March 19, 2007 by Donald.

The recent NABC in St. Louis has ended, so time for a few personal observations.

A number of my friends didn’t come to this tournament, as they thought it wouldn’t be worth the effort. They were wrong. St. Louis was a sleeper, much like Denver in 2005. The host hotel was a fine venue for the NABC events, and the America’s Center turned out to be much better than almost any convention center type of facility. The playing area there was attractive, well lit (well, almost everywhere), and comfortable. It was a quick and easy jaunt across the street from the Renaissance.

Downtown St. Louis is in the middle of a rebuilding period, but there were still plenty of restaurants within a short walk or cab ride. If you didn’t get your fill of Italian food, you weren’t looking. Riverfront casinos got a lot of late-night business from our bridge players; I even heard of some that came back with more money than when they walked in. If the development around the America’s Center takes hold, it will be a prime location for future NABC’s.

We’ll be back to “middle America” this summer as we hold our Summer NABC in Nashville.

Above all, the tournament gave me the opportunity to meet old friends again, and to make new ones. It’s not all about the masterpoints.

Posted in Tournaments, Travel | 2 Comments »

February 19, 2007 by Donald.

The Seattle Sweetheart sectional just ended and I was very encouraged by the attendance in the 199′er event. There was an over 75% increase in the number of tables in those events. These players are the future of our league and our game, and it was great to see the interest they have in our tournaments. One partnership had a total of 4 masterpoints between them, yet they wanted to venture out to a new world.

Whenever you get the chance, encourage newer players to step up from just club play to our sectionals and regionals. With proper care, they will enjoy the experience and be back for more.

Posted in Tournaments | 1 Comment »

February 15, 2007 by Donald.

The St. Louis NABC will be my first as District Director, and will have a number of important issues before the BoD. One of my commitments is to keep an active communication with the units and members of District 19. On my District Director website, I have links to the BoD Journal, as well as my latest newsletter. There is also an online poll, where you can give me your opinions on the motions that will be decided at the meeting. You can find my website at www.d19director.net.

On a side note for our Canadian members — there are new restrictions and regulations regarding air travel into the USA. Since January 23rd, a passport is now required for all air travel into the USA from Canada. Birth certificates and other documents are no longer valid. So be sure your travel documents are in order.

I personally recommend a passport for all of our members who will be crossing the border, even by car. I’ve found that it eases the process and provides for positive identification. Though there is an initial cost, over the life of the passport you will find it to be a worthwhile investment. And if you ever need to cross the border by air, a necessary one.

Posted in Tournaments, Travel | 2 Comments »