News from
N Fair Oaks

This past Saturday while doing the Saturday Workshop and game, I mentioned that the Saturday afternoon event is probably the best deal at the bridge club, and got no argument.

On Saturday afternoons we have a real 40 minute or so workshop complete with practice deals to bid or play, followed by a snappy 12-board fun bridge game.

If you're under about 300 points, this is a great opportunity! It's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. And yes, it's all for the regular $10 card fee.

NAP Qualifier Wednesday

August is the last month when players can qualify to advance in the North American Pairs. We have two NAP Qualifiers on the calendar: this Wednesday August 16, and again on Wednesday, August 30.

The NAP games pay half-black, half-red masterpoints and lots of them. The stratification will be based on the highest point player in each pair, at Open, 2500, and 500.

Players in the top 50% of each strat qualify to advance to the District Final on October 1. (Interesting twist for Flight C, if there are five or fewer C pairs, all pairs qualify to advance!)

Special STaC week games

Clubs in three western districts covering most of the Western US will be participating in a Sectional Tournament at Clubs (STaC) during the week of August 21-27.

For the STaC I'm adding a game on Thursday, August 24, at 11:00 AM. Open Pairs. The game is available now for reservations.

On Saturday, August 26, in place of the "workshop and short game" we'll play a 0-750 silver point game.

Card fees for all STaC games will be $11.

Classes this week

Anyone is welcome to drop in for a single session of any course for $25. Let me know you're coming if you can! Here are the topics at this week's classes:

• Wednesday 7:00 PM Defense "Defensive Signals"
• Thursday 7:00 PM Two Over One Game Force "Practice Hands"
• Saturday 9:30 AM Competitive Bidding "Practice Hands"
  

There will also be a topic "2-Level Simple Overcalls" at the Saturday afternoon workshop and game.

Next Bridge Basics 1 - Introduction

This is the starting point for non-bridge players to discover our favorite game.

Six Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM, starting August 31.

Let your friends and family know! Here's the link to register with PCC online.

Coming Up ...

The weekend of September 9-10 we're going to try hosting a sectional tournament for the Glendale Verdugo Unit, taking advantage of the "community room" down the hall from the bridge club.

Reservations will be required, and the games will be limited to 20 tables for Open Pairs, and 10 tables for 0-500 pairs.

We'll have more information and maybe a flier next week.

Also, watch for an announcement about Thursdays in September. I'll say no more! :)