Silicon Valley Youth Bridge

August 23, 2013

The August event featured a 4 table duplicate game which awarded ACBL masterpoints, with the others playing mini-bridge with adult helpers. Debbie Rosenberg also interviewed Isha Thapa, who won the bronze medal in the recent World Youth girls pairs in Atlanta and was on the Berkeley team that placed third in Collegiates. All enjoyed pizza, sodas, cake, and snacks.

The ACBL duplicate game played an “individual” movement, with players switching not only opponents, but partners each round. Each of the winners was given a T-shirt donated by Bridge Winners.

Mini-bridge players were offered prizes for the first pair to take 13 tricks, or 12 if nobody took 13. Since no pair managed either this time, the prize was given to Amanda Kerlee and Kyra Helmbold who were the only pair to take 11.

The newer players were inspired by the several youth champions who attended. During Isha Thapa’s interview, she told the group about her bridge experiences, especially her trip to China last year. Kevin Rosenberg and Ryan Wessels, two members of the Californian Aces which won a bronze medal in the World Youth Board-a-Match Teams, were present wearing their bronze medals. Their teammates, Antony Lee and Frank Lin were at our May event, but couldn't make it this time.

Organizers of the event believe these parties will inspire the next generation of players. Direct evidence: three youth pairs stayed and played in the regular Friday night duplicate!

 

Game Results

Our bridge games are American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) sanctioned awarding masterpoints (MP) to high scorers. ACBL membership is not required for our games but is strongly suggested. You can join online or at the Bridge Center on the night of an event. Adult membership is $28 for the first year and junior membership only $15 per year. Both include a monthly print magazine and registration of masterpoints (start earning towards becoming a Life Master!).