Newsletter
28th December 2025

This has been a very challenging month and start to my role as President of the Club. I never shy away from a challenge, and many hours have been involved in planning the efficient running of the committee and the Club. If I have missed something, please accept my apologies and send me a little reminder, and hopefully it can be attended to or resolved.
The tragic events of Sunday the 14th of December claimed the life of one of our bridge family, Marika Pogany, who tragically lost her life at Bondi Beach. It was only a few weeks earlier that Marika and a dozen of us put on fancy outfits and our special hats for a Melbourne Cup Day at our new sister club, Wollstonecraft. I shall be creating a new award / trophy at the end of the year in honour of Marika, so her name and legacy lives on in the Bridge world.
The CEO of the Easts Group Mr Joe Kelly and the General Manager Brett Crastin were present on Monday the 15th and stood by my side while we had prayers and a minute’s silence. I thank Joe and Brett for their support and thank them for providing an open bar after our bridge session.
New beginner’s lessons are organised for Tuesday, February 10th from 1-3pm,for a 6 week period, being $80 or $60 for Seniors. I would like to see every member make the effort to ask or invite at least one friend or family member to attend the classes. Every member that recommends someone who completes the course shall receive a free game.
General Housekeeping
At the conclusion of every session, I’d like to ask ALL MEMBERS to assist in cleaning up, so if you had a coffee, hot chocolate, or water, please put your empty cup and rubbish in the bin (and also please assist in packing up on Wednesday the stools and tablecloths). Many hands make light work. (I note that at Randwick/Maroubra Bridge Club, everyone helps and so should all of you, do the same).
We have recently set up 2 separate WhatsApp Groups: -
Matchmaking App – I’d like to see all members use the matchmaking app for finding partners. The old system shall only be available for those that don’t have computers. The committee strongly believes you either join the WhatsApp group to find a partner, or you find your own partner.
The Social App – this will be used for all messages, notifications and parties. The committee believes that everyone should be on the App, if you choose not to, you may miss out on some important information.
We shall be purchasing new noticeboards so please keep an eye out for important information if you choose not to be on the Apps.
If you wish to be added to the Apps please let me or Trevor know.
Trevor and I met with Easts Operations Manager and some of the items discussed are as follows: -
• The Men’s and Ladies toilets shall be cleaned more regularly, so if you notice any problems with cleanliness, soap, paper towels, loose seats, etc, please see Trevor or Sonia.
• We are negotiating with Easts for bridge on Thursdays, Friday, and also night sessions so watch this space.
• Anyone interested in hot food after bridge can go down the escalators near Bondi room and purchase food from the gaming bar.
• No outside food purchased from another venue is permitted to be brought into or eaten in the Club. Homemade sandwiches are the only exception. We have been told by the club to enforce this, so please respect their wishes.
The suggestion box is being closely monitored by the committee and already some of the suggestions have been attended to (Thanks Elizabeth for your suggestions).
Mentoring:
The Committee is currently working on developing a Mentoring Program for the Tuesday supervised players.
In the meantime, starting 1st January, any current mentors (players with over 100 masterpoints) can only mentor a player on Tuesdays for 3 consecutive weeks during a calendar year. They can then move on to helping someone else on a Tuesday. There is no restriction on mentoring on a Monday or Wednesday. Anyone with over 100 masterpoints can only play on a Tuesday if mentoring. This is to ensure fair play and distribution of masterpoints. Mentors are not allowed to call out and ask for advice from the Director. If they have a question, they should make a note and ask the Director after the session. This is to reduce the workload of the Tuesday Directors.
Behaviour & Discipline
As noted in my previous newsletter, we want to establish a friendly and happy environment. If you have a disagreement, dispute, query, question or noise complaint, you must calmly place your hand up and call the director, the director’s decision is final and no arguing with the director.
Please note, any disturbances shall be recorded, and the clubs discipline policy shall be enforced.
Table Money
The Committee has decided to keep the table money at $10/ session.
From 1st January 2026 visitors shall be required to pay $15/ session.
New Trophies & Shields
I wish to thank Max Kromp and Lis Moller who have both graciously donated money for new trophies. If anyone else would like to contribute to this and have possible naming rights, please come see me. What a great way to give back to a club we all love.
I’d like to congratulate our director Nick and our former President Ted who both celebrated birthdays recently.
Every newsletter I’ll try to highlight and tell someone’s Bridge Story.
This month it’s our youngest and new committee member, Sonia On Show. Sonia and her 2 little Elves (AJ and Ayla) did an amazing job in organising all the Christmas presents and decorations. On behalf of the committee, I thank you for a job well done.
Here is her letter, she wrote which she wanted to read out at the AGM.
“Why do I want to be part of the committee?
The answer is closely related to why I play bridge in the first place. I play bridge in memory of my dad, sadly he passed away in an accident 5 years ago at the young age of 63. That was probably the hardest thing that life has thrown at me so far. Dad loved playing bridge, I remember him going out to play when I was a little girl. “What a boring looking game “I thought to myself back then. Last year in March, i saw an ad for Nicks beginners’ lessons, I somehow felt compelled to join.
It has been almost 2 years now, and how my life has changed. Being part of the Easts bridge club has brought me so much in terms of happiness, laughter, friendships and to mention the recurring sore belly from the stress of the game. Most of all, playing bridge helps me feel closer to Dad. I Love the game, I love the community and I would love for others to feel welcome like I did when I joined, and to experience this wonderful game.
I believe the new committee will do a fantastic job next year and bring about new ideas. I would like to encourage weekend games, evening games, maybe even in house friendly competitions. I would also love to see younger players join our community as our more experienced players will be able to share their wealth of knowledge and experience.
I would feel most privileged to be able to contribute my share so that the Easts bridge club will continue to thrive”.
I would like to wish everybody a safe and happy New Year
Best Regards
Terry Simmons
President -Easts Bridge Club

