AUDREY GRANT’S The BRIDGE NEW! AWARD WINNING TEACHER CommonlyCommonly UsedUsed ConventionsConventions by Pat Harrington Are you tired of teaching the same old lessons? Are your students clamor- ing for new material? The new entry in booklet and coded cards: Play Course September, 2001 the ACBL Bridge Series, Commonly Used For The Advancing Student I and Play Audrey Grant's Commonly Conventions is here to solve your prob- Course For The Advancing Student II. Both Used Conventions...... pgs.1-2 lems! But first, a little background. of these make ideal review courses for All of the ACBL’s course students who have completed Seminars and Programs at books have a new look and the first three lesson series. the Las Vegas NABC ...... pgs. 3-4 a new name. The original They can be ordered from the The Business of Bridge ...... pgs. 5-6 Club Series, Diamond Series ACBL (800-264-2743 in the U.S. Home-Style Bridge ...... pg. 6 and Heart Series texts are and 800-264-8786 in Canada). Surfing the Web with Caitlin .. pgs. 7-8 renamed: Bidding, Play of the Play booklets are priced at Teaching Blind Students ...... pg. 8 Hand, and Defense and will $4.50 and coded cards at $3.50 be spiral bound with the but ACBL members receive a Try "Bridge with Guidance" ...... pg. 9 name over a large suit 10% discount. The Bridge Teacher's Bookshelf pg. 10 symbol indicative of the The ACBL lesson pro- Better Bridge name change .... pg. 10 previous title. The original gram is nearly complete. We New Members and Spade Series has been will let you know when the ACBL Recruitment Program ... pg. 11 replaced in the series of courses with final product, More Commonly Used the entirely new Commonly Used Conven- Conventions, is actually ready — it’s four weeks in the Diamond Play course; tions. expected by the end of the year. All eight weeks in the Defense course; four Don’t despair about the loss of all of this material provides teachers weeks in the Heart Play course; then those wonderful hands that appeared with SIXTY weeks of lesson materials: eight more weeks in the two play in the original Spade Series. They have eight weeks in the Bidding text; four courses for the advancing student; been compiled into two more play weeks in the Club Play course; eight eight weeks in Commonly Used courses complete with an analysis weeks in the Play of the Hand course; – continued Commonly Used Conventions . . . notrump openings with Stayman and Lesson plans are designed for a continued from page 1 Jacoby transfers; major-suit openings seminar of approximately one hour and responses; minor-suit openings discussing examples using the E-Z Conventions; and, eventually, eight and responses; and two-level opening Deal cards on the table followed by more weeks in More Commonly used bids (weak twos and the strong 2 an hour playing four lesson hands. Conventions. It’s hard to get tired of opening). Student exercises are provided and teaching the same thing with all of In addition to presenting new can be incorporated into the lesson or this available! conventions (such as Jacoby transfers, used for homework. Teachers can Some teachers expand this mate- Drury, and Jacoby 2NT), the course adapt the material to suit the needs rial even further by spending more provides a good review of previous of their students and might expand than one session on some of the material before expanding into topics the course into more than eight course lessons or by adding an extra that were not covered in the first three lessons or two six-week sessions with week to the play courses because they courses (using 15–17 1NT opening the addition of more deals. A mini- find that eight hands are too many for bids, third and fourth seat opening mum or four deals should be played their students to play in one session. bids, and reverses). For example, in each lesson or someone will be The use of the appropriate play course lesson one begins by looking at 1NT disappointed about not having their serves several purposes. Students opening bids and moves from the turn to declare. need time to assimilate the material standard 1NT opening bid to one with Commonly Used Conventions can be that was presented in each eight-week a worthless doubleton, one with a five- ordered from the ACBL. The teacher course and the best way to do that is card major, a 15-point 1NT opening manual is priced at $14.95 and will to review and use what they learned and an offshape hand that is best arrive shrink-wrapped and ready to while playing. Play courses also break opened 1NT. place in a three-ring binder. ACBL the tedium of lesson after lesson. It’s Were we remiss in not presenting accredited teacher price for the fun for the students to come out just all of this information in an earlier textbook is $13 and there are quan- to play hands. These shorter courses course? Absolutely not! Think of how tity discounts ranging from $11 for also give teachers more