowman - Greensboro - 1,136.00

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1st Place Ace of Clubs winners in District 7 by Unit 169 members in their bracket: 

50-100  Douglas Mead from Winston Salem with 113.38

3500-5000  Frank Burgess from Winston-Salem with 339.17

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Unit 169 On-Line Points Leader:

Josh Hoffman - Greensboro - 103.24 / 4th in District 7 / 81st overall

April 05, 2020

Now you can play SIX DAYS A WEEK online at BridgeBase.com!   Cindy Wright (Director of several club games in Winston-Salem) and Peter J. Boyd-Bowman (Director of the Triad Bridge Club games in Greensboro) have joined forces and are working closely to coordinate their schedules in order to give everyone in the Unit as many opportunities to play bridge on BridgeBase.com in the comfort of your own home during the nation's health crisis. These games are restricted to local club players and will directly support Peter's and Cindy's clubs. 

Their game schedules on BridgeBase.com for week of April 13 are:

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Mondays

10:00 am - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs and 0-100 game (18 boards) - $6 

1:00 pm - Cindy's Corner - Open Pairs (18 boards) - $6

Tuesdays

10:00 am - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs (18 boards) - $6

1:00 pm - Cindy's Corner - 499er Pairs (18 boards) - $6

**This is a change from an earlier schedule.  Cindy has a great 499er program going, and I want to encourage ALL Greensboro 499er players to use her platform on Tuesdays!

Wednesdays

1:00 pm - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs (24-28 boards) - $8

7:00 pm - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs Speedball (5 min/bd) - $5

    **Nite Game with Free Q&A with PJBB after game!**

Thursdays

1:00 pm - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs (24-28 boards) - $8

Fridays

1:00 pm - Cindy's Corner - Open Pairs (18 boards) - $6

Saturdays

10:00 am - Triad Bridge Club - Open Pairs (18 boards) - $6

Sundays

No game scheduled, but we are potentially organizing a Unit-wide Knock Out.  The event would be online in team matches hosted by directors.  Events would be Unit Championship rated (good points... I ran a simulation and winning would pay 5-8 MPs).  If you have interest, email me (peterboydbowman@yahoo.com) with a rough team roster (not set in stone).

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All private virtual club games pay BLACK ACBL MASTERPOINTS.  Games are regular club masterpoint games.  It is my understanding that these private club games might soon be able to award extra MPs (e.g. through Charity games, Club Championships, etc.).  Stay tuned.

The fees for short games (18-boards) are BB$6; and BB$8 for long games (24-28 boards) The Wednesday night game is only BB$5. Fees are payable when you register for the game by use of a credit card or PayPal.

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Click the image to download further information, instructions, online tutorials and FAQs.

April 04, 2020

Cindy Wright (Director of several club games in Winston-Salem) and Peter J. Boyd-Bowman (Director of the Triad Bridge Club games in Greensboro) have joined forces and are working closely together on a wide variety of issues in order to bring the members of Unit 169 additional opportunities to play virtual bridge games on BridgeBase.com in the comfort of your own home during our nation's health crisis.  

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"Cindy's Corner" will offer her games at the same time as regularly scheduled.   Her  first game will be Tuesday, April 7, at 1:00 pm and is a 0-499er game only.  

More details to follow.  

April 04, 2020

Peter J. Boyd-Bowman directed 13 tables for Triad Bridge Club's first virtual open game on Saturday, April 4 at 10:00 am.  Congratulations Frank & Kent with the winning overall score of 66.37% (1st place N-S) and Joanne & Nancy with the winning E-S score of 60.48%.  Games are currently offered five times a week on BridgeBase.com.

Play in comfort in your own home!

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Click the image for pictures!

April 02, 2020

Now you can play in Greensboro's Triad Bridge Club on BridgeBase.com FIVE DAYS A WEEK!   Peter J. Boyd-Bowman, Director, has established online club games.  These games are restricted to local club players and will directly support the Triad Bridge Club.  Any player who played at a Triad Bridge Club game, Piedmont Bridge Club game, or Greensboro Country Club game over the past twelve months is eligible to play.