Welcome to our new year, there shall be many changes in 2026.
I look forward to working with our new committee, and I’ll be putting forward lots of new ideas. I also thank Ted and all the members of the outgoing committee for the work they put in over the past year, and for making the transition an easy one.
My mission as your new President is to make everybody leave with a smile, if not, I want to know why. Remember we play bridge socially to have fun, we don’t play for the crown jewels and certainly NOT for a $1 million dollar prize money, however we will be playing for some new prizes, giveaways and more trophies and categories in the year ahead.
Something I shall be enforcing, will be respect for the directors, if anyone has a dispute or a query, simply and quietly place your hand up and call the director. Then one of our friendly directors will resolve the dispute and you move on, NO arguing, their ruling is final. If you disagree, simply keep quiet, don’t make a scene, and ask after the session for the director to fully explain their ruling and if still not happy, you can apply for an appeal to the committee.
If you have a birthday coming up, we’re doing something different this year. Those that are noughty or naughty ( 50,60,70,80,90,100) and older a small celebration shall be planned for you.
Those that are not noughty, and celebrating a general birthday, will receive a special gift of some sort. Anyone who has already celebrated a birthday since our AGM date will also be recognised.
If anyone has any recommendations, grievances, disputes or a friendly recommendation please place your thoughts in the suggestion box. All suggestions will be tabled by our secretary and presented to our meetings for discussion and consideration. If it’s not anonymous we shall give you a formal reply as to the committee’s recommendation.
I am looking into the feasibility of a whole new user-friendly website along with a new logo, which shall be standardised over all Policy manuals, constitution, stationary, merchandise and emails.
This festive season we shall be celebrating Christmas in the true Australian way, with lots of Christmas decorations and festivities. Fun surprises are currently being planned for our bridge days, leading up to Christmas (Monday 22nd ,Tuesday 23rd , and Wednesday 24th ) by our already active, energetic, and new committee members Elaine, Max and Sonia.
If you know of anyone who is suffering due to ill health, sadness or any reason whatsoever, please privately contact either Trevor or myself and we’ll ensure our bridge community comes together to help those that need us the most.
I asked Trevor to say a few words and introduce himself for those that don’t know his background.
I wish everybody in advance a very Merry Christmas and may Santa bring everyone lots of happiness for your year ahead.
Terry Simmons – President

