Parent - Child Duplicate
January 4, 2015
17 pairs participated; a record turnout. Youth players ranged in age from 4-22. There were several new attendees to our Parent-Child games, including three first time duplicate players (one mom, one dad, and one 12 year-old).
For lunch, attendees were treated to a homemade feast provided by Qing Lu, Linzhi Hu and Michael Hu. The variety of dishes received rave reviews, including "This is the best Chinese food I've ever tasted" (from a grandmother!).
As a special dessert, Haagen Dazs ice cream bars were contributed by the Xiao family.
Before the game, SiVY President Debbie Rosenberg congratulated the players who attended the Reno Regional on their successes, announced upcoming SiVY Summer Programs, shared her excitement about the January ACBL Bulletin article, and offered a brief introduction to Ethics and Proprieties in Bridge, including the concept of Unauthorized Information (detailed explanation).
There were an odd number of pairs, therefore a sit-out round for some players. During their 2-board sitout, a few pairs played for fun against Will and Debbie.
SiVY Parent-Child games welcome (Grand) Parent - Child pairs of all levels to play in this friendly family event. Not surprisingly, the experienced father-daughter pair, SiVY Co-founder Mukund Thapa and UC Berkeley Junior Isha Thapa (who coached at SiVY Summer Camp), posted the top score. Because of the disparity in their experience level compared to the other players they were deemed "Not Eligible" for masterpoint awards.
Young players play with a parent or grandparent as partner, trying to win American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) masterpoints and enjoying each other's company. Director Will Watson plans the game so that each pair would be able to meet and play against almost all the others.
Duplicate bridge is one of the few competitive activities in which people of all ages can participate as equals. Participants in the Parent-Child duplicate range from youth to seniors, but each pair has to work together to score well. Bridge is also one of the few games in which new players have the opportunity to compete against and learn from established stars.
Participants in our events range from duplicate bridge novices to experienced ACBL Life Masters to a world champion--all enjoying the company as well as the challenge of the game itself. A typical reaction was one youth's first words as he and his father left, "Can we do that again?"
Grandparents and parents looking for ways to connect with their young family members and entice them away from their iPods and their Game Boys should consider taking up bridge as a family activity. The youngsters may end up teaching them a few things, and that's a great feeling for everyone.
Bridge games at our events 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 $29 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!).