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It occurred to me yesterday evening about halfway through my eighth lap of the Enfield Square Mall that a fairly large contingent of bridge players in the Northeast has never played in a regional tournament. I have GREAT NEWS for them and for the rest of the local players: Tournament bridge is returning to New England!
The Gala Regional is scheduled for May 19-22 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center just off of I-495 in Marlborough, MA.
The tournament offers a unique opportunity for less experienced players to win gold points. All four days have Non-Life Master events that award gold points. All these events—both pairs and Swiss Teams—exclude all Life Masters and all players with more than 750 masterpoints. District 25 needed to obtain special approval from the ACBL for this approach, and it was only granted after a marathon session of thumb-wrestling. It may never be offered again.
The full schedule for the tournament can be viewed here.
The district's objective is to provide an enjoyable and rewarding environment to facilitate a return to face-to-face tournament bridge by players at all levels. Every day something special has been added to enhance the experience:
- On Thursday everyone who pays to play will receive a voucher allowing them to play for free on Sunday.
- A free lunch will be provided to all players on Friday.
- Cocktails and appetizers will be available following the afternoon session on Saturday.
- Players who take part in Sunday's bridge will receive a voucher redeemable for one entry fee for a regional event at the Summer NABC in Providence, RI, July 13-24. More information about that exciting tournament is available at ProvNABC.org.
Friday will also be a special day for newer players. At 9:15 a free bridge lesson entitled "Secrets Your Teacher Never Told You" will be presented. That day will also offer two Red Point Palooza pairs games that will be limited to players with less than 300 points.
No one should miss this opportunity just because they need a partner or some teammates. If you fill out the appropriate form on the NEBridge.org website, the tournament staff will be happy to match you up with others who are also looking. You can also email Lois DeBlois at loisd401@gmail.com.
All players who have been vaccinated are welcome to play at the Gala Regional. Reservations can be made at the Best Western by telephone at (508) 460-0700. The bridge rate is only $119, and it includes a free breakfast.
The tournament will run for four gala days. I worry a little that that might be excessive. As the great Freedonian leader, Rufus T. Firefly, said almost ninety years ago, "Well, a gala day is enough for me. I don't think that I could handle any more."
Mike Wavada
D25 Webmaster & Communications Chairman