The schedule for the upcoming week is:

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Monday, April 6th - Special time only for this day

• Triad Bridge Club /  Piedmont Bridge Club

        1:00 pm Open Pairs (18 boards)
 

Mondays

• Triad Bridge Club /  Piedmont Bridge Club

        10:00 pm Open Pairs (18 boards) 

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Tuesdays

• Triad Bridge Club 

        10:00 am - Open pairs (18 boards)

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Wednesday, April 8th

• Triad Bridge Club

        7:30pm Late Pairs (18 boards) ... with Virtual Lesson afterwards +++

        ***Special Nite-Time Rate PLUS Free Virtual Lesson*** - BB$5

Friday, April 10th

• Triad Bridge Club

        12:30pm 499er Pairs (18 boards) - BB$6

• Triad Bridge Club

        1:00 pm Masters Pairs (24 boards) - BB$8

Saturday, April 11th

• Triad Bridge Club

        10:00 am Open Pairs (24 boards) - BB$8

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The schedule for following weeks will be based on interest and your support.  Please be patient with any changes or bugs that need to be worked out.

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All private virtual club games pay BLACK ACBL MASTERPOINTS.  Games are regular club masterpoint games.  It is my understanding that these private club games might soon be able to award extra MPs (e.g. through Charity games, Club Championships, etc.).  Stay tuned.

The fees for short games (18-boards) are BB$6; the fees for long games (24-boards) and the Tuesday game (18 boards + virtual lesson) is BB$8.  The Wednesday night game is only BB$5 and includes a free lesson geared towards intermediate players.  Fees are payable when you register for the game by use of a credit card or PayPal.

Each three-board round will be clocked at 19.5 minutes per round.

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Click the image to download further information, instructions, and online tutorials.

If you have any questions, please contact me at peterboydbowman@yahoo.com or by text at 336.686.3680.  Thank you for all your support.  We’re in this together!  

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Peter J Boyd-Bowman

March 24, 2020

Here's a PERK!  When you enter BBO you will see Messages listed on the right side of your screen.  One of those is "Socially Isolating?  Free Digital Bridge Care Pack for you"!  It's from Nick F in Sydney, Australia.  It lists:

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• two digital bridge books from Master Point Press

• a lesson from Marty Bergen

• a magazine from Australian Bridge

• a newsletter with hands to play and quizzes from Vu-Bridge

• a bridge crossword

• a series of tips from Eddie Kantar

• a series of Hands of the Week to play

March 22, 2020

Be well.  Stay inside.  Wash your hands.  Don't touch your face.  Play bridge online.

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You can play in a specially created game on Bridge Base Online (BBO) called "SUPPORT YOUR CLUBS..." and earn ACBL black masterpoints.  When you play in this specific game, you will be supporting your favorite club.  The system knows where you play most often and will automatically support that club each time you play.  Currently, three stratified games are offered at 10:00 am, 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm.  You can play on your computer, tablet or smartphone. 

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New to BBO …  Click HERE  for a tutorial on how to play on BBO. 

For detailed information, Q&A, and updates, Click HERE.

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Before you play, choose what device you will use, then follow these instructions::

• From a COMPUTER (recommended), go to www.Bridgebase.com and become a member

• From your TABLET, go to www.Bridgebase.com, or go to your APP STORE and download "Bridge Base Online" and play on their app

• From your SMARTPHONE, go to your APP STORE and download "Bridge Base Online"

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Simply log into your BBO account.  You will need to create one if you don’t already have one.  The account is free.

• Note:  If you are NEW to BBO, when signing up for the first time we suggest you choose a username that will help your friends find you.  Consider using 169 (our Unit number), your last name and first initial for the remainder (example: 169SmithM) 

• If one chooses, a Unit member can use the "Contact Us" form under "About Us" on the website to submit their name, BBO username, and email address to the CCBA webmaster who will create a registry to help our members find local partners to play online.  By submitting the form, one consents to having their information published.  The Registry can be found under "Clubs" - BBO Registry on the website.

Click on “ACBL World”

Click on “Support Your Club ACBL Black Point Game”

• Games pop up two hours before game time and, due to high demand, we recommend that you are logged in and registered two hours before the game.

