Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Learn and Play Bridge!
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Monday Evenings are special
The Monday evening game is the one where *new bridge players* come to
learn and practice playing bridge the way we do at clubs and tournaments.
In 2017, I created the *BridgeMojo *game for Monday evenings. I rented a
Masonic hall in San Marino, and set up tables. The game ran for a year,
and continued at the San Marino Center next to the library.
It was a place for new players to get accustomed to *how duplicate
bridge works*. Learn how to keep score; pick up all the little details
involved in formal bridge tournaments. Get started with the right habits.
We played 14 hands on those Monday evening. It was a quick two hours of
bridge. After the game I would have a topic on the laws of bridge, a
play or defense tip, or other things you need to know whether you're
playing in a weekly club game or a national championship.
Let's do that again. It's just us! Come meet an old or new partner and
join us for a real bridge game. This could be the night where someone
earns their first masterpoints.
Drop me a note and let me know if you'd like to play! I'll find you a
partner if you need one. /We only need 12 players for a game!/
This is the game to do it. Play joyfully and fearlessly!
Play bridge fearlessly!
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zach
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
News from N Fair Oaks
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com
<https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Off to a great start!
On Wednesday evening I held the first class of *Bridge Basics 1 - An
Introduction* for Pasadena City College Extension. I've been teaching
the class for them for about 13 years now.
This class was *sold out with 28 students* — the total capacity of the
room at Arcadia High School! I had to turn away a few wait-listed students.
Along with Bridge Basics 1, we have a great turnout for *Play of the
Hand* on Thursday evenings, and *Improving Your Judgment - Opening the
Bidding* on Saturday morning. (It's not too late to join the fun if
you'd like!)
We've also had new players from our classes coming in to enjoy
social/supervised bridge games at the club. This is a great way for
players to get to practice their bridge and enjoy the great atmosphere
at the club, while having an experienced bridge player on hand to answer
questions.
Of course there's also the beverages and snacks on hand.
Calling Saturday players!
Tomorrow morning starts with the Opening the Bidding course, class 1,
and hosted social bridge at 9:30 a.m.
At 1:00 p.m. we have *Open Pairs* and a *299er game* on the calendar.
We will definitely have the 299er game if we can get 12 players. Else if
we can get 12 total players, we can have a combined open game.
If you'd like to play, drop me a note please! Partners available.
Wednesday Open Pairs
Starting this Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. through February, the pizza is on
me. We'll have Blaze Pizza, vegetarian and not, to enjoy at lunch time
during the game. Maybe we'll switch it up with tamales from Vallarta. :)
If you'd like to play, drop me a note and I'll make a reservation for you!
And evening games
*Monday evening, 299ers*, 7:00 p.m., 14 boards, two hours of bridge!
*Tuesday evening, Open*, 7:00 p.m., 14 boards, a quick two hour bite of
bridge! Be home in time to feed the dog. :)
New Bridge Basics Thursday mornings
Starting *Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m.*, /Bridge Basics 1 - An
Introduction/. Here's a new beginning bridge course for those who prefer
weekdays to evenings or weekends!
Bridge Basics 1 will be followed by the second (Competitive Bidding) and
third (Popular Conventions) courses in the series.
Best regards,
Mojo
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
News from N Fair Oaks
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com
<https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Revamping the schedule
We're going to back off offering so many Open Pairs sessions, and add
new games one at a time, as the demand builds back.
Starting next week, we'll offer Open Pairs games on *Wednesday mornings*
at 11:00 a.m., and a short Bridge Express (14-board) game on *Tuesday
evenings* at 7:00 p.m.
Make a reservation to play on Wednesday any time through February and
I'll be bringing in either pizza from Blaze or tamales from Vallarta.
We'll make it *lunch and bridge*.
Drop me an email, and I'll add you to the "Wednesday Morning" group on
RSVPbridge. Partners available!
No Open Pairs games on Thursday or Friday mornings this week. (Or Monday
or Tuesday.)
