December 20, 2013
A record-setting 49 players under the age of 25 attended the first annual Silicon Valley Youth (SiVY) Bridge holiday party! The bridge center sparkled with holiday decorations – and snacks and desserts were holiday themed. The atmosphere did not distract our more-serious-than-ever aspiring players. Five tables played a duplicate game and four tables a mini-bridge tournament, and the remaining attendees enjoyed playing just for fun. Great prizes were awarded to all the winners.
Holiday themed cakes added to the festive mood.
The holiday party seemed to bring out a few more parents than usual, with many of them saying, “I used to play and want to take it up again” or “My child loves this so much, it makes me want to learn to play.” 13-year-old Kevin Huang’s Dad said he learned to play bridge in Taiwan and, although he’s been away from the game a long time, wants to play again.
An all-time high score of 85.94% was achieved by the winners, Michael Hu and Kevin Rosenberg, both “regulars” at our parties. Close on their heels was first-time attendee Elise Meike playing with Rebecca Wernis, with 76.56%.
In the mini bridge game, brother and sister team Eric and Avery Stump came out on top North/South with Kyra Helmbold and Esperanza Rozas winners East/West.
Bridge is one of the few sports where parents and children can enjoy competing together in the same events. One of our goals at SiVY Bridge is to encourage bridge as a great family activity. A Parent/Child duplicate night was held last summer and another is planned on January 10, 2014.
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!).