Hello Fellow Slam Lovers!
Only a month or so into spring and it already feels like summer! Happy New Year to our Jewish members. October sees our State Open Pairs qualifying sessions and next month our AGM including election of our 2026 committee. Our three weekly sessions’ table numbers are strong. If you haven’t been for a while, please come and encourage your friends too.
What’s Coming up
Wed 8, 15, 22 Oct – State Open Pairs qualifier sessions (best 2 scores)
Fri 31 Oct - Membership renewal fees due
Tue 4 Nov – Melbourne Cup – No Bridge session at Easts
Wed 12 Nov - Weekly Intermediate Mini Lessons with Nick start at 10.30am
Wed 26 Nov – AGM at 4.00 pm and Big End of Year Party after.
State Open Pairs
The qualifier sessions are being played on three Wednesdays, 8, 15 and 22 October.
We will take the best two scores to decide the winners.
The top two pairs will win free entry to represent our club at the State Final at Sydney Bridge Centre, Goulburn Street on the weekend of 1 and 2 November.
Come and play even if you are not a regular Wednesday player.
Intermediate Mini Lessons
Our chief director and popular Bridge teacher, Nick Hughes will start an ongoing weekly series of intermediate mini lessons on Wednesday 12 November, 10.30 am – 11.30 am. $10 per player. The focus will be on card play. Some theory on screen, then four play hands with printed notes. You can have lunch after and then play in the Wednesday afternoon game at 1pm for half- price - $5. No need to book. Members and visitors, all welcome!
Membership Renewal Fees
Our membership renewal fees fall due at the end of this month. Despite increases in
affiliation fees and expenses, we are pleased to keep our 2026 membership fees at $60.
Likewise, our table money will remain at a very low $10 for members. Our fully-catered free parties (5 this year, plus pizza parties) at $40 cost per head each, mean that you have more than covered your annual membership fee by attending 2 parties! Renewal forms completed with your details last year will be emailed to all members shortly. We encourage members to pay their membership fee by internet banking to avoid unnecessary administration. Our bank account details with instructions for payment will be on the form. Of course, you must be a financial member to attend and vote at the AGM and the party after.
Melbourne Cup
There will be no bridge at Easts on Tuesday 4 November. Instead, you might want to travel to Wollstonecraft Bridge Club for their catered Cup event. Bridge starts at 10.30 am with sweeps, TV, hat parade! $50 includes lunch. Phone 9436 2191 to book.
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 26 November at 4.00 pm after our regular session. We encourage all financial members to attend, including Monday afternoon and night players and Tuesday players. Formal notice, agenda, last year’s AGM minutes and nomination forms for election to the committee will be sent to members shortly. Members from beginners to long-term players are encouraged to consider nominating for election to the committee. If you need any further encouragement to attend, we will have our huge End of Year Party begin immediately after the AGM, with special culinary delights, drinks and a great atmosphere! A change to previous practice is that members can now bring a guest to our parties by pre-payment of $40 (catering cost per head including drink). RSVP is compulsory.
Beginner’s Course Graduation Pizza Party
We had a Pizza Party in the Bistro on 23 September to celebrate the graduation of our latest beginner’s class. We welcome our last class of 2025 as fully-fledged members and look forward to welcoming them to our regular Tuesday supervised sessions and all club functions.
Name Badges
We have re-introduced attractive new magnetic name badges for all members who have played in the last 4 months. Thanks go to Committee member Terry Simmons who designed and organised the badges. The badges are not to be taken home but left on the whiteboard at the front after each session (to avoid loss or being left at home). Badges should be placed in first-name alpha order, A-K on one side and L-Z on the other (for Monday and Wednesday sessions). Please let the director know if you need a badge or if you lose the magnet or badge.
September Winners (free games)
Congratulations to the monthly winners below. Special congratulations to our Tuesday mother and son winning partnership!
Monday - Jeff Zhang & Hao Tang - 66.8 %
Tuesday - Ann Bernfield & Harry Bernfield - 65.47 %
Wednesday - Brian Bedkober & Theo Mangos - 65.1 %
Player of the Month (from top 6 scores with 2+ partners)
Theo Mangos - 65 %
Most Improved rating - Toni Paramore +1.24.
Using our Website
Here is a link to our web page https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/ If you just want to go straight to results, here’s that link:
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/bridge/au2065/all-results-index
On the Results webpage, you can replay any of the hands for each session and you are guided how to play and make the optimum contract, card by card: You can go into each hand to see which contracts were makeable, see the results for other tables and even replay a hand, with guidance on making the optimum contract. Just click on the Replay and Analyze link at the bottom of the details for the particular board.
Courtesy and Kindness in our great 25+ Year Club
We are a friendly, welcoming community club which has been thriving for over 25 years, now with about 200 members. Your committee of volunteers works very hard behind the scenes to make our club welcoming and enjoyable, also with a competitive Bridge experience. We have excellent table numbers with an average of at least 50 players each session, which shows that people enjoy playing at our club. We also have many visitors play with us, many of whom have become members. Please continue to be courteous and kind to your fellow members and visitors to continue our club’s long and proud tradition. Most importantly, please remember: we are all here to enjoy ourselves, playing the greatest game there is, with people we like! How lucky are we?
Suggestion Box
The Suggestion Box is available at all our sessions. Please let us have your suggestions, all of which we consider. Enjoy the spring weather and I look forward to another great month of competitive Bridge at Easts and to see you (enjoying yourself) at the Bridge table!
Warm regards
Ted Popper
President

