Big duplicate bridge tourney returning
Golf rules in Bella Vista — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for other activities. Bridge is a natural compliment to golf. One is played outside, the other inside; one is you and the course, the other is you and your partner. Golf emphasizes motor skills, which bridge emphasizes thinking and reasoning.
We are fortunate that BOTH can be played in Bella Vista and that BOTH can be played for a lifetime.
Golf and bridge both hold tournaments. Golf tournaments in Northwest Arkansas are big news — everyone is aware of them.
Bridge tournaments in Northwest Arkansas? Hardly anyone notices. However, behind the scenes, things are changing. For example, did you know that this is the fifth year in a row that the Bella Vista Duplicate Bridge Club is holding a tournament? This year’s tournament, the Northwest Arkansas I/N Regional, Sectional Bridge Tournament, will be held Aug. 1921 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista. Players come here from all four neighboring states and it has become one of the most popular bridge events in the area.
Dee Scott and Bill Remington, Life Masters from Emporia, Kan., have made it a special point to attend this tournament “because people are very friendly and very accepting no matter what your level of bridge.” That’s one of the great things about the Bella Vsita Tournament — it’s not just for the experts.
The Bella Vista DBC is one of several duplicate bridge clubs serving Northwest Arkansas, but they are the only club hosting an annual bridge tournament. Attracting bridge newcomers, intermediates and novices to their weekly games, held at 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Riordan Hall, is one of their main goals. No matter your skill level, you will find that acceptance and tolerance are observed by club regulars. That theme will also be emphasized at the tournament by offering a special 0-750 Non-Life Master game where emerging players can earn red and gold master points. Normally offered only at regional or national bridge tournaments, club manager Len Fettig, received permission from the ACBL (the national federation which oversees bridge in the USA) to award red and gold points at Bella Vista. Fettig’s vision is to grow the club by promoting duplicate bridge for everyone.
Information about the Bella Vista I/N Regional-Sectional is available on the Internet using this shortened link: bit.ly/2aaypWi. Once there you will be able to download a copy of the tournament flier, lodging suggestions, instructions on how to get to the playing site, information on local attractions, and a little bit of information on Bella Vista itself. All players are encouraged to pre-reg- ister by going to nwa. bridge@gmail.com. You are requested to provide your name and the names of all your teammates as well as the location where your group will be staying. The deadline for pre-registration is Aug. 10. To be eligible for door prizes, you MUST pre-register.
Bridge players like their stomachs — and the folks at Bella Vista aim to please. Napoleon once said that “an army marches on its stomach.” So do bridge players. Barb Francis, Food and Hospitality chair, has been running this part of the tournament for many years. She could tell you, right off the top of her head, how many dozen cookies were bought for last year’s tournament or predict how many coffee cups will be needed for this year’s tournament She promises to not shortchange players on food and she is responsible for a good part of your caloric intake during the tournament.
Francis’ plans include pizza Friday afternoon, provided by Gusano’s. In addition, Papa Mikes is providing a buffet meal on Saturday after the afternoon session. Subway sandwiches will be served on Sunday. Side tables loaded with strawberries, grapes, bananas and veggies will be available throughout the tournament. Water, coffee, and tea will also be available.
Francis has made a special request that community members help out if they can. “We are all promoting Bella Vista,” she said. “Any food donations you can make would be greatly appreciated.”
This tournament offers everyone who attends a weekend of fun and excitement. The BV DBC looks forward to the challenge of providing new and veteran players alike a welcoming, friendly, yet competitive weekend of bridge. Their hope is that everyone attending will remember the tournament fondly and put it back on their calendars for 2017.