• Register to play by either adding your partner's username (they will need to be a member and logged in at the same time to accept the registration), or click on "Partnership Desk" and either add yourself to the list of single players with one of the two options (pay for yourself or have partner pay for you) or click and "Invite button" to invite someone to be your partner.  (To view a players profile, click on their usernames on the left).

• Once you are registered, you can log off or do something else on your device.  Just make sure to log back in at least 10-15 minutes before game time.

• At game time, you will automatically be taken to your table.  There is nothing else you need to do.

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For more information and help, Click HERE     For BBO mobile help, Click HERE

March 18, 2020

We regret to inform you that the Gatlinburg Regional Bridge Tournament has been cancelled this year due to concern for all our players’ health and safety.   I know many of you have called and written emails expressing your support and concern about this year’s tournament.  We are deeply indebted to you for these acts of support and kindness.

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We apologize that we had to delay this decision until this time, but we were working with the Convention Center to look at possible alternatives and working to attempt to mitigate any extraordinary cancellation penalties.  Unfortunately, other alternatives are not available this year.

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We are also hopeful that you will be able to cancel any open reservations you might have without penalty and will be happy to try to help if at all possible.  We have excellent rapport with many of our host or sponsor hotels and they have been particularly understanding.  If you have booked accommodations with someone not on our list, we may not be able to help resolve cancellation penalties.

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We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.

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We also want you to know that we expect to be back, bigger and better than ever---our 2021 dates are April 19-25, 2021.  We look forward to seeing you then.

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Please stay healthy,

Julia and Pete Misslin, Gatlinburg Co=Chairs

March 18, 2020

SUPPORT YOUR ONLINE CLUB AND EARN BLACK POINTS

We are all in a unique situation due to COVID-19. Currently, playing at the club isn’t recommended and, quite possibly, isn’t available. Through our partnership with Bridge Base Online (BBO) and The Common Game, we are working on creating solutions for you and your club.

Starting Thursday, March 19, daily at 5 p.m. Eastern time, ACBL members can play with any other ACBL member in a specially created game on BBO and earn black masterpoints®. When you play in one of these games, the majority of your table fees will be given back to your club. This way, you can help to support your club while also having the opportunity to win black masterpoints. Please note that this is a temporary solution to what is hopefully a temporary problem.

Playing as a partnership on BBO is just a few clicks away:

• Simply log into your BBO account (you will need to create one if you don’t already have one)

• Click on “ACBL World”

• Click on “Support Your Club ACBL Black Point Game”

• You can read BBO’s instructions online.

Coming soon: We are working to develop a way that will allow you to play in games limited to your local club! Please keep an eye out for future updates.

Our community of bridge fans is strong. Please know we are working hard to give you opportunities to play the game you love during this time.

March 18, 2020

As your friend and owner of the Triad Bridge Club, I am deeply concerned about each of  you as well as the state of our beloved game during the current health crisis.  I know you  all have concerns and questions -- probably the same concerns and questions shared by many.  

Although we will all face different obstacles in the time ahead,  I know one goal  that we all share is the timely resumption of our normal activities, including bridge  games.  I do not know what the future will bring.  However I can promise you that I will update  you as much as possible as the situation progresses.  Please look for continued  communication from me, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.  Thanks, Peter J. Boyd-Bowman    

Click HERE  for the most up to date information regarding bridge that I have. 

March 12, 2020

Today, an executive decision by the Central Carolina Bridge Association's Board of Directors has decided to cancel the Unit Game scheduled for this Saturday, March 14, which was to be held at the Georgia Taylor Recreation Center in Winston-Salem.  This game, and all other Unit Games are canceled until further notice. 

Further announcements will continue to be posted on the website and distributed by email blasts..

March 11, 2020

Volunteers are the backbone of the CCBA and we couldn't have stood up to the challenge of sponsoring these two tournaments without your help.  Our heartfelt thanks go to our tournament Chairmen Cindy Wright and Ron Matamoros, the Unit 169 Board of Directors and Officers, and all of the volunteers who worked the tournaments and contributed to the abundance of food and hospitality.