flexibility in overwhelmed our students are with eight books to $7.50 for the purchase scheduling classes at awkward times of the material that is already included. of 100 books. If you purchase 100 or the year. The key is presenting information at more texts, you can mix and match Teachers will love the material in the right time for the student. Now, all four texts in the order and still get Commonly Used Conventions. In fact, the with 44 class sessions plus some play the discount. And did you know that American Bridge Teachers Association outside of class under their belt, our ACBL Star Teachers get an extra (ABTA) recently presented its cov- students are ready to expand their discount on textbooks? The discount eted book-of-the-year award to knowledge. They are also curious ranges from 25 cents per book for a Audrey Grant for this latest addition about these situations which they may one-star teacher to 70 cents for a four- to the ACBL lesson series. In two have encountered in randomly dealt star teacher. There’s a good incentive lessons each, the eight lessons cover: hands. to mail in your class lists! ♦ Special Seminars and Programs at the Las Vegas Fall NABC

Note: With the unusual start on Sunday and end on Tuesday SEMINAR FOR UNIT AND DISTRICT RECORDERS (11/18–11/27), some of the programs you have come to This program is designed for recorders at all levels and with expect to be held prior to the NABC will be held after. any amount of experience. Information will be provided on: Check this list to see what’s being offered and the dates. (1) The ACBL Recorder System: Duties and obligations of recorders. (2) How to handle those commonly occurring recorder Sunday, November 18 situations. EASYBRIDGE! ACCREDITATION — Edith McMullin and the (3) How to deal with the more difficult and/or sensitive Easybridge! staff share with you how to present these new fun types of recorder problems. beginner games at your bridge club. Easybridge! is an innova- (4) Advice on how to handle any troublesome situations tive way of bringing new people into the game. Anyone can you may have encountered. be accredited, but you must be a director to run the program. Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon Fee: None Time: 9 AM to 4 PM with a break for lunch. Stage A in the morning and Stage B in the afternoon. Accreditation is FREE. Saturday, November 24 — Junior Day Material packet is $20 to cover cost. BRIDGE TEACHERS AND BRIDGE CRUISES Note: Easybridge! will repeat on various days during the Peg Cundiff, popular and entertaining host of many bridge week. Contact Gail Smith at Headquarters for information. cruises, provides an interesting morning program where you Tuesday, November 20 will learn how to be successful as a teacher/game director on FREE BRIDGE LESSON WITH a cruise ship. Tips on how to get assignments. (Certificate to AUDREY GRANT participants.) Time: 9 AM to 12 Noon Fee: $25 at door Watch Audrey Grant entertain and educate our newcomers with a fun bridge lesson and duplicate orientation. Bring your EASYBRIDGE! PRESENTERS’ BREAKFAST students who plan to play in the IN Program. If you are a past, present, or future Easybridge! Presenter, Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon Fee: None make plans to attend. There will be presentations by Edith McMullin, Marti Ronemus, and Gail Smith. Several of the Friday, November 23 — Goodwill Day more successful presenters (both large and small clubs) will be MINIBRIDGE SEMINAR giving reports followed by a creative organizational meeting Teachers, learn more about MiniBridge as a pre-cursor to your you won’t want to miss. regular lesson programs. It’s a handy tool — especially for Time: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM Fee: None students who are new to cards. Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon Fee: None – continued Special Seminars and Programs Tuesday, November 27 at the LV Fall NABC – continued from previous page EDUCATION WORKSHOP Liaisons, IN Coordinators, Club Managers, Teachers, Unit Sunday, November 25 Officials are all invited to attend to find out more about ideas for promoting bridge locally. Join Betty Starzec and the ACBL CLUB MANAGERS’ MORNING Education Dept. staff. Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon Fee: None 9 AM to 10 AM — MARKETING FOR CLUB DEVELOPMENT — Join Edith McMullin, the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — creator of Easybridge! and the ACBL IN Program, to learn November 26, 27, 28 more about how to promote your club. CLUB DIRECTORS’ UPDATE COURSE 10 AM to 11 AM — COFFEE WITH CAROL — (Continuing Education) Carol Robertson — Director of the Club Membership Three mornings focusing on the public relations aspect of Department and other members of the ACBL Staff will be running a successful bridge club with a focus on people- on hand to answer questions and to let you know about handling and The Proprieties of the Laws. A certificate to those new opportunities and programs for clubs. Come network who successfully complete the review. with other club managers! Fee: $20 for full course if pre-registered; $25 at the door. 11AM to 12 Noon — ACBLscore QUESTION AND Time: 9 AM to 12:30 PM each morning. ANSWER SESSION — ACBL National Tournament Director Rick Beye and Jim Lopushinsky, creator of ACBLscore, will talk Wednesday, November 28 with the group about the benefits of using the ACBLscore TEACHER ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (TAP) — program at your club and will answer your questions. Betty Starzec — If you haven’t reviewed the TAP in a while, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to sit in again, free ACCREDITED TEACHERS DUTCH TREAT SOCIAL of charge, for this one-day program to find out what’s new. ACBL Accredited Teachers are invited to network with fellow Location: Las Vegas Hilton teachers from all areas of ACBL at this new get-together. Join Time: 9AM, 1 PM, & 7 PM Fee: $125 us for a good time over cocktails and dinner. No business tonight! Check the Daily Bulletin for location. Bring your Wednesday, Thursday, Friday — November 28, 29, 30 guests. Time: 5 PM to 7 PM Fee: Dutch Treat CDIN — CLUB DIRECTORS’ COURSE — Priscilla Smith Location: Check the Daily Bulletin. We hope to offer a trip to This is a comprehensive course designed to introduce prospec- another site. tive club directors to all phases of running a successful club and club game. If you are interested in running games for your Monday, November 26 students, this is the course for you. TEACHER UPDATE MEETING Time: All day Wednesday (with breaks) starting at: 1 PM to Join the Education Department staff to find out what’s new in 10:00 PM; All day Thursday (with breaks) from 9 AM to Bridge Education. 10:00 PM; Friday: 9 AM to 12 Noon with testing to follow. Time: 10 AM to 12 Noon Fee: None Fee: $80 if you preregister, $100 at the door. ♦ I was recently asked what my favorite 5. LOOK PROFESSIONAL. Sometimes 7. ATTEND MEETINGS. If your Unit’s I think this is one of the most Education Liaison invites you to a teaching tip was, and the question important tips. Whether you want to teachers meeting, go. If you have a startled me. I use different techniques in believe it or not, students do notice chance to meet with other ABTA different situations, and I’ve tried to pass our appearances. If you do value (American Bridge Teachers many of them on to you. Here’s a yourself highly, it should show in your Association) members, go. If you can checklist for you to review. dress and demeanor. This applies to get to an NABC and join in the men as well as to women, to senior- wonderful activities presented by the 1. LISTEN. Your students will tell you aged volunteers as well as to young Education Department for Accredited if they understand what’s going on. Teachers, go. You’ll find support, They will let you know, if camaraderie, information. you heed them, what One of the flaws in a to offer and when. teacher’s life is that it’s lonely — that is, 2. READ. The Bridge lonely for peers Teacher, The ACBL who understand Bridge Bulletin, The and can help with ABTA Quarterly, and a your objectives, host of excellent bridge fears, problems. Even magazines can flood you when we have triumphs, with new ideas and by Lynn Berg there is rarely anyone information. If your teaching around who really materials and techniques haven’’t understands what is involved. But changed in years, you are shortchang- entrepreneurs. You don't have to have your fellow professionals can function ing yourself as well as the students. special bridge-themed dress, but you as a support group — if you let them. should make an effort to look like a And your attendance may be tax 3. VALUE YOURSELF HIGHLY. If you pro. In my area, that means I wear a deductible if you keep records. don’t think well of yourself, how can dress or a dressy pantsuit while many you expect students to appreciate of the class members are in shorts, but 8. GIVE PRESENTS. I give all new you? Price high, not low, and you will they like the difference. It shows that I students a loose leaf binder the first attract more students. There’s nothing care enough to make an effort. time they come to one of my classes. wrong with donating your services if The binders are always red, and they you want to be charitable, but under- 6. KEEP RECORDS. You should want have become a real “signature” for my charging is unfair to you and to your to develop a database of students to classes. I charge enough for my fellow bridge professionals. whom you can send notices of new classes to allow me to “give away” the classes and special events. You should E-Z Guide booklets for whichever 4. LAUGH. Tell jokes, try to be witty, want to be able to show the tax man course I’m teaching. Of course, the be happy as you teach. Your positive