September News
Hello Fellow Spring Lovers!
Welcome to spring, past the soaking, cold winter with warming weather heading to summer.
I’m happy to be back from my holiday in Europe and thank our wonderful committee and directors for keeping the club’s wheels turning so efficiently during my absence. Special thanks to Terry Maunsell who organises and runs our many great parties, while also being our very successful club treasurer and Theo Mangos as our tireless matchmaker. Also thanks to Nick Hughes for being bulletin editor in my absence.
By all accounts, the Christmas in July party was much enjoyed by all. I am sorry I missed it! We are planning a similar format for our final party for 2025 immediately after the AGM.

What’s Coming up
Tue 23 Sep – Beginner’s Course Graduation Pizza Party (All members welcome)
Wed 26 Nov – AGM and Big End of Year Party after.

Name Badges
Committee member Terry Simmons has organised new name badges for all members, which will be available soon. Stay tuned.

Some Exciting News!
Intermediate Lessons
At our recent committee meeting, it was decided to introduce weekly intermediate lessons by our chief director and popular Bridge teacher, Nick Hughes. The 1-hour lesson will be on Wednesdays at 11 am covering bidding or card play and then playing 4 boards to practise and reinforce the lesson. The cost will be $10 and those who stay to play in our regular Wednesday 1 pm duplicate session will pay only $5 table money for the session (half price). Those coming for the lesson then playing at 1 pm can have lunch in between.
The intermediate lessons will begin in November.
Bridge Rules and Protocols from our Chief Director, Nick Hughes
Some Dos and Don’ts

Don’t start a new board after the 3 minute warning on the clock.
The director will award No Score ( = the average of your scores on the other boards)
Don’t start the card play after the final bell (“No dummy, No play”)
(If dummy isn’t on the table, the director will award an adjusted score on completion of the auction.)
Don’t touch another player’s cards!

Don’t turn your card to a “quitted trick” face up.
(However, if you are yet to turn your card face down, you can require all the other
players to turn their cards to that trick face up.)
If the cards to the last trick are all face down, you can’t peek at your card.
At the end of play, leave your cards as they are until all four players agree to the
number of tricks won.

When you call the director, raise your hand to help the director find your table.

Compulsory Bidding Protocols
When your partner opens 1NT, state the high card points range (typically 15-17)
When your partner opens 1C, say “2+” or “3+” according to your agreed methods.

Leave the bids on the table until the opening lead is played.