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We would also like to thank High Point University; the Radisson High Point; Courtyard by Marriott; the Convention and Visitors' Center of High Point; tournament directors Jay & Darlene, Brian, Carol and Kathy; caddies Jeremy, Trey, Jonathan, and Arnold & his daughter Emily; our special guest speaker Jerry Helms; Christy and Wendy for kitchen management; Above & Beyond Catering, and Party Rentals by Lisa.

March 11, 2020

For the second year in a row, Cindy Wright chaired the Piedmont Triad Non-Life Master Regional.  With Cindy at the helm, the Regional went off very smoothly and was a great success.

Special congratulations to Greensboro's Elaine Simmons and Ruth Collins and Robert Fentress of Winston-Salem who attained Life Master status!  Click HERE for pictures.

Here are the statistics compared to last year for the Regional:

2020  -  436 Tables (down 25%) - 1213.00 masterpoints awarded to 357 players 

2019  -  584 Tables - 1696.78 masterpoints awarded to 473 players

Unit 169 members in the Top 10 of masterpoint winners (out of the overall Top 45) for the Regional are as follows.  Congratulations, Butch, for coming in first!

1.    Butch Johnson, High Point - 22.72

3.    Robert Sill, Winston-Salem - 18.89

9.    Yvonne Adams & Elaine Simmons, Greensboro - 12.27

11.  Lena & Trond Zimmerman, Greensboro - 11.87

26.  Alexander Georoff, Asheboro - 9.34

29.  Tony Max Litten, Gibsonville - 8.71

32.  Terry Overton & Lucy Strawsburg, Winston-Salem - 8.51

37.  Gail McAlister & Anita Griffin, Winston-Salem - 7.54

42.  Lorraine Allen, Burlington - 7.54

45.  Sharon Hall & Sara Crowder, Winston-Salem - 7.23

For all Regional results, click the image.

March 11, 2020

Here are the statistics compared to last year for the Sectional:

2020  -  220 Tables (8% increase) - 1458.02 masterpoints awarded to 177 players

2019  -  203 Tables - 1413.64 masterpoints awarded to 162 players

Bill Wisdom, once again, earned the most masterpoints with100.66, compared to 63.79 in 2019.  Congratulations, Bill... what an accomplishment!

Unit 169 members in the Top 10 of masterpoint winners (out of the overall Top 19) for the Sectional are:

1.   Bill Wisdom, Salisbury - 100.66 MPs

7.   Peter J. Boyd-Bowman, Greensboro - 30.72

8.   Catherine McLeod, Eden & Bruce Southard, Greensboro - 27.30

10.  Richard Rice, Winston-Salem - 27.12

12.  Jo Taylor, Greensboro - 23.84

14.  Ruth Short, Greensboro - 22.09

15.  Martha Meyer & Mark Meyer, Winston-Salem - 21.89

17. John Fite, Winston-Salem - 18.20

18.  Kent Leggett, Clemmons - 16.93

19.  Dwight Meredith, Greensboro - 16.78

For all Sectional results, click image

March 11, 2020

Central Carolina Bridge Association, Unit 169, hosted the Furniture City Sectional and Piedmont Triad Non-Life Master Regional for the second year in a row at the High Point University Community Center in High Point, NC the weekend of March 5 thru 8, 2020.

Cindy Wright chaired the Regional and Ron Matamoros chaired the Sectional.  Mary Leger again did an outstanding job as Partnership Chairman for both tournament matching up pairs and teams for the events.

Although this year's table count of 436 was down (25%) from last year's ACBL record high of 584, the 2020 Piedmont Triad Non-Life Master tournament holds second place of the 28 NLM Regionals for the past year beginning March, 2019.  Only Sturbridge, MA had more tables.  What a terrific showing of support for our Unit and District!

For all tournament results, click the image.

March 06, 2020

Going into the Spring North American Bridge Championships in Columbus, The ACBL's priority is the health and safety of our members and employees. We are closely monitoring updates and recommendations from the government and health authorities, and we expect all participants to respect their local governments’ travel advisories.

