4Spot less white

November 2024

District 4 Officers  

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact your District 4 board members.


PRESIDENT 

Betsy Cutler

betsy2955@gmail.com


VICE PRESIDENT 

Ala Hamilton-Day

alabridge@gmail.com


SECRETARY 

Bill Bauer 

william.baueriii@verizon.net


TREASURER

Pat Civale 

patcivale@gmail.com 


REGIONAL DIRECTOR 

Joann Glasson 

joannglasson@msn.com 

President's Message

How is it possible that we are moving the clocks again this year – at least this time we get an extra hour of sleep!


Congratulations to Stephen and Holli Mast who won the NAP Flight B in District 4. There was quite a large field at three locations throughout the district. Next year we will be competing in four flights like the GNT, with new point limits. This will mean that Flight A will not be quite so scary for those who have just over 3000 MPs. The new system will take effect for both GNT and NAP events in 2025.


The week of November 11-17 is the final Royal StaC for 2024. We will be joined by clubs from District 6 which means more points available to all. These points will be ¼ black, ¼ silver, ¼ red and ¼ gold.  Remember that they will initially show up as all silver but once the StaC is totally submitted they will resolve into the color mix shown above. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your first gold points, or the last sprinkle needed for your next rank advancement.


There are a few more sectionals before the end of this year – first the Finger Lakes in Lyons, NY on November 9&10 and then the Dave Treadwell Sectional in Wilmington, DE on December 13-15.


Our Non-Life Master players have multiple chances in Camp Hill, PA to earn silver, red and gold. On November 22 there is a Sectional, followed by a Regional on November 23-24, and another Sectional on December 22.  All these events are only for those with fewer than 750 masterpoints who have not achieved Life Master status.  Please note that the number of gold points awarded is not what would be awarded at an open regional, but it is still a great way to earn those coveted gold points.


Finally, with the help of BBO, we have figured out how to make sure our monthly online game is only open to players in District 4 (only offered to outsiders when fill ins are needed to make full tables). The new hack worked very well in October, but attendance was way down. Now that we have control over who plays, we hope everyone will come back, especially those with fewer than 750 MP. This game is 18 boards and finishes in about 2 hours - plus you can play in your jammies! Next game is November 30 at 3:30 pm.

Betsy

betsy2955@gmail.com

From the Regional Director 

I hope we are spending time together in Lancaster as you read this. The Lancaster Regional Tournament is always so much fun – we call it “bridge camp”. We play bridge together, enjoy meals together and enjoy dining in the wonderful restaurants in beautiful Lancaster County. It is a highlight of our bridge year.


EDGAR and the Code of Disciplinary Regulations


Since early this year ACBL has used an online detection tool called EDGAR that provides great accuracy in finding players who are exchanging information inappropriately online. When players are flagged as collusively cheating with EDGAR, they are subject to discipline under the CDR (Code of Disciplinary Regulations).


Last month, the ACBL Board of Directors approved a revised CDR (Code of Disciplinary Regulations) that you can access in the Discipline Section of the ACBL website.    


The reason for the current revisions is to increase the masterpoint levels for receiving a warning and/or “Fast Track Discipline.” Fast Track Discipline offers the player the ability to accept the penalty for their infractions while also allowing the player the right to appeal the case to the IBA (Institute for Bridge Arbitration) if they feel that their rights have been violated in any way.


These masterpoint level adjustments were necessary because the number of cases that were being processed by ACBL under the former CDR became an administrative burden and management realized that changes needed to be made to complete the goal of cleaning up the online game.


There are two other changes that have been made to the CDR. One is the elimination of additional discipline for ACBL officials that have been found to be cheating and the other is to base discipline on the masterpoint level of the player at the time the cheating occurred instead of when the charges were brought.


All these changes will facilitate the efforts to provide a clean online game for all players.