For the person entering scores on the Bridgemate
Enter the contract and lead as soon as you can. Don’t wait till play is over.
However, if you are the opening leader, make your lead before using the Bridgemate (or writing on your personal scoresheet)
Likewise if you are dummy, spread your hand when the lead is made, before using the Bridgemate.

When the hand is over, pass the unit to East to press [Accept]. East should check that the details are correct.

Courtesy and Kindness in our great 25+ year Club
We are a friendly, welcoming community club which has been thriving for over 25 years, now with about 200 members. Your committee of volunteers works very hard behind the scenes to make our club welcoming and enjoyable, also with a competitive Bridge experience.
We have excellent table numbers with an average of at least 50 players each session, which shows that people enjoy playing at our club. We also have many visitors play with us, many of whom have become members.
Please continue to be courteous and kind to your fellow members and visitors to continue our club’s long and proud tradition.
Most importantly, please remember: we are all here to enjoy ourselves, playing the greatest game there is, with people we like! How lucky are we?

August Winners (free games)
Congratulations to the monthly winners below. Due to a technical issue, we do not have ratings improvements for August.
Monday
Dianne Mullin & Kitty Gottlieb - 60.7 %
Tuesday
Pat Mithieux & Gaby Paroz - 64.8 %
Wednesday
Jeff Zhang & Hao Tang - 65.4 %.
Player of the Month (from top 6 scores with 2+ partners)
Theo Mangos - 64 %.

Using our Website
Here is a link to our web page https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/
If you just want to go straight to results, here’s that link:
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/bridge/au2065/all-results-index

On the Results webpage, you can replay any of the hands for each session and you are guided how to play and make the optimum contract, card by card:
You can go into each hand to see which contracts were makeable, see the results for other tables and even replay a hand, with guidance on making the optimum contract. Just click on the Replay and Analyze link at the bottom of the details for the particular board.

Suggestion Box
The Suggestion Box is available at all our sessions. Please let us have your suggestions, all of which we consider.

Enjoy the spring weather and I look forward to another cracker month of bridge at Easts and to see you (enjoying yourself) at the bridge table!
Warm regards

Ted Popper
President

August Beginner classes
The next set of beginner classes start Tuesday 19 August at 1pm. 6 weeks for $60.
It’s our last series of the year so please tell your friends and relatives!

GNOT
On Wednesday in June we ran a Gold Point event to decide our team for the Sydney final of the Grand National Open Teams.
Winners were
Theo Mangos – Subhash Gupta, Chris Hamam – Lalita Gupta
(Subhash is not a member but we specify 3 of the 4 need to be Easts members)

Percentages on Bridgemates
The bridgemates only show current percentage scores for NS & EW, so ignore them in the early rounds.
The 50% you see in Round 1 is obviously meaningless. In fact your scores on each of those boards can conceivably end up as 100% or 0%.
In Round 2, your score will likely read 100% or 0%. (If it’s 50%, that means you exactly duplicated the score of the other pair, who played that board in round 1). As those boards are played at other tables, you 100% or 0% will move a bit closer to average.
It’s only towards the end of the session that the percentage you see will reflect your likely final score on the board.
In the last round, if you see 56%, that is the exact final percentage you will receive on that board.

From the suggestion box
The Committee is considering these suggestions:
a. A 6 week improvers’ course. (Possible on Wednesday mornings)
b. Sections A & B so beginners are not intimidated
c. Display results on screen at end of session not during play as it's too distracting.
d. Request for full results to be reinstated

Name Tags!
These are in train. Expect them in the next month or two.

June winners (free games)
Monday
Beverley Griffiths & Eva Copeland 60.37 %

Tuesday
Jeff Zhang & Hao Tang 66.93 %

Wednesday
Kamala Valliappan & Hiliary Spilkin 65.43 %

Player of the Month (from top 6 scores with 2+ partners)
Theo MANGOS 65%

Most Improved Rating
Heather Cameron + 0.67

Hello Fellow Egg Lovers!
Welcome to April with Jewish Passover and Easter celebrations together with
commemorating Anzac Day. Greetings to all those celebrating the festivals and the
holidays.
* Our regular Bridge sessions will continue as usual during the holiday period.

