CIBA Digest

Tuesday, August 19 (12:30) -- Flights B & C
Thursday, August 21 (12:30) -- Open Stratified

"Bridge to bridge" for grade-schoolers

Bernie Riley of Pekin is working on a new program to introduce the Bidittle "bridge to bridge" game to school children. He's currently promoting the idea to the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, which oversees 57 parochial schools in Illinois.

Developed by a Kentucky mother for her three children, Bidittle is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game based on bridge rules and concepts. It's designed for two to four players ages 10 or older. The box set includes a game board, playing cards, score pads and "pyramid" tokens that keep track of bids made during the auction. The players count high-card points and bid 8-card hands, then play out the contract with a dummy.

Bernie believes this game is a great introduction to "real" bridge and a perfect gift for bridge players to give to their children and grandchildren. The game is available from Baron Barclay (https://www4.mailordercentral.com/baronbarclay/prodinfo.asp?number=7702) for $17.99 plus shipping ($19.99 with a 10-percent discount for ACBL members).

You can learn more about Bidittle on their web site (www.bidittle.com), which has rules, videos and bidding practice exercises. If you're interested in buying quantities or starting a Bidittle club in a school in your area, contact Bernie at briley@grics.net.

Fall Bridge Weekend

October 4 & 5, Champaign IL

Champaign's Bridge at Ginger Creek club is hosting the second annual Fall Bridge Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 & 5.

The program will feature lessons and partnership practice with "Expert Standard" agreements, plus a Declare & Defend Workshop. The instruction is geared toward advanced players, but will emphasize practical ideas that can benefit a wide range of experience levels, from bright beginners to long-time Life Masters. The weekend includes two sectional-rated pair games with hand records and an optional "Eight is Enough" Swiss Team game on Friday night.

Thursday, September 11 -- ACBLwide Instant Matchpoint Game, Local clubs
Champaign: Bridge at Ginger Creek, 7:00
Springfield: Bridge Center, 6:30

Wednesday, September 17 -- Senior Olympics, Jerome Civic Center, Springfield IL Info: Ron Sholes

November 8 & 9 -- District 8 North American Pair finals, Eagles Club, Springfield IL

Movin' Up: Congratulations to these Unit members who recently advanced in rank:

Junior Master (5 pts.)
Jason Cannell, Bloomington Karna Desai, Champaign Mary Stuart, Urbana
Club Master (20 pts.)
Dan Baker, Urbana Barry Kurz, Peoria Jean Motsinger, Savoy Dan Simons, Champaign
Sectional Master (50 pts.)
Don Gunning, Champaign
Regional Master (100 pts.)
Jane Byram, Chatham Becky Lagouros, Peoria Heights Pamela White, Springfield
NABC Master (200 pts.)
Dave Freehill, Bloomington Donna Giertz, Champaign

Life Master (300 pts.)
Gene Albrecht, Mt. Zion Jean Barnett, Bloomington Stan Gutzman, Normal Marilee Martin, Urbana John Olds, Springfield Ann Schuyler, Bloomington Maggie Stephens, Champaign Elizabeth Wilson, Urbana
Bronze Life Master (500 pts.)
Jean Barnett, Bloomington Jonell Comerford, Charleston Joe Franz, Springfield Stan Gutzman, Normal Doug Jonquet, Decatur Randall Motchan, Bloomington
Silver Life Master (1000 pts.)
Zach Freehill, Bloomington Madhu Viswanathan, Champaign
And welcome to new members:
Mark Beattie, Sherman Ann Staats, Paris

"Last-chance" North American Pair club-qualifying games

"Bridge to bridge" for grade-schoolers

Fall Bridge Weekend

October 4 & 5, Champaign IL

Movin' Up: Congratulations to these Unit members who recently advanced in rank:

More winners

Champaign Regional -- May 20-26