In case you missed it, see less fresh news here.
Introduction to Slam Bidding
Ready to take your bidding to the slam level? If you're familiar with Blackwood but want to expand your slam bidding skills, this class is designed for you. You'll learn the judgment and techniques needed to confidently explore and bid good slams, while also avoiding the pitfalls of bad ones.
The class will be taught by Judy Hellen, a certified ACBL Best Practices teacher, and will consist of five sessions. It's an ideal pre-requisite for 2-over-1. To enroll, students should have approximately 20 masterpoints or around a year of competitive play experience, subject to the instructor's discretion.
Dates: Wednesday mornings, 9:00 am - noon. March 26, April 2, 9, 16, and 23.
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Cost: $125 for all five sessions or $30 for any single session
Local Players Shine at GNT District Finals
Congratulations to three Unit 169 members who advanced to the GNT Nationals to be held in Philadelphia this summer.
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The Open Fight winning team included Peter Boyd-Bowman of Greensboro, Doug Doub from Tennessee, and Hugh Brown from South Carolina and Robert Fendrick from Georgia.
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The Flight B winning team included Rich Peffer and Marty Friedman from Greensboro and Marc Goldberg of Durhan and Ian Cloudsdale of Chapel Hill. ​
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In Flight A Fran Tewkesbury of Greensboro and Martin Causley of Raleigh teamed with Glenn Anderson and Renee Getz of Raleigh made it to the semi-finals of the 2-day event, finishing tied 3rd place overall.
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In Flight B the Winston-Salem team of Mark Meyer, Martha Meyer, Susan Williford and Susan Mann also made it to the semi-finals finishing tied for 3rd place.
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Pictured below are the Flight B winners: Ian, Marc, RIch and Marty.
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Congratulations to Judy Hellen,
2025 Unit 169 Goodwill Ambassador
Every two years, the ACBL and Unit 169 recognize a person within our Unit who has made significant contributions to the game. I am truly excited to announce that Judy Hellen is the winner of the 2025 Unit 169 Goodwill Ambassador award.
I've been in the Greensboro and Unit 169 bridge scene for almost nineteen years. In that time, hundreds of bridge players have come and gone, but there are only a handful that really stand out as people who've made a significant contribution to the game. Judy Hellen is one of the rare few. I'm not exactly sure when she took up the game, but she came on to my radar about 10 years ago, first at the local dupes and almost immediately at Unit tournaments. As a player, Judy has grown significantly, and is probably only a year or two away from reaching Gold Life Master status. And while it's rewarding to watch a player like Judy develop her game over the years, it's been a blessing -- both for myself and for Unit 169 -- that her love for the game has blossomed into a devotion to service for the local bridge community.
For over five years now, Judy has been the vanguard of local efforts to promote and teach bridge in our area. In her role as a bridge teacher, she has helped develop and encourage the game of countless students. As an education liaison for the Unit, she has helped increase the amount of bridge education available in the area by marshalling a cadre of new teachers. As a motivator and champion of the game, she continually inspires the new batches of recruits that she is helping to create, and is directly responsible for the integration of scores of new players into the local bridge community.
If all of that weren't enough, Judy gives a lot of her time to local bridge governance, having served on the Unit 169 board for a number of years, and has volunteered tirelessly on the Unit's behalf since her earliest days as a player. Judy is an all-around dedicated volunteer. The Unit is immeasurably lucky to have her, and I am honored to call her friend.
Judy will be honored, along with other new Goodwill Ambassador for other Units within the District, at a banquet at the upcoming Regional in Greenville SC.
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Peter Boyd-Bowman
Learn the Stayman Convention and Jacoby Transfers
The Stayman Convention and Jacoby Transfers are the first conventions every bridge player needs to learn. Each is used after a notrump open (or overcall) to look for a fit in a major suit. Usually you can get an extra trick in a suit contract.
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Session 1, March 11. The Stayman Convention is used when you have at least one 4-card major.
Session 2, March 18. Jacoby transfers are used when you have a 5-card major.