that your deductions and expenses are students have paid for them, but I attitude will be mirrored by the class. legal. – continued Have You Tried Home-Style Bridge? By Julie T. Greenberg, ACBL Director of Education – continued from previous page During the recent Toronto NABC, playing in the game. never mention them in my course Jerry Fleming of Los Alamos, New Here’s how a publicity, so they are a pleasant Mexico, reminded me of a wonderful “Home-Style” game works. Pairs are surprise. I also give pens, glasses, or bridge game known as “Home-Style.” assigned at random on the first round mugs, whatever might be inexpensive It is very popular in his hometown and and given numbers according to those and attractive to remind them of the he wondered why more people aren’t assignments (NS Table 1 is #1; EW good time they had in my classes. using it. Have you ever tried it with Table 1 is #2; NS Table 2 is #3, etc.). your students? It’s an easy, social, Players cut for the deal and they play 9. EXERCISE YOUR MEMORY. Try to competitive game to run for new four deals of bridge per round, remember the names of students players who would like to practice. Chicago-style (1st deal — no one is and when they were in class — and In the late 70s when I first moved vulnerable; 2nd and 3rd deal — the which class if possible. Call each to Memphis, Tennessee — after 20 dealer’s side is vulnerable; 4th deal — person by name at least once in years as a tournament director in the everyone is vulnerable). At the end of each class. The personal attention field — I took over a country club the round, the scores are totaled and pays off. If you are lucky enough to game where “Home-Style” was the reported to the director (you). The have an enormous class, you should established format for the group. It scores are converted to Victory Points, still try to do this. was new to me, but I soon learned recorded on the recap sheet, and then that it was very popular with the pairs with the closest scores for the next 10. USE NAME TAGS. I saved this players. It’s a game which can best round are matched up. Continue this little one for last, even though it is be described as “Swiss Pairs,” and procedure, without repeating any really important. It will surely help you ACBL highly recommends it as an pairings, until either four or five rounds with tip No. 9! Wear a name tag or alternative to duplicate. of four deals have been completed. You badge every time you teach, even “Home-Style” is a good tool for can award club masterpoint overall and though you’re sure everyone knows teachers because it is easy to run and match awards. Check with the Club your name. As pleasantly as possible, a lot of fun for the participants. Membership Department for more ask everyone to wear a name tag in all When you start with a pot-luck supper information. classes. (or lunch), followed by this 16 to 20 ACBL offers free of charge a Oh, not if you’re teaching two board game, you can offer your “Home-Style” brochure and special tables of friends in someone’s house, players an afternoon or evening with “Home-Style” scorecard. Call the Club but any time there’s any chance your a party atmosphere to celebrate the Membership Department (901-332- students don’t all know one another. end of their most recent course. At my 5586, ext. 315) and try this game with This will enhance the social aspect of country club game, the players used your students. We think you will enjoy to gather for dinner at the club before the experience. ♦ your course. ♦ and your results are compared to the Caitlin is founder of the foremost online scores from the actual session. You can bridge school, THE BRIDGE FORUM, give a specific event for your student (www.bridge-forum.com) With eight expert THE to play as homework and together go affiliates—Bergen, Cohen, Gitelman, over results. Granovetter, Klinger, Lawrence, Miles and BRIDGE How do these programs differ from Woolsey—and a host of accredited teachers, those we know about, including Bobby BRIDGE FORUM teaches on a variety of TEACHER’S Wolff’s, Eddie Kantar’s, Mike sites. Caitlin can be reached at Lawrence’s, Larry Cohen’s, and Fred [email protected] . BOOKSHELF Gitelman’s? Such are meant to raise SURF the level of your game with interactive As teachers we should stay abreast learning. Part of the author’s work is to of computer programs geared to play ensure there is a right answer. Just with or against our students. Such TH think of Gitelman’s Bridge Master 2000 programs make for excellent E BR EB where you can take a finesse and if it homework and in order to know what IDGE W is made at the wrong time, it will we are recommending, let’s visit the with Caitlin always be offside. Make the same play fifth annual World Computer Bridge at the right time, and it will be the Championship (WCBC), which took homepages/yvescostel). right call. Compare this to any of the place at the summer