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It occurred to me yesterday evening about halfway through my eighth lap of the Enfield Square Mall that most bridge players in the Northeast have not played in a regional tournament in over two years. I have GREAT NEWS for them and for everyone else: 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.
It is surely fitting that the Open Games for this tournament are dedicated to the memory of Bob Bertoni. You hopefully remember him as the former President and Director of District 25 and the last winner of the Larry Weiss award for his work in making everyone feel comfortable at the bridge table. For the last decade he was my boss and good friend. I miss him a lot.
The two-session games that are offered every day award extra points because there are two flights "beneath" them—one for Gold Mine and one for Gold Rush Graduates. Furthermore, they all have three strats: Open, 5,000, and 3,000. 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.
There are also plenty of side games, including ones on each of the first three evenings. 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, as usual at D25 events, feature education. At 9:15 a free bridge lesson entitled "Secrets Your Teacher Never Told You" will be presented. There will also be a free lesson on Saturday morning at 9:15: "Winning Swiss Teams".
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