Welcome to our Beginner’s Class Graduates!
We celebrated the graduation of our latest beginner’s class. I had the pleasure to meet them
at our Pizza Party last month. A lovely (large) group of keen players whom we welcome
warmly to our club.

State Mixed Pairs Final
The top three pairs in the Monday qualifying rounds held last month are heading to the State
final next month, representing and sponsored by our club.
We congratulate Kerry Hill & Roman Naiman, Margit Short & Lester Tsang and Agi Herman
& Allen Rosenberg. We wish them all the very best in the Final!

Upcoming Events – Put these dates in your diary!
Our Club Championship (with Red Points) will be played on Wednesdays 7, 14 & 21 May,
with a fully-catered Party to celebrate after play on 21 May at 4pm. If you have not got a
regular partner, why not find one, either on our WhatsApp Matchmaking Group or through
our talented Matchmaker, Theo.
Also, if you don’t normally play on Wednesdays, why not think about playing in the Club
Championship and all members are most welcome at the Party, regardless of whether you
are a Wednesday player (subject to RSVP in time).
Australia Wide Novice Pairs will be played on Tuesday 27 May at 12.45pm. All players
with under 100 masterpoints are eligible to play. More details in next month’s Bulletin.

March Winners
Congratulations to the monthly winners below!

Player of the Month (average of best 5 scores)
1 Pat WALKER 63%
2 Roman NAIMAN 63%
3 Allen ROSENBERG 62%

Monday Mixed Pairs (best 2 of 3)
1 Kerry Hill & Roman Naiman 68.0%
2 Margit Short & Lester Tsang 62.3%
3 Agi Herman & Allen Rosenberg 62.1%
(These three pairs to represent Easts at the State final in May)

Tuesday
1 David & Riva Taitz 65.2%

Wednesday
1 Agi Stanley & Paul Larby 60.87%

Most improved Rating
1 Trevor Stafford +2.06
2 Tamara Pollak +1.38
3 Terry Simmons +1.35

Bridgemate Result Display
In February, we introduced a couple of changes on a trial basis to make play and movement
between rounds quicker. Players quickly adjusted to the new procedure for the bidding
boxes to remain on the starting table for the whole session.

Over the last two months we gathered player feedback regarding the change to Bridgemates
showing only the percentages for each side, rather than the results of other players. This
culminated in an anonymous survey sent to all players during February and March.
The result after considering all feedback including the survey, was that there was no majority
in favour of changing back to showing full results.
Taking into account your feedback, the Committee has decided that the Bridgemate result
display will not change. Please see below, for helpful information regarding results detail on
our Results web page.

Using our Website
Here is a link to our web page:
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/
If you just want to go straight to results, here’s that link:
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/bridge/au2065/all-results-index

** AN INTERESTING TIP **
On the Results webpage, you can replay any of the hands for each session and you
are guided how to play and make the optimum contract, card by card:
You can go into each hand to see which contracts were makeable, see the results for other
tables and even replay a hand, with guidance on making the optimum contract. Just click on
the Replay and Analyze link at the bottom of the details for the particular board.

FROM THE CHIEF DIRECTOR, NICK HUGHES
DO YOU KNOW THESE OFFICIAL BRIDGE RULES?

Keep the bidding cards (bids) out until the first card is led
As was the case with written bids, the bids should remain on the table so all players,
including the one leading, can see the bidding until the first card is led when they should
be put back in the respective bidding boxes.

Parties coming up in March

Our fully catered Autumn Fest party will take place after bridge on Monday 17 March at 4pm. All members are very welcome, you don’t have to be a Monday player. Why not try our Monday session (at 1pm) if you don’t normally play then? You must RSVP as we need to order catering and drinks. We will be passing around the RSVP/Drinks list at our sessions next week. If you won’t be playing, please reply to this email with your choice of drink (soft drink, beer, white or red wine).
Please only RSVP if you are sure, you are coming as we need to confirm our numbers attending by the end of the week before. Catering costs us $35 per head.
Our Beginner’s Course is currently running with many eager learners! To celebrate their final lesson and graduation, we will have a Pizza Party after bridge on Tuesday 25 March at 3.45pm. As for all our parties, all members are welcome! The same applies as above for RSVP.