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You will learn and practice how to initiate each convention and how to continue the bidding. There is work for both the responder and the opener.
Dates: Tuesday, March 11 and 18
Time: 9:30 am - 11:45 am
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Road, Greensboro (Library)
Instructor: Andy Symmes, ACBL Life Master
To register contact: Andy at AndySymmes@gmail.com or 336-553-8485
Cost: $50 for both classes
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Registration closes March 7.
Salisbury Sectional is a Grand Success
The Spring-into-Valentines Sectional was a welcome return to Salisbury. It attracted many players from the southern border of our unit. It highlighted how well Unit 169 can put on a tournament. See the results here.
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Many thanks to Louisa Witten, tournament chair, for leading her team. The hospitality and food were outstanding. The tournament was well attended and well run. All the Saturday players leave with a story to tell.
​Pictured above are Dick Brisbin (Partnership Chair), Charlotte Brisbin, Louisa Witten (Tournament Chair), and Myrnie McLaughlin.
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The local paper, the Salisbury Post, generously featured the event. Check out these articles with a gallery of pictures. Feb. 1 Feb. 8
Congratulations to Dan Fowler, the overall masterpoint winner at the Spring-into-Valentines Sectional held February 8-10.
Play of the Hand, Part 2 with Rich Peffer
January 9, 16, 23 and 30
Learn more techniques for developing tricks. Each session presents a topic with multiple hands for the students to play. Remember play of the hand is the most important skill in bridge.
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The intended audience: Players new to the game and more experienced players who would like more success as declarer.
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The four sessions are scheduled for Thursday mornings starting January 9.
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Jan. 9: The Finesse
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Jan. 16: Dummy Points and Trumping in Dummy
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Jan. 23: Discarding a Loser
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Jan. 30: Practice with Finesses
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Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
Time: 9:30am - noon
Cost: $100 for all four sessions or $30 for individual sessions.
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To register, contact Rich Peffer at rpeffer325@att.net or 336-402-5367.
Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction
January 7, 14, 21 and 28 Flyer
​Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction returns in January with the energetic and popular Barbara Pomer as the instructor. This course is the place to learn about modern bidding and the basics of play of the hand as well as defense. It is designed for those who are new to bridge, those who want to re-enter the game (remember college) or those who would like a structured review to get your game on track.
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Starting Tuesday morning, January 7
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This class meets four consecutive weeks on Tuesdays, 9:30 am to noon at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Rd, Greensboro. The dates are January 7, 14, 21 and 28. The cost is $100. An accompanying book is recommended and can be purchased at a discount at the first session.
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Barbara Pomer, an ACBL Life Master, is the instructor. To register or for more information contact the instructor at bdpomer@gmail.com or text/call 336-202-1299.
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Stayman Convention and Jacoby Transfers
The Stayman Convention and Jacoby Transfers are the first conventions every bridge player needs to learn. Each is used after a notrump open (or overcall) to look for a fit in a major suit. Usually you can get an extra trick in a suit contract.
​
Session 1, March 11. The Stayman Convention is used when you have at least one 4-card major.
Session 2, March 18. Jacoby transfers are used when you have a 5-card major.
​
You will learn and practice how to initiate each convention and how to continue the bidding. There is work for both the responder and the opener.
Dates: Tuesday, March 11 and 18
Time: 9:30 am - 11:45 am
Location: Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Road, Greensboro (Library)
Instructor: Andy Symmes, ACBL Life Master
To register contact: Andy at AndySymmes@gmail.com or 336-553-8485
Cost: $50 for both classes
BBO Registry & Partnerships
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To help our members find friends and partners for online play.
Abernethy, Anne - Username = aabernethy
Email: anneabernethy5@gmail.com
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Adams, Betty - Username = Bebe2222
Email: bladams2@mindspring.com
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Alaimo, Alan - Username = aabridg
Email: alanalaimo@hotmail.com
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Have 10 MPs - Prefer partner with 10+ MPs​
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Barrett, Robert - Username = robertr5
Email: robert.barrett42@gmail.com
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Phone: 336-466-4323
Bartz, Sharon - Username = sbartz
Email: esbartz@gmail.com
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Beasley, Monti - Username = Montib
Email: montibeasley@gmail.com
Phone: 336-813-3888
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Wanna play bridge? New to bridge in Fall 2020,
but learning and trying!