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Some of the steps we are taking to prepare for the NABC include:

• Providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the playing area

• Distributing personal hand sanitizer bottles

• Spreading awareness of best defense methods through notices, both in the Daily Bulletin and around the playing area

To help create as healthy an environment as possible, everyone should follow good hygiene practices, including these suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. This is the most effective way to protect yourself from any illness, including the coronavirus. Use soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.

• Maintain social distance – particularly with those who appear to be sick – by avoiding shaking hands, hugging or kissing when greeting friends (an “elbow bump” is a great alternative).

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Stay home when you are sick and seek medical attention as early as possible.

February 20, 2020

While getting revved up for the 2020 Mentor-Mentee season, you might be trying to find a convenient time/place to play with your Mentor or Mentee.  Well, here’s an easy one!  The Triad Bridge Club (Greensboro)  will hold a special Mentor-Mentee Game/Section on Monday, March 2 at 1:00 – 4:30 pm.  This will be in addition to the normal Open Game held that afternoon.  Here are the brief details:

• This Section will consist entirely of Mentor-Mentee pairs (i.e. a NLM with <500 points and an experienced player)

• It will be a Handicap game, with the pair’s handicap based on the number of masterpoints the mentee has.

• The game will award a lot more masterpoints than a typical 0-50 MP game!

We may or may not have a 3rd section that day, of normal 0-50 MP players who are not in the mentor-mentee section.  If there are at least 3 tables, we can hold this section;  with less, the players will have the option of playing in the mentor-mentee section or the Open section (their choice).

So, please circle that date (MARCH 2), contact your Mentor and line them up to play.  We hope to hold another one again in April as well (April 6).

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call or email Rich Peffer

IMPORTANT DETAIL:  The G.C.U.M Church is not available on March 2, so this Monday game will be held at the New Garden Friends Meeting, 801 New Garden Road.  This is across from Guilford College, just South of the G.C.U.M  church.  As you head South on New Garden Rd/Guilford College Rd. go past the light at Acacia Dr., and take a right turn at next light at George Fox Drive into their parking lot.

February 08, 2020

Thank you for participating in the STaC Unit Game on February 8 and to  Ron Matamoros and Gloria Halstead for hospitality and beverages. 

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The next Unit game will be Saturday, March 14, at the Georgia Taylor Recreation Center, 1471 W. Clemmonsville Road in Winston-Salem.    This will be a Unit Championship game with a rating of 63.6% and will pay out black masterpoints. This is an exciting day for our members as the 2019 awards presentation will be given 15 minutes before the game 

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Additionally, the Board of Directors' Meeting will start at 10:45 am.  The meeting is open to all members.

Please arrive in plenty of time to purchase your entries beforehand so the game can start promptly at 1:00 pm..  In case of inclement weather or facility closing, an announcement will be posted in red at the top of the website's home page.

February 06, 2020

Unit 169 has something for everyone!  Are you a NLM?  ... come play in the Piedmont Triad Regional March 5-8, 2020.  Life Master? ... play in the High Point Sectional March 5-8, 2020.  Both tournament will be held in the High Point University Community Center, 921 Eastchester Drive, Suite 1230, High Point NC  27262.

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We are excited to have Jerry Helms as our guest speaker on Friday and Saturday at the Regional.  Jerry will also present a lesson each day.

February 06, 2020

What to give your sweetheart (or bridge partner) for Valentine's Day?  Cupid recommends the gift of a bridge cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas November 8 thru 15, 2020.  Join Unit 169 members and friends on this inaugural event.  Plenty to do for non-bridge players too?  This is a very popular undertaking by our Unit and select cabins are going fast.

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Click HERE for details and contact information for our travel agent.

February 01, 2020

The hand analysis by Frank Stewart for the ACBL-Wide International Fund Unit Game held Saturday, February 1, can be found by clicking the image.

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Both the analysis and hand records can also be found in the "Results and Games" section of the website.

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Overalls for ACBL and District 7 will be posted February 14.

February 01, 2020

Thank you for participating in the ACBL-Wide International Fund Unit Game on February 1.  And a special thanks to Dixie Culver for preparing snacks and beverages.

