You have probably seen the letter from the board concerning cell phone usage and zero tolerance. If you didn’t, please ask a director for a copy. In short, don’t use cell phones and observe the zero tolerance rules. We’re all here to enjoy the game. Help us make that happen.

We have had numerous maintenance problems this year. There were repairs to both outside signs, kitchen lights, fans, shelves in the storage rooms, vent in men’s room and now the roof. Tim Calamari and Bob Wooderson have followed up on these items. Thanks guys.

Don’t forget the 299’er sectional April 12-13. And the Derby Day tournament May 1-4.

While the board declined the offer, we did appreciate the thought from the members who suggested free plays for board members. Sometimes we aren’t sure why we do this, so it was good to be appreciated. .

Sid LeBlanc

Spring NABC

Detroit

March 5-l6, 2008

Unit 134 Masterpoint Results

123.70 – John Onstott

27.64 – Joan Van Geffen

27.64 – Jean Talbot

7.63 – Rosemary Austin

5.35 – Marise Hambrick

Important Reminders for All Players

We have established certain rules to help make the game enjoyable for all players. Each member should take an active role in enforcing the rules of the club. In particular, we would like to remind you of the following:

Cell Phones must be turned off during the game. You will be penalized ¼ board or 3 IMPs if your cell phone goes off during the game. There is an additional penalty if you answer the cell phone. If you are expecting an important or emergency phone call, please see the director BEFORE the game for permission to have your phone turned on. Some directors will want you to leave your phone at the Director’s Station. You may also use the club phone number for emergencies (889-0869).

A reminder notice is posted on the bulletin board by the club entrance. Directors are also encouraged to remind players of the policy at the beginning of the game; however, they are not required to do so.

Zero Tolerance Policy is posted by the Director’s Station and on the bulletin board by the television set. The club supports this ACBL policy. There are yellow “Zero Tolerance” cards in each bid box. All players are encouraged to place a Zero Tolerance reminder on the table if they are being subjected to yelling, partner-bashing, or other unpleasant behavior. If the behavior continues, the director should be called.

The director is not always aware of infractions. It is your responsibility to bring the attention of the director to a ringing cell phone (and certainly an answered cell phone) and also to behavior that is not in accordance with the Zero Tolerance Policy.

We are all here to enjoy the game and need your support. Thank you.

LBA Unit 134 Board of Directors

SPECIAL CLUB EVENTS

April 12^th & 13^th

299’er Tournament

April 24

Union Championship Game - $6.00 Entry Fee – Noon

May 1^st thru May 4^th

Metairie Derby Day Sectional

May 8^th

International Fund Game - $7.00 Entry Fee – Noon

AREA CLUB EVENTS

April 14^th thru April 20^th

Gatlinburg Regional Tournament

April 25^th thru April 27^th

Vicksburg Sectional and GNT Finals

70% Club Open & Intermediate Games

Musette Buckley

73.21

George Hill & Vivian Hill

72.52

Harriet Nelson &

Marvin Bernstein

72.22

KNOW THE DIRECTOR RULINGS

Jennie Flynn Sauviac

RULING THE GAME- INSUFFICIENT BID REVISITED

I explained the options that the offender has if his
insufficient bid is not accepted by the LHO. The LHO has the first option, either to accept or to disallow the insufficient bid. Most players think that not accepting an insufficient bid will be to their benefit, and so, automatically they require the offender to make the insufficient bid sufficient. However, they fail to take a careful look at their other option – to accept the insufficient bid. By accepting the bid, they can deliver information to partner that could not be given once the bid is made sufficient. For example, in the auction 1D – 1C, LHO can legally bid 1D, 1H, 1S, and 1NT if he accepts the insufficient Club bid. On the other hand, if LHO requires his opponent to make a sufficient bid, he may not have the points nor hand shape necessary to bid 2D, 2H, 2S, or 2NT. Likewise, after the auction starts 1S -1H, LHO may accept the insufficient bid and bid 1NT when he would not have the points to bid 2NT if the 1H bidder is required to make his insufficient bid sufficient.

So, don’t allow your opponents to hurriedly make their insufficient bid sufficient. Consider the possible advantages of accepting the insufficient bid, using your opportunity to relay information to your partner.

As with all irregularities at the table, call the Director when an insufficient bid occurs at the table. The Director can protect your rights, even if the opponent is quick to change the bid. Only the Director can still allow you to exercise all of your options

WISDOM AT THE BRIDGE TABLE

When pard shows out of a suit, ALWAYS say, “Having none?” If later on, he finds one and has revoked, commiserate. Play a game with yourself – do the opposite of what you feel in bad situations. (After all, any idiot who can’t see a diamond stuck in with his clubs is hopeless and deserves impalement at least. Yelling at him is NOT ENOUGH. So why do it?)