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Bland, Mary - Username = mkty
Email: mbland@triad.rr.com
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Bosken, Don - Username = Tville
Email: dwbosken48@gmail.com
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Brisbin, Dick - Username = richardlew
Email: dickbrisbin@gmail.com
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Brown, Jim - Username = jmb2019
Email: jim.brown0731@gmail.com
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Davenport, Ann - Username = adaven21
Email: anndavenport21@gmail.com
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Dowdy, Mary Ellen - Username= Emmie18
Email: maryellenworkman18@gmail.com
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Downs, Dorcas - Username = DDowns
Email: n8469b@aol.com
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I have been playing on BBO about 15 years. It's fun; try it! Contact me and I will play Unit game with you.
Fox, Lynn - Username = Lynnhfox
Email: Lynn.fox22@gmail.com
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Friedman, Caroline - Username = cfried169
Email: cfriedman815@gmail.com
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Looking for a partner​
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Garrity, Rachael - Username = newr
​ Email: rmgarrity@gmail.com
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Gooch, Christie - Username = christieag
Email: cgooch@triad.rr.com
Text: 336-978-8263
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Old Goren bridger now learning modern standard. Enjoy discussing hands and learning new conventions.
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Hannah, Fran - Username = Franhannah
Email: mommyfran1950@yahoo.com
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Usually play with my husband, but am available for partnerships some also. I have 700 plus and am a Bronze Life Master​
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Hannah, Rob - Username = Robhannah
Email: hannahsales@gmail.com
Phone: 704-718-8868
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I am almost a Life Master and need about 12 silver points, but have all my gold and red and need a few more black points to attain my goal. Looking forward to silver opportunities particularly. Call or email me.
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Hargrove, Sarah - Username = sarahtwh
Email: sarah.hargrove@yahoo.com
Hawkins, Leslie - Username = Moss Maven
Email: salem1200@att.net
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Hertz, Ellen - Username = ejhertz
Email: ejhertz@triad.rr.com
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Hurley, Lucile - Username = Lucraft36
Email: HurleyL@aol.com
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Jones, Deanna - Username = dcatj
Email: deej55s@yahoo.com
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Jones, Diane - Username = MD Jones
Email: dianeuhjones@nc.rr.com
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Kasper, Warren - Username = Patch 1951
Email: Wekasper51@gmail.com
Katz, Barbara - Username = bbkbbk2007
Email: barbarakatz@live.com
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Happy to play online with friends
Lambeth Suzie - Username = Q1107
Email: suzielambeth@icloud.com
Phone: 704-907-1472
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I have 30+ MPs
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Lide, Nancy - Username = Oliver601
Email: nancyclide@gmail.com
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Play in Cindy's Corner games
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Lively, Eva - Username = elively51
Email: elively1951@gmail.com
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I play in the "under 49" games at Southfork. Am looking for someone who wants to play.
Loftis, Emily - Username = EESLo
Email: emilyloftis@gmail.com
Cell: 336-755-8044
Phone: 336-789-2406
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Lombardo, Pamela - Username = Pamlom BBO
Email: lombardopamela@yahoo.com
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I have 340 MPs and looking for a partner. We can learn further conventions and upgrade our game.
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Lubeski, Dianne - Username = Dianne348
Email: Dbkuhl@yahoo.com
Maner, Georgia - Username = gmaner
Email: georgiamaner@yahoo.com
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At times I need a partner
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Marshall, Nancy - Username = weenana
Email: rmarshall12@triad.rr.com
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McKiernan, Anne - Username = Anniemck10
Email: Anniemck10@aol.com
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McNairy, Rosa - Username = rosamcn
Email: rosa.mcnairy@gmail.com
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Meier, Martha - Username = ma532
Email: mjfmeier@gmail.com
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Memory, John -
Email: memoryjohn716@gmail.com
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I'm a nearly 80 year old duplicate player with nearly 4000 MP. I enjoy playing BBO games and am wanting to find one or two additional partners. To see how well this geezer is function, google search for Desperado by John Memory Nov 28.