Contact me with any questions at joannglasson@msn.com

Joann


District 4 Schedule

Regionals

Manheim, PA

October 28-November 3


Sectionals

Lyons, NY

November 9-10

D4 STaC

November 11-17

Camp Hill, PA I/N

November 22-24

Wilmington, DE

December 13-15

Camp Hill, PA I/N

December 27


For the complete 2024 D4 calendar, click here.

Our Monthly Feature

The 4Spot features fantastic contributors on a regular rotation:

January, April, July, October:
Larry's Learning Center by Larry Cohen

February, May, August, November:

For Novices Only

March, June, September, December:
Schwaidelson's Fractured Four-Hand Tales

For Novices Only

For those who keep hearing Mel's Rules at the table and wish you had a summary, consider buying his book (what a concept):


How You Can Play Like an Expert (Without Having to Be One)

by Mel Colchamiro.


For impatient people like me, here's a taste of the first two rules I learned:


Mel's Rule of 17: Partner opens a weak 2-bid. You have a good hand but need help deciding whether or not to try for game. Add your high card points to the number of trump in your hand. If you reach 17, bid game.


Mel's Rule of 9: Partner makes a takeout double. You think it might be smart to pass for penalty because you have a lot of their trump suit. Add the number of cards you hold in their suit to the number of honors you hold in their suit, including the 10, and the level of the contract. If you reach 9, pass.


There's so much more, and they really do work most of the time. Now go get that book! (Mel: You're welcome.)

Master Solvers Club

If all you're up for this month is fun facts about Linda Ronstadt and Randy Newman, skip to the end. For a really good time, start from the top here.

Visit the MSC website to read next month's problem and submit your answers online here.

Get Ready for Philly - Summer 2025 NABC News

Travel for Free to the Philadelphia Summer NABC


Whether I'm going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, an Eagles game, trying out a new restaurant in Fishtown, or taking the train to Glen Mills, I travel using my SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card. It is FREE for any person over 65 years of age, regardless of where you reside. Taking the train to the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott, at 12th and Filbert Streets where the Philadelphia Summer NABC is being held, is a breeze. The Jefferson Station stop is right next door! With the earlier scheduling of bridge games, a free train ride is an option which should not be ignored. 


Don’t have a SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card? If you're 65+ it's yours for the asking. No charge, you just need to show proof of age with a document such as a driver's license or passport. You can get one on the spot at SEPTA Headquarters (1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA) but keep in mind, it's by appointment only: Call 215-580-7145 and choose option 6, or request an appointment online. You can also request one at your local legislator's office if you live in PA. (Check with your legislator’s office for times and requirements. If you opt to visit your legislator, it could take several weeks to receive your card via mail.)


And it's good for four years! If you are over 65 and want to take a free train, subway, bus, or trolley in Southeast Pennsylvania, grab your SEPTA Senior Fare Card and come explore!


Ala Hamilton-Day

News from Around the Units

Unit 112: Central New York

www.acblunit112.org 

Betty Youmans

readsausten@yahoo.com

Congratulations to the Unit 112 players who competed in the District 4 North American Pairs Finals. Stephen Mast and Holli Mast of Corning came in first in Flight B! Dan Boye of East Syracuse and his partner finished third in Flight A. The winning pairs will represent District 4 at the Spring NABC in Memphis, TN.     


Mary Miller and Jim Carroll, Information and Partnership Chairs, invite you to the Finger Lakes Sectional on November 9 and 10 in Lyons, NY. Saturday will feature Open and NLM/499er Pairs. Sunday’s event will be Stratified Open and NLM/499er Swiss Teams. Lunch, at no cost, will be provided both days. The Lyons Memorial VFW is a new site for this tournament. Please plan to attend!  


The Rochester Area Bridge Association held a local sectional on October 19 and 20. Many thanks to Denise Slattery, Tournament Chair, Jim Patton, Partnership Chair, Sally Hill who provided Saturday’s lesson and all who assisted with this event as well as the participants.    


Numerous clubs in Unit 112 will participate in the District 4 STaC during November 11-17. Our unit awards a trophy to the unit player who accumulates the most masterpoints in the District 4 STaCs throughout the year.


