February Valentine Greetings to Unit 223.

Here we are in the dark heart of winter, with a new year's worth of Bridge activities ahead. And we do have lots to look forward to bridge-wise in 2013.

Just around the corner, we have an NABC right across the river in our District 8, in St. Louis. What a wonderful opportunity to play in a National Event without having to cross the country to participate. If you are a novice player or have never been to a National, this is your chance to see (and possibly play) against some Bridge Legends. Also, give strong consideration to playing in NAP and Grand National Team Qualifying Events in District 8 this year – especially if you have not before. It's always fun to try new events and challenges, and you just might win the opportunity to play somewhere far across the country in an NABC.

Please also remember to support the Sectional Tournaments offered in Unit 223. This year the Unit will host tournaments in Eddyville, Ky; Paducah, Ky; Edwardsville, IL; Caseyville, IL; Effingham, IL; and Okawville, IL. Sectional Tournaments are the result of hard work and preparation by local volunteers. Make it a point in 2013 to try to support our Unit's Sectionals.

And do not forget that Unit 223 also will be putting on a Split-Regional in Metropolis again this summer. Please, please be sure to attend that! The proceeds from Sectional's and the Metroplis Regional Tournament fund Bridge activities and programming in our Unit that you enjoy.

2013 should be a banner year for players looking to earn points. Without ever leaving our geographical area, you have a chance to earn any type of Color Point that you need. So good luck, and I hope to see you across the table either at a local club or any of the plethora of tournaments being offered close by this year.

Here's wishing you and your favorite partner a successful 2013. Play hard; play fair; have fun; and, above all, be polite and kind.

Advancing in Rank

The following Unit 223 Players have advanced in rank:

New Junior Masters Bob Gulvosen, Alton, IL Betty Harmon, Edwardsville, IL Thomas O'Hara, Fairview Hgts, IL   New Club Master Wyatt Earp, Paducah, KY   New Sectional Master Marilyn Waggoner, Highland, IL   New Regional Masters George Halsey, O'Fallon, IL Donna Murphy, Worden, IL Josh Rich, Alton, IL

New NABC Master Doug Snow, Paducah, KY   New Life Master Bob Biarkis, Glen Carbon, IL June Neier, Highland, IL William Riley, Alton, IL Carol Windland, Glen Carbon, IL   New Bronze Life Masters Reid Brazier, Moro, IL Dan English, Fulton, KY June Neier, Highland, IL

Masterpoint Races

Final standings for 2012 Masterpoint races will be available on-line at ACBL's website after approximately Feb. 10th. The top 10 places are announced in each category for the Mini-McKenney and Ace of Clubs awards.

Unit 223 will be presenting certificates and Mini-McKenney medallions at the Sectional Tournament at Kentucky Dam in March. The top three players in each category will be honored.

Sectional Tournament

Kentucky Dam Village Sectional

Kentucky Dam Village State Park, Eddyville KY

March 1. 2 & 3, 2013

Partnership Contact is Gayle Edwards (270) 759 9335 or (270) 753 4821. The host hotel offers bridge rates (mention Tournament) (800) 325 0146.

Doug Edwards and Larry Lemon are Tournament Chairpersons.

Play starts on Friday, March 1st at 1:30; continues at 7:00 Friday evening. Check ACBL's website or this Advocate for a complete schedule.