North American Note Jack is not currently on the WCBC contestants where the goal is to Bridge Championships in Toronto this market. Kuijf states that he does not make the best call or play but there is past July. yet have the time to market his no definitive answer. The computer, With the event running so product outside the Netherlands like you, is ‘thinking’ its way through smoothly, Hans Kuijf of the where a Dutch version is near ready to the process of playing bridge and it, Netherlands took first place with his be released. All other programs can be like you, will make mistakes. program ‘Jack ‘(www.jackware.nl). The purchased except Wbridge5, which can Since 1997, District Director Al final KO was a 64-board match divided be downloaded free from its site. Of Levy has been behind the proposal to into four quarters with Jack taking a the group, Bridge Baron is the best have the ACBL claim the computer carryover of 12 IMPs into the final selling while Q-Plus provides the world championships. Sponsors of this against Micro Bridge. Jack and Micro robots found on ACBL ONLINE. event have included Baron Barclay Bridge (Japan, www.threeweb.ad.jp/ In general, such programs allow Bridge Supplies ~mcbridge) finished first and second you to set the conventions you want to (www.baronbarclay.com), Microsoft’s in the round-robin stage of the play, from weak notrumps to upside Gaming Zone program championship, beating four other down carding, from Cappelletti to new (www.zone.com), and most recently programs: Blue Chip Bridge (UK, http:/ minor forcing. Most also have files FunBridge (www.funbridge.com), an /www.bluechipbridge.co.uk); Bridge kept in a ‘deal library’ and can be international software company that Baron (US, www.bridgebaron.com); called up as you wish. From this specializes in entertaining online Q-Plus (Germany, www.q-plus.com); library you typically find selected bridge activities. andWbridge5 (France, http:// sessions from national and regional Early on in the short history of the ourworld.compuserve.com/ tournaments. Thus you play the hands – continued be found at the online playing site, seven different computers at once, SWAN, www.swangames.com . might well argue that such is not likely This year neither Meadowlark nor with bridge. At the same time Kit GIB was a contestant. Dr. Rodney Woolsey, well known both for his bridge – continued from SURF Ludwig of Meadowlark explains that and backgammon T HE B previous page BRIDGE WE while he will enter next year’s (www.gammonline.com) prowess, is with Caitlin contest,the program is currently being convinced that at some point bridge WCBC, GIB (www.gibware.com) showed re-written and is not yet ready for programmers will meet the challenge itself to be a very strong contender, competition, and Ginsberg reports and be able to beat top rated human winning both the 1998 and 1999 prior conflicting commitments with his players. Nonetheless, the fun of humans events, with Baron Barclay and own promotional event. playing against computers remains. All OKbridge (www.okbridge.com) When we recommend such enjoyed the show while ‘Jack’ and ‘Micro sponsoring GIB’s first win and Orbis programs to our students, one cannot Bridge’ teamed up to play two different Investment Management Limited help but ask the question: will all-human teams made up of world class (www.orbis.bm) sponsoring its second. computers ever rate to play as well as players. Jacek Pszcola, Piotr Gawrys GIB had redeemed itself given its humans? During the event, much (both Polish champions) and Sam Lev surprisingly poor 1997 showing. discussion ensued as to whether or not and Pinhas Romik from ACBL ONLINE According to Ginsberg, this was due to we will ever see the likes of a bridge beat the computer team by 18 IMPs and a programming bug that was not found ‘Deep Blue’. For those who do not follow Lisa and David Berkowitz with Marty prior to the competition. In 2000 chess, this refers to an IBM computer Fleisher and JoAnna Stansby beat the Meadowlark Bridge (www.rrnet.com/ that played against world chess computers by 8 IMPs. Zia wanted to meadowlark) took first place while GIB champion Gary Kasparov and beat him. play; however, the computers did not enter the fray. Today GIB can Indeed Zia, who played and defeated remembered him all too well and shut down! While Al Levy and this past year’s Teaching Blind Students contestants close the book on the A recent e-mail made us aware that the Dutch Bridge Union is able to 2001 championship, the work now provide course material in English for visually handicapped and blind bridge begins on the next WCBC most likely students. to take place at the 2002 World Bridge Apparently a group in the Netherlands has been working for a number of Federation (WBF) world years on a project to develop materials which allow visually-handicapped championships. I urge you to keep up students to learn bridge along with normally-sighted students. These materials to date about this event. The include large size diagrams and larger playing cards. evolution of such computers reflects Now this material has been expanded for use by e-mail with blind the level of play which our students students who have “read” programs on their computers. can expect when engaging in very For more information, please contact the Dutch Bridge Union (NBB) at enjoyable and worthwhile www.bridge.nl, click on “LINKS” and then click on Nederlands and then click ‘homework.’ on “Bridge visueel gehandicapten.” Another approach is to use http:// So until the next WCBC, let’s take www.home.hetnet.nl/~maco93/index.html and then click on “translation.” pride that the ACBL is home to the computer world championships. ♦ TryTry "Bridge"Bridge withwith Guidance"Guidance" Susan Freeman of Dayton, Ohio, where each describes what his or her encouraged to ask questions about any came up with a variation of the partner has “told them about the hand” facet of the play. After several sessions, methods “The Fifth Chair” has been after each bid. The players are allowed the boards are mixed to give the using online. Susan calls her program, to make corrections as they go along. players a chance to try several of the “Bridge with Guidance” and is using it Each session the players work on concepts. successfully at her club. If you would one technique or convention (e.g., Susan offers two sessions a week, like to try this with your students, transfers, negative doubles, weak twos) one in the day and one in the evening, here’s more information sent to us by using an average of eight hands which to allow people to become involved Judy Cotterman, who talked with Susan have been pre-duplicated. A brief when they can attend. There is a small recently in Dayton. overview is provided at the beginning fee to defray the cost of materials and Bridge with Guidance was designed of the session and specifics are equipment and to help encourage primarily to facilitate a safe and addressed during play. Information is commitment. comfortable environment in which new as basic or as specific as the players The reaction in Dayton has been and social bridge players can become need it to be. The participants are extremely enthusiastic and positive. acquainted with duplicate bridge The players have expressed conventions and improve and appreciation for the information strengthen their play. Susan also and the way it is provided. wanted to increase the number of Humor plays a big part in each bridge players at the center and to sell session and the gentleness ACBL memberships. and support from the guides The basic plan calls for a volunteer is key. “guide” (experienced player with a It takes a lot of volunteers to friendly manner and the ability to get sustain the program and so down to the basics) to sit at each table. Susan uses pre-registration The guide answers questions and makes in order to recruit the suggestions regarding bidding, play, and numbers she needs for defense while offering general information each session. If you are about the mechanics of play. Guides may looking for a project that observe or play at the table, depending your unit can use to get on the number of participants. more involved in building the Many of the guides have found that local bridge community, why not the players enjoy a basic exercise try Bridge with Guidance. ♦ 9 8 Q 9 7 5 3 2 6 A K J 4 A K 7 5 9 8 5 4 2 K J 5 3 — NAME CHANGE FOR THE 8 K 10 8 5 4 A J 9 8 K 5 4 BETTER BRIDGE K 7 K Q J 10 4 Q 7 5 Q 5 3 MAGAZINE Suppose you open each hand A while ago, when the ACBL with 1 and your partner bids purchased Better Bridge magazine from 3, a limit raise showing four- Audrey Grant, its founder, the agree- card support. Will you bid game ment called for only temporary use of with any of the above hands? THE the Better Bridge name. Marty’s advice is to bid game This is because Better Bridge, Inc. opposite a limit raise any time BRIDGE is the corporate name under which you have a singleton or void. Only the Audrey and her family have done last hand (ironically, the hand with TEACHER’S business for a long time. With Audrey’s the most HCP) should pass. full support, it has always been ACBL’s Another article gives this advice; BOOKSHELF intent to change the name to one that 2NT is NEVER a shutout bid. Now by Pat Harrington the organization could own and use there’s advice my students need to indefinitely. Here is the solution for every keep them from using 2NT as a denial ACBL is excited about the new bridge player on your holiday gift list. of partner’s suits. name of our magazine. Marty Bergen’s newest offering, Marty The book is full of good advice like Play Bridge is an upbeat and active Sez, a hardcover book with high quality this — concise tips which are name for the publication. The name is pages, is perfect for gift-giving. The highlighted in the