Unit 112 Congratulates its Advancing Players


Club Masters

Susan Calcagno

Ruth Sklarsky


Sectional Master

Michael Nupuf


NABC Masters

Tom Hubbard, Jr.

Stephen Koob

Barbara Shapiro

Daniel Sverdlik

Jeff Tonole

 

Bronze Life Master

Barbara McIver

Unit 120: Northeastern Pennsylvania 

Doreese Torrey

doreeset@gmail.com

Hello Unit 120!!  Let's start with recognition of achievements for October.  Please join me in congratulating:


Club Master

Marc Alpert


Junior Master

Jacob Albano


Well done!!


Honesdale bridge club hosted a fall bridge game and turkey dinner on October 13.



Great turnout and great food, as always.  

Hope you all had a fun Halloween!!


See you at the virtual and face to face bridge games!

Unit 121: Berks Montgomery 

www.unit121bridge.com

Bill Buskirk

Buskirk944@msn.com

Check back next month for Unit 121 news.

Unit 133: Lehigh Valley 
Lois Fuini
lafuini@yahoo.com

Congratulations! New Rank Achievements

 

Junior Master

Robert Rianzo

Ruby Life Master

Mike Kohler


Annual Meeting and Holiday Party Saturday, November 9, 2024

 

WHERE: Brookside Country Club 901 Willow Lane, Macungie PA 

WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2024 12:00 PM Social and Cash Bar 

12:30 PM Dinner and Meeting

2:00 PM Bridge Games - 0-200, 0-750 & Open (attendance permitting)

FEE: $30 members 

$45 non-members

How do I make a reservation?

Mail checks payable to LVBA - one form per pair to Betsy Cutler

1383 Deerfield Dr.

Allentown PA 18104

Pay by cash or check (payable to LVBA) at club games. Include name, partner and emails.


If you have questions please email:

Lois Fuini at lafuini@yahoo.com


In Memoriam Games Saturday, December 14, 2024

The In Memoriam Game is scheduled for December 14 at Lehigh Valley Active Life at 12:30pm. Please join us to recognize the members of Unit 133 who have passed away in the last year. We will celebrate their lives and achievements by playing a charity game of duplicate bridge in their honor. Proceeds from the games will benefit active older adults at Lehigh Valley Active Life. 


Please join us at one of these games: 

  • 0-750
  • Open game


There is a chance that this game will be changed to a team game, but we want you to save the date. We’ll notify you if there is a change. 


November 2024 Royal STaC Games

WHERE: Lehigh Valley Active Life 

1633 W Elm Street 

Allentown PA 

WHEN: 

Monday, November 11, 12:30pm

Friday, November 15, 12:30pm

WHO: All games will follow current formats:

Monday - 0-750 game

Friday - Open game

WHY: Royal STaC games provide players the opportunity to earn 1⁄4 black, 1⁄4 silver, 1⁄4 red and 1⁄4 gold points at the club level. Increase your pigmented point count in a comfortable atmosphere with no additional travel time or expense. 

COST: $8 per person

REFRESHMENTS: Free bagged snacks and water/soda will be provided. 

MORE INFORMATION: If you have additional questions, please email: 

Betsy Cutler at betsy2955@gmail.com or Lois Fuini at lafuini@yahoo.com.

Unit 141: Philadelphia 
John Dickenson
dickenjb@gmail.com

In April of this year, the ACBL switched from rebating 11% of member dues to the Units to a performance-based award system. I am pleased to report that for the second quarter in a row, Unit 141 has received the highest dollar award for recruiting new members out of ALL 288 units in the ACBL! Who says bridge is dead?

A warm welcome to our newest PCBA members! They number 17 this month!


Michael Barnet

Debra Brackett

Rita Davis

Robin Fischer

Maryann Heimark

Kathaleen Kaczur

Joyce Kerpan

David Klaus

Shashi Kumar

Lynn  McGrath

Melissa McGrath

Rodica Musat

Raymond Schreyer

Barbara Sentel

Christine Spirgel

Joseph Vargo

Radu Vasilescu


Congratulations to our members who achieved a new rank!