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Moore, Beverly - Username = Bev Moore
Email: bmooore52@gmail.com
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Picklesimer, Fred - Username = pickle1324
Email: flpickle1324@gmail.com
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Plonk, Judy - Username = DDX10
Email: jplonk19@gmail.com
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Schmitt, Pat - Username = MissElizaJ
Email: lanzpaj@gmail.com
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I have 86 MPs
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Snipes, Jeannette - Username = vitae
Email: jeannette123_us2000@yahoo.com
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Definitely want to play in the June 20-21 Alzheimer's Fundraiser
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Symmes, Andy - Username = ahsjr
Email: andysymmes@gmail.com
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Thomas, James (JC) - Username = littlejct
Email: fishingj@triad.rr.com
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VanAntwerp, Barbara - Username = BVan1401
Email: Bvan1401@gmail.com
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Van Horn, Marjorie - Username = marjoriev bbo
Email: marjoriegv@aol.com
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Wise, J. J. - Username = jjwise
Email: jjwise@outlook.com
White, Jody - User name = snowwhite2
Email: jodywhite64@mindspring.com
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Wright, Cindy - Username = crwright
Email: crwbridge!@yahoo.com
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Let me know if you want to play
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Wickman Nikki - Username = nikkiwikki
Email: allutah@westoffice.net
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Willard, Betsey - Username = betseywill
Email: betseywill@aol.com
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Wilson, Rebecca - Username = rebecca612
Email: rebeccawilson8@me.com
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In Case You Missed It
Congratulations to Bob Hale,
Player of the Year 2024
Bob Hale is the winner of the Tim Stecker Player of the Year contest for 2024. To qualify one must play in at least eight unit games. Master points from the unit games are combined with those from our sectional tournaments. Bob tallied over 78 MPs in nine unit games along with his sectional tournament results. Bob's regular partner at the unit games is his wife, Claudia.
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Fran Tewkesbury is the runner up with 66 MPs. Eric Lee is second runner up with 60 MPs having attended fourteen unit games. See the final top ten players here.​
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Congratulations, Bob, Fran and Eric.
Mentoring Kickoff Season Is Here!
The 2025 Unit 169 Mentoring Program is taking on a different look from previous years. We believe the changes will lead to more effective mentoring. We start with a Kickoff Season which closely follows the old program and lasts about four months. Then we want to continue with two more seasons during the rest of the year. Mentees can request a Mentor for any season. The Mentoring Coordinators are:​​
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​Martha and Mark Meyer in Winston-Salem
mdpmeyermm@gmail.com or 336-416-3049
markmeyerdds@gmail.com or 336-416-6998
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Chris Kendall in Greensboro
cwimp47@gmail.com or 251-424-2501​
​Contact a coordinator to request a mentor or to volunteer to be a mentor.​
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Cindy Wright in Winston-Salem and Peter Boyd-Bowman in Greensboro are offering special games/sections where Mentor-Mentee pairs can play outside the open game. These opportunities are a real plus.
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M-M Games in Winston-Salem
Cindy will open a side M-M game every Monday from February 10 to March 24. Please turn in your names to Cindy so she will know to prepare an extra set of boards. The game is at Georgia Taylor Recreation Center at 12:30 pm.
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Cindy will also change her side game on Tuesday into a Four-Is-Enough side game. See the explanation of this type of game below. The game is at South Fork Community Center at 1:00 pm.
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M-M Games in Greensboro
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Peter will have Four-Is-Enough games each Tuesday during February through May. The game is at Fellowship Presbyterian Church at 10:00 am. This is a shorter game that finishes around 12:45 pm.
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What is a Four-Is-Enough Game?
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Each individual player falls into one of three strats defined by the director. For example,
Every two person pair has combined ratings of no more than four.
See ACBL site link for further information on Four/Eight is Enough.