State Mixed Pairs Qualifying Rounds
These will take place on 3 consecutive Mondays 10, 17 and 24 March.
If you would like to find a partner, you can use our WhatsApp Matchmaking group or contact our very talented Matchmaker, Theo Mangos (Text 0411 337 539).

Some Changes to Play from February
Last month we introduced a couple of changes to make play and movement between rounds quicker. Players have quickly adjusted to procedure for the bidding boxes remaining on the starting table for the whole session.
We are gathering player feedback regarding the change to Bridgemates showing only the
percentages for each side rather than the results of other players.
Please let committee members know what you think of the change to Bridgemates.
These changes have resulted in faster play and movement.
Our committee will decide shortly whether this change will continue, taking your
feedback into account.

February Winners
Congratulations to the monthly winners below.

Player of the Month (average of best 5 scores)
1st Brian BEDKOBER 65%
2nd Pat WALKER 60%
3rd Denise GASSENHEIMER 59%

Monday
1st Pat Walker - Wally Malaczynski 58.37 %
Tuesday
1st Michael Saul - Geoff Eggleton 61.57 %
Wednesday
1st Brian Bedkober - Theo Mangos 65.57 %

Most improved Rating
1st Michael Saul +1.73
2nd Denise Gassenheimer +1.54
3rd Terry Simmons +1.21

Top 10
1 Theo Mangos 68.01%
2 Leigh Foran 63.13%
3 Brian Bedkober 63.00%
4 Allen Rosenberg 62.30%
5 Eddie Mullin 61.87%
6 Matthew Lynch 61.77%
7 Agnes Stanley 61.13%
8 Pat Walker 60.60%
9 Paul Larby 60.53%
10 Lester Tsang 60.52%

Hello Fellow Bridge Lovers!
We had our first party of the year on Monday 22 January to welcome 2025. There was a good turnout, nice food and company in a convivial atmosphere. More parties to come!
Our table numbers are increasing, and I am pleased to see new players and visitors playing with us, who I know you all make feel welcome.
Some Changes to Play from February
From Monday 3 February, we are introducing a couple of changes which we hope will make for quicker play and movement between rounds.
The first change will be that bidding boxes will remain on the table and not be moved by East/West players when they go to the next table. This we hope will avoid delays caused by forgetting to take the bidding box, dropping the bidding box while moving or at the new table.
The procedure when arriving at the beginning of the day will be unchanged. You should find your bidding box or one with a green dot on it (unallocated) and then proceed with it to your starting table. The bidding box will not move from the starting table. After the last round, please return the bidding box at your last table to the bidding box crate.
The other change will be that after the score is entered into the Bridgemate after each hand, the result will only show percentages for each side but not the contracts, leads and results for other tables. This is to avoid post-mortems, spending time after each hand studying and discussing the other results and what should have, could have been. This can be done at the end of the day when reviewing the results and score sheets. Make a note of the board numbers that you might want to review as you go. This adjustment to the Bridgemates is for a trial period for the month.
We hope both changes will lead to faster play and movement so that all hands can be played rather than having to throw in hands due to delays.
Please let committee members know what you think of the changes during the month.
Next Beginner’s Course starts Tuesday 18 February
We have 2 courses during the year run by Nick Hughes, a very experienced and much-liked teacher. The next course begins in just 2 weeks’ time. These is our main source for new players. Please think of relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbours who you think would enjoy learning this wonderful game we all love.
There are yellow flyers at the front table of each session. Please take a few to hand out or put on a noticeboard.
January Winners
Congratulations to the monthly winners below.

Player of the Month (average of best 5 scores with 2+ partners)
PAT WALKER 63%

Monday Winners (best 3 of 4)
Pat Walker & Wally Malaczynski 62.20%

Tuesday Winners (best 3 of 4)
Terry Simmons & Sonia Onshow 65.33