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The next Unit game will be Saturday, February 8, at the Georgia Taylor Recreation Center, 1471 W. Clemmonsville Road in Winston-Salem.  This is a special STaC (Sectional Tournament at Clubs) game that pays out 100% Silver masterpoints!  Please arrive in plenty of time to purchase your entries beforehand so the game can start promptly at 1:00 pm..  In case of inclement weather or facility closing, an announcement will be posted in red at the top of the website's home page.

February 01, 2020

​This year's Non-Life Master Regional and High Point Sectional will be held March 5-8, 2020.  As you know, these two tournaments run the same days and times in the same location, making this an even more challenging event to organize … and we need help!. 

Our Unit is known for its hospitality.  We are asking for contributions each day of appetizer/finger-foods and snacks brought in disposable containers.  Some suggestions are: brownies, cookies, cakes, mixed nuts, fresh veggies with dips, sausage balls, trail mix, large cheese chunks, cut-up fruit, sliced tea breads, etc. 

Club directors are asked to make announcements and promote the tournaments.  An envelope will be passed at all club games in case you would prefer to make a monetary donation.  Money collected should be turned in to Cindy Wright, Regional Chairman..

Additionally, volunteers are needed in many different areas before, during and after the tournament.  Your help is greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions, or need information on where your time is most needed, please contact Cindy Wright at crwbridge@yahoo.com 

February 01, 2020

​Unit 169 announces its annual Mentor-Mentee Season beginning Feb. 1, 2020, and culminating in a special Mentor-Mentee Unit Game in Greensboro on Saturday, April 18, 2020.  Rich Peffer and  Cindy Wright are coordinating the Mentor-Mentee signups, along with the Board. The general goal of this program is to align learning players with experienced players as a mentor and coach. Mentees must have less than 500 masterpoints and may not be a Life Master.  Ideally, the players should talk together and agree to meet or play in games 2-3 times ahead of the April 18 Unit Game.  SIGN UP NOW as either a Mentor or Mentee by emailing Rich at rpeffer325@att.net or  Cindy Wright at crwbridge@yahoo.com

Click the image for more information. 

January 20, 2020

Thank you for attending the January 18 Grand National Team Qualifier.  Our next Unit game will be an ACBL-wide International Fund Game on Saturday, February 1, at the Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive in Greensboro.  This game has a Sectional rating of 81.8% and pays red and black masterpoints with an opportunity to win District or ACBL-wide points.  Winners will be recognized on the ACBL website and in the Bridge Bulletin.  Hand records and analyses will be provided electronically.

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Game begins at 1:00 pm.  Please arrive at least ten minutes before so the game can start promptly.  In case of inclement weather or facility closing, an announcement will be posted in red at the top of the website's home page.

January 13, 2020

Beginning Wednesday, January 22, the Piedmont Bridge Club's evening game is moving to River Landing at Sandy  Ridge, 1575 John Knox Drive, Colfax 27235.  The game will start at 6:30 pm and run untill approximately 10:00 pm and will be held in the Arts & Crafts room on the lower level of the Community Center building  Come check out the beautiful new venue!

Outside players should please RSVP if they are coming to Rich Peffer (Director, P.B.C.) either by email (rpeffer325@att.net) or phone/text (336-402-5367).  

River Landing players should RSVP to Diana Crews, the coordinator for bridge at River Landing, either by email (djcrews@northstate.net) or phone (336-763-4450).

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Outside players must park near the "Community Center" building and enter the main entrance by the three flag poles to check in with the receptionist.  PARKING:  Please park near the main entrance to the Community Center Building -- DO NOT PARK in golf cart spots.

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Click HERE for more information       Click HERE for directions to River Landing

January 07, 2020

There will be a Play of the Hand class starting Thursday, February 6, at the Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive in Greensboro from 9:15 am to 11:15 am.  We will cover promoting winners, establishing a long suit, finessisng, ruffing, as well as Jacoby transfers, slam bids, and 1430.  The class will be 8 weeks and cost $160, which includes the price of the textbook.

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To register, mail a check to Mary Leger, 29 Nandina Drive, Greensboro 27455, or call 336-327-6357.