January Newsletter 2011
                           Fort Dodge Duplicate Bridge



     The December Christmas party/local charity game was a festive and happy
event.  The fellowship of the evening was enhanced by the compatible randomly
drawn partnerships.  Thank you goes to all who brought the abundant food and
treats and who contributed so generously to our local charity.  Close to $150
will be given to the Senior Center.  As a tax preparer, I can advise that you
can deduct as a charitable contribution your donation, if you itemize your
deductions.

     We need to remind that there will be beginning bridge lessons starting
Tuesday, January 18, if there are at least 4 students.  The lessons will
continue for 8 consecutive weeks, with a 7:00 p.m. start time.  If you know
of any family member or friend who would be interested in learning bridge,
let a club director know.

     Congratulations go to Rich Bailie who won the most masterpoints for the
entire 2010 year.  Kudos to Bernard McCarville and James Chesnutt who were
first and second in the masterpoint race for the year in the 199er and novice
categories.

     It was good to have Mandie Barkley back playing bridge with her grand-
father, Bernard McCarville, over the Christmas holidays.  It should be noted
also that they placed in the competition on a Wednesday afternoon.

     There will not be any special games in January of the new year.  Our
usual games on Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday afternoon, and Friday
night will all be held.  If you have an itch for special bridge games, you
could attend a sectional tournament in Des Moines (Clive) at the Bridge
Center, January 6-9.

     There was a good article on finesses in the December edition of the
ACBL Bridge Bulletin on page 39.  Most of us are familiar with the finesse of
the king through an ace-queen holding, but there are many, many other finesse
possibilities available through different card holdings in the dummy and
declarer hands.  The article is in the Teacher's Notes section of the Bulletin.

     There will be a board of director's meeting on Friday, January 14 at
5:15 p.m. at the Senior Center before the regular Friday night game.  Planning
for the yearly Fort Dodge Sectional Tournament will be a major topic on the
agenda.  All members are most welcome to attend and participate.

     Happy New Year to you all, and here's hoping all your finesses work; well,
if not all, let's hope for most.