We're also going to take the opportunity to offer some *daytime
beginning bridge classes on Thursday mornings* starting in about six
weeks. I'll be posting an offer for /Bridge Basics 1/ on Thursday
mornings, and we'll have a short form (14-board) novice game on Thursday
afternoons.
I'll post more information about the class and game when we nail down a
date.
Huge event this Sunday
We have reservations for 18-1/2 tables of bridge this Sunday for the
North American Pairs District 23 Final!
These players all qualified to compete by doing well in a designated NAP
Qualifier game at a club during June July and August. The top 4 pairs in
each flight (top 3 in A flight) will be invited to compete in the
prestigious North American Pairs championship at the Spring NABC in New
Orleans.
This is also a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful club!
Play of the Hand and Social Bridge
Our classes on Thursday evening and Saturday morning have great
turnouts. There's still room if you'd like to join!
We also have new players coming to spend time at the club and play
bridge with friends, old and new. Social bridge sessions will be
available on Thursday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., and Saturday mornings,
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
For the social bridge games, we'll have mentors on hand to help you when
you're stumped. I have Chicago score pads available for keeping track as
well!
I just completed the first class of a new /Bridge Basics 1 - An
Introduction/ class for PCC Extension. Class was completely full, with
27 of the 28 registered students coming to the first session. Watch for
these folks to start filling in our social and novice games!
Updates to the space
We've added four large (and silent) air purifiers to the playing area,
three in the main room and one in the classroom.
Every table now has an anti-virus Kleenex box. and there's hand
sanitizer in the kitchen and next to the convention cards.
Our landlord has roofers visiting the space Thursday morning to help
pinpoint the source of a few roof leaks that popped up during the Monday
night downpour. Maybe they can patch it up enough for the next storm!
As it is, there was no damage to the club that wasn't easy to clean up.
We have spare ceiling tiles, and we're all set to go.
Best regards,
Mojo
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
News from N Fair Oaks
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com
<https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
40 days and 40 nights?
You all know we're in for a lot of rain over the next two days!
Over Monday and Tuesday, I will be at the bridge club and available to
run a sanctioned bridge game if we have at least 12 players, or just a
friendly social game if not.
At the moment we have no players signed up for Monday, 2 for Monday
evening, and none for either game Tuesday.
I honestly don't want any of you to travel if the conditions are unsafe.
So if you think you'd like to come play bridge and watch the rain with
me with our panoramic view, I'm happy to have you. Let me know please!
Things might be look better if there's a break on Wednesday. (Mike and
Amy, I don't recommend driving to Pasadena on Monday or Tuesday!)
As a result, *Upgraded Club Championship Week* will be postponed to a
week with more favorable weather and game attendance.
Great time at the opening
Our grand opening was a great success. It was wonderful having nine
tables: six in Open Pairs, three in 299er pairs. I'll post some pictures
as I get them from friends.
It was also a delight to have all the friends and family who dropped in
to tour the club, grab a bite, and meet the other bridge players. (I had
one dear friend, who I've known since high school, drive from Palm
Desert to see the new club and congratulate me!)
We got to discover all the weak spots in our preparation, and everyone
was very patient with the details. Honestly with a day or two off, I'll
be able to address a few of the minor issues that came up during the
Saturday game.
If you played in the Open Pairs game and scratched, you may have noticed
that your masterpoint award increased. I left out part of the game
configuration on Saturday, and fixed it on Sunday.
If you have friends who haven't heard about the club yet, please pass
along the word!
Speak to you soon,
Mojo
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Learn and Play Bridge!
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Time for some news
It's almost opening day! We have people reserving seats for the Grand
Opening game and the North American Pairs special event.
Students are getting ready for classes. Beginning bridge at PCC
Extension is nearly sold out!
Let me know you're coming!
Reservations are open for *all games and classes* -- drop me a note if
you're planning to play!