text and are easy for in keeping with ACBL’s desire to package is more upscale but the style our students to remember. Marty Sez attract a wider audience and to grow is similar to his highly successful Points is a great source book for teachers its numbers. ACBL hopes to broaden Schmoints. I like the format of Marty Sez looking for ideas for a mini-lesson and, the organization’s appeal by taking even better with the one-page articles with the addition of lesson hands, it advantage of new technology and arranged by topic. Chapter subjects can serve as the basis of a course — or increasing the visibility of the wonder- include: hand evaluation, opener’s several courses. Teachers whose ful game of bridge. decisions, responder’s decisions, students purchased Points Schmoints The name change does not signify bidding notrump, slam bidding, know how popular Marty’s books are. any significant editorial change in the preempts, competitive bidding, This book is likely to break all sales magazine you have come to know and doubles, declarer play, and defense. records with your students. Yes, these are all topics that appear in — judging from the letters we receive — really love. most bridge books. The difference is Marty Sez is available for purchase Audrey, who has edited the maga- that Marty touches on aspects ignored from the ACBL. The regular price for zine since its founding in 1993 and in other books — advice that is often this hardcover book is $17.95 but since it became a part of ACBL in 1999, not even known by experienced there is a 10% member discount. will continue in that role. So invite bridge players. Order your copy now and don’t your friends to join in the fun with Here are four hands from the forget to order extras for gifts! ♦ article on limit raises: ACBL and Play Bridge! New Members and ACBL’s During the Las Vegas meeting this fall, the ACBL by Julie Greenberg Board of Directors will be looking Recruitment Program at replacing this program with one In January of 1997, the new upgraded club championship a nice that will bring greater rewards to the rebate schedule of $6 for first-time new perk for the players. And, when a club people who recruit large numbers of members and $6 for renewals went into official or a teacher recruits 25 new new members. It is our intention to effect. Since that time, ACBL has been members, that person receives a $50 gift continue to “thank” our smaller losing a considerable amount on money certificate to the ACBL store. recruiters with the ACBL gift certifi- on each first time new member. Even The $6 rebate program is not a cates and the upgraded club without the rebates, the cost of a first- successful program and it is very expen- championships. time ACBL membership is almost sive. It currently pays $6 per first-time If you have any double the discounted $16 fee. If a new member to the recruiter and $6 per year ideas for additional member rejoins for two or more years, when the new member renews (within the incentives for recruiting the investment begins to pay for grace period) for a second year. new members, please itself. But the truth of the matter is In 1996, the year before the new let us hear from you. that approximately 50% of the rebate schedule went into effect, 9,300 ACBL wants to work with people recruited as first year new members were recruited. In 1997, its teachers and club officials members do not sign up for a there was a slight increase in recruited to make our organization stronger. ♦ second year. members to 9,409 but the totals have ACBL is in a budget decreased considerably in the following Play in the Red, White and Blue crunch and must make some three years (1998 – 8,410 new members; changes to ensure the financial 1999 – 7,549 new members, 2000 – 7,645 Bridge Bash Charity Games stability of our organization. In new members). on December 10 and 15. 2002, first time memberships will After examining the number of be discounted 25% rather than 50% new people recruited during the last and will be offered at $24. At this five years, it appears that the rebate The BRIDGE price, ACBL will still lose money on program has not had an impact on the TEACHER first time members — but not as bottom line nor has it served as an much. additional financial incentive. It seems At the present time, ACBL en- that teachers focus on getting their courages the recruitment of new financial reward from students who members through two incentive continue to take lessons and club American Contract Bridge League programs. Both are effective officials from newcomers who play in 2990 Airways Blvd. • Memphis TN 38116 and financially feasible. club games. The current rebate program EDITOR: Julie T. Greenberg Each time a club is costing ACBL an average of $50,000 a PRODUCTION recruits 10 new mem- year — a lot of money for a program that Dana Norton & Latrescia Goss bers, it receives an isn’t showing positive results.