Junior Masters

David Ellison

David Frank

Yaacov Garini

Ellen Goldman

Vallabhdas Patel

Sarah Whalen


Club Masters

Alice  Hennessy

Cliff Retzlaff

Deborah Robinson


Sectional Masters

Margaret Dooley

Tykie Knight


Regional Masters

Gerald Feldman

Leslie Marshall


NABC Master

Anna Swartz


Life Master

Barbara Daly


Bronze Life Master

Marc Topaz

Unit 168: Central Pennsylvania 

Ben Hawn 

bwhawn@bellsouth.net

What to do as dealer, white, holding a six-card heart suit and ten “points”? Open 2♥️, I guess. But what if the hand has a four-card spade suit? I pass every time, right or wrong. What about two outside aces and a second suit of five decent diamonds? Those are closer. I ran across both hands recently. 


Case one:


♠️ 763

♥️ QT9862

♦️ A94

♣️ A


In a large BBO game, it was almost an even split among the three obvious possibilities: pass, 1♥️, 2♥️. Pass seems reasonable but timid. Chances are you can get in later, right? 1♥️ is fine - fine except partner will be expecting slightly more in high cards. 2♥️ seems dicey to me. It describes the nature of the hand fairly well, but preempting with two outside aces just can’t be right. At my table my RHO dealt and passed. By his next turn, we had bid to 4♠️, so he quit. I went down two undoubled with 6♣️ and 6♥️ both cold. 


Case two:


♠️ T

♥️ AJ9843

♦️ KQ642

♣️ 9



With only one spade, it feels like we should strike the first blow. I guess 1♥️ is about as good as 2♥️. I almost always used to pass these hands. If, and when, 4♠️ comes back to me, I’ll bid 4NT and partner will work it out when I correct clubs to diamonds. At my table my LHO opened 2♥️ and eventually ended in 6♥️ doubled, which was a phantom over our 5♠️. 


As always, one hand - or as here, two hands - proves nothing. But I’m rethinking how I should handle these “in between hands” with a six-card heart suit. 


Congratulations to the following Unit 168 players moving up the ACBL rankings ladder:


Junior Masters

Susan Campbell 

Sarah Mentzer

Steven Mentzer


Club Master

Russell McKnight


NABC Masters

Constance Foster

Thomas Neiper

Virginia Stayman

Patricia Wong


Life Masters

Lois Anderson

Judy Parsons


Bronze Life Master

Judy Parsons 


Silver Life Master

Michael Mendelson


Ruby Life Master

John Ferranti

Unit 190: Delaware 

www.unit190.org

Paula Varrassi

pvarrassi@gmail.com


Delaware Clubs

The Bridge Studio of Delaware, Wilmington

Harold Jordon

302-479-5431

club@bridge-studio.org


MOT, Middletown

Cheryl Shields

302-602-1638

c.shields@mehrs.com


Monday Morning Bridge Club

Friday Nooners

Dover

Clare O’Brien

410-310-0549

Clare758@outlook.com


Shore Bridge

Lewes

Anna DeLapo

302-236-0346

Anna7nt@gmail.com


Shuffles2

Ocean View Presbyterian Church

Thursday @ 12:30

215-817-2465

Shuffles2023@gmail.com


MOVING ON UP

NABC Master

Carl Coen

Ruby Life Master

Christine Sullivan


THE WELCOME MAT

New Members

John Noble

Nadine Noble

Cynthia Williams

New Transferred Members

Andrea Malinowski

Susan Shea


Link to the unit website

Unit 217: Susquehanna 

Jim McKeown

jcm751@comcast.net

Check back next month for Unit 217 news, and please keep our sectional in Boalsburg May 30 to June 1, 2025 in mind.

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4Spot | November 2024 | Editor: Susan Morse