Neil has written his 4^th bridge book, Winning Bridge Strategies. Here is a brief description of its content, in his own words:

My goal is to address some esoteric and difficult-to-teach expert bridge practices, such as table feel, drawing inferences, and other difficult-to-learn strategies. Most of these cannot be found in other bridge literature.

Part I considers Indirect Strategies, which you may apply at the table, but many of them also come into play at other times.

·      Getting ready.

·      Partnership Care.

·      At the Table.

·      Away from the Table.

·      Learning.

Part II focuses on direct strategies. These are strategies for bidding in general as well as slam bidding. Slam bidding gets its own chapter. First, I believe this is an area where partnerships have the lowest percentage of success. Combine this with the fact that slam swings usually result in a 10-14-IMP difference, and it is obvious that improving the number of slams you make will directly improve your winning percentage. I can’t promise that every reader will become an expert or world-class player. However, the strategies that follow are ones that are extremely important tools to have in your bridge toolkit and, if put to effective use, will definitely make a positive difference in your game. Here are the direct strategies covered:

·      Hand Evaluation.

·      Visualizing Partner’s hand.

·      Changing Bidding Priorities.

·      Two bids and a double (TBAD).

·      Deception in bidding.

·      Do not bid situations.

·      Penalizing.

·      Preempting and bidding over preempts.

·      Slam bidding.

This is an advanced bridge book. However all players can benefit from Indirect Strategies right away, and apply the Direct Strategies over time.

Neil is taking pre orders for anyone who wishes to buy a copy. These will be available in early August, for a purchase price of $20. Please contact Neil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if interested.

Our clubs will be hosting additional NAP qualifier games in July and August. All qualifier games offer 50% red points and 50% black. Clubs will be using stratification limits of Unlimited/6000/3000/NLM 750. Strats are based on the player with the most masterpoints, NOT the pair average. Players who qualify will be eligible to compete in the District 2 final. You do not need to be an ACBL member to play in the club qualifier, but you do need to be a current ACBL member to advance to the next stage.

Bridge Manitoba will be fully subsidizing the extra card fees incurred for running these games, so the cost to our members will be the same as always. July and August dates for our qualifier games are listed below. Start lining up your partners now!

Monday, July 13 @ 12:00 - Kirkfield Westwood
Thursday, July 16 @ 12:15 - Lorraine's BC (Soul Sanctuary)
Wednesday, July 22 @ 12:15 - Bridge Manitoba (Soul Sanctuary)
Wednesday, August 12 @ 12:15 - Bridge Manitoba (Soul Sanctuary)
Thursday, August 20 @ 12:15 - Lorraine's BC (Soul Sanctuary)
Monday, August 24 @ 12:00 - Kirkfield Westwood

For more information on the North American Pairs, click here.

Congratulations to Marielle Brentnall and her team for placing first in the National Women Team competition at the CNTC's in June! Marielle and teammates Sondra Blank (Quebec), Susan Culham (Alberta), and Brenda Bryant (Ontario) scored a landslide victory of 158-68 against runner-up team Connell. Her team will continue on to compete in the World's in Poland next month, along with two additional teammates Yimeo Cao and Jingyuan Gong. The date of the event is August 27, and those interested can view results on the World Bridge Federation website.

Well done Marielle, and best of luck to Team Canada in the World's!

Please note that beginning June 3rd, the start time for the Wednesday evening team game will now be 7 p.m. instead of 7:15.