[vuroth]

A few weeks ago, after 6 years away from the club, I attended the Erin Berry Rookie/Master game.

I was fortunate to be paired with an outstanding Master partner. Thanks to her brilliance and a little bit of good luck, we were able to play a 73% game, good for first place in Canada.

While I'm fully aware that winning a rookie/master game is a far cry from winning a competetive tournament, this may be the closest I get to winning a national event (for now, anyways )

If anyone out there has never played in a rookie/master event, I definitely recommend that you give it a try. From the rookie side, the masters are all extremely friendly and patient, and seeing their abilities at counting, deduction, and remembering the card play is impressive.

Warren

[P_Marlowe]

Congratulation.

Bridge is a partnership game, which gets quite often forgotten,
so while it may certainly be true, that your partner contributed
more to the win than you, you contributed your share as well,
maybe just by staying out of her way.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[helene_t]

Well done, Warren!

[Codo]

Chapeau Warren, to win a nation wide tournement is an outstanding success.

You have any reason to be proud.

Of course you need much luck for such a win- but even more you need good skills- which you and your partner obviously had. Both on their own level.

[JoAnneM]

Congratulations! I have never heard of this type of game outside of the club level and it sounds very interesting. If you have time could you tell a little bit about how it is organized, setup, etc?

Thanks, Jo Anne

[kfay]

Congrats, Warren.

This is a special tournament to win. Every time I hear the story of Erin Berry it makes me very sad. To play in the tournament dedicated to her and win it is really a great honor.

[vuroth]

kfay, on Nov 19 2008, 01:23 PM, said:

This is a special tournament to win.  Every time I hear the story of Erin Berry it makes me very sad.  To play in the tournament dedicated to her and win it is really a great honor.

It was even more special in that Erin Berry's mother Carole was present, at the club where I played. There was a photo album out dedicated to Erin.

Apparently Carole Berry is a former national winner of the event, which is very cool.

JoAnneM said:

Congratulations! I have never heard of this type of game outside of the club level and it sounds very interesting. If you have time could you tell a little bit about how it is organized, setup, etc?

Not too sure what to say. The game is played in clubs, with pre-dealt hands. Hand analysis was provided after the game. Masters always sat North and East.

Unlike instant matchpoint games, the matchpoint score is only given against your club or section. The listing given is the top localized matchpoint scores across Canada.

V

[G_R__E_G]

More information can be found here on the CBF web site.

Erin Berry

[rogerclee]

Great job, vuroth, but I can't say I'm surprised!

[cherdano]

You need to start looking for a rookie so you can play again next year.

[jillybean]

Very well done Warren, congratulations!

[vuroth]

cherdano, on Nov 19 2008, 06:25 PM, said:

You need to start looking for a rookie so you can play again next year.

Given how outstandingly kind the masters I've seen have been in the 2 R/M games I've played, I only hope I can someday play on the other side, and return the favour.

Plus, I absolutely aspire to be world class, someday.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

W

[gwnn]

kudos! Now go and change your signature!

[HeavyDluxe]

Wow... my first day back on the forums after months away and I see this!

Way to go, Warren! Congratulations.

[ggwhiz]

Way to go Warren!

That is first out of 589 pairs Canada wide and keeps the streak going.

Carole Berry (glamma on BBO) is Erins mother and my regular pard. She won it (598 pairs) last year playing with Lyse Seguin. Second year in a row for National Champs out of the same club and your partner Jean is a longstanding family friend who knew Erin well. Must be fate cause Canada ain't that small!

I'm so pleased with your comments on the experts behavior. We had a couple of past and present National Champions playing who remember how and why we play this game. If promoted right, the ACBL might consider the format too.

The CBF links are broken so I've re-posted the article from last year at www.bridgexperts.com/ERIN_BERRY.htm

[ggwhiz]

Just broke my own link. It's now www.bridgexperts.com/ERIN_BERRY.htm

[vuroth]

ggwhiz, on Nov 24 2008, 06:37 PM, said:

Just broke my own link. It's now www.bridgexperts.com/ERIN_BERRY.htm

Thanks for the link!