I'm using *RSVPBridge* for managing game reservations. You can also use
it to pay card fees in advance if you like (with R-Bucks). When you
first make a game reservation, I'll create an account for you on
RSVPBridge. Each of the weekly events has its own RSVP group, and you'll
have the opportunity to join other game groups.
Check our progress!
Zach and I have been putting the finishing touches on the club. WiFi is
up and speedy. The board prep station has made its first set of boards
from The Common Game.
We will have fabulous refreshments available. Check out the pictures at
the web site!
We'll be serving complimentary coffee, brewed hot tea, iced tea, finger
snacks (Goldfish, Peanut M&Ms, mixed nuts), and soft drinks.
Refreshment station
Check out the latest pics here <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/node/32>.
Upgraded club championships
Our first week of games, Monday-Saturday January 9-14 will all pay
upgraded black masterpoints, courtesy of the ACBL.
It'll be a great week to get started on the new "Ace of Clubs" award for
2023!
Seeking mentors for supervised play
Do you get a kick out of helping out new bridge players? On Thursday
evenings and Saturday mornings I'll be inviting my new bridge students
(and anyone else who likes) to come play bridge with friends in an
unstructured environment.
Your job as a volunteer mentor would be to offer coaching and answer
questions /when requested/. (And to stay out of the way most of the time!)
The only requirement is enthusiasm and friendliness, plus a decent
knowledge of Standard American bidding and Chicago scoring
<https://acbl.org/learn/#scoring>.
For those willing to coach one of our two-hour sessions, I'm offering
free plays at a Pasadena Bridge Club game.
COVID vaccinations required
Club policy will mirror the ACBL tournament policy. Before you come to
play, send me a picture of your vaccination card by email if you can.
RSVPBridge will keep a record, and you'll never have to do it again at
the Pasadena Bridge Club.
(You can also show me the card or a picture or digital record the first
time you check in at the club.)
I will have masks and hand sanitizer available, and require that we all
respect the wishes of any players who requests masking at their table.
As you know, bridge players constitute an extremely vulnerable
population, and we're going to do our best to keep each other healthy!
Best regards,
Mojo, Jane, Zach
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Learn and Play Bridge!
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
Come have pizza and help build tables!
649 N Fair Oaks Ave #201
Pasadena CA 91103
(626) 247-4457
pasadenabridgeclub.com
<https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Saturday, Dec. 17, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or so
Bring a phillips screwdriver! A power driver is fine for chairs, but
plain old phillips is best for the side tables
So much has happened! Still plenty to do!
I've been posting articles to the web site with pictures. Today I set up
Table One in the middle of the playing area.
Bridge Table
I'll get pizza from Blaze Pizza downstairs. We'll make a fun day of it.
Best regards,
Mojo
Just FYI, I did find someone to cover Monday morning for me. Thank you
all for considering it, and hope to see you soon!
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia CA
Pasadena Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Pasadena Bridge Club Logo <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
Learn and Play Bridge!
Mojo
Pasadena
Bridge Club <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com>
BridgeMojo <https://bridgemojo.com>
Courses <https://pasadenabridgeclub.com/available_courses>
ABTA Master Teacher
Help Wanted Monday Morning
Our chairs are arriving!
On Monday morning I'm taking Jane to a doctor visit. I'm looking for
someone who would be able to be at the club and take delivery for me. It
will probably involve lots of waiting! I don't yet have an estimated
time for delivery.
If you can help, I'll leave you with keys, and should be able to relieve
you by 1:00 or so.
Work Party Saturday Dec. 17
Our tables are all here! I have 38 end tables to be assembled, along
with shelving for the storage area.
If you'd like to help and have some Blaze Pizza, bring a Phillips-head
screwdriver. (The directions say not to use power tools.)
I'll open the doors about 10:00 and we'll make a party of it.
Packed tables
Other news
The kitchen area is beautiful, and I've found a great coffee service.
Internet will be going in soon.
It'll truly be a grand opening!
I'm adding pictures and updates on most days. You'll find the articles
at the bottom of the web site front page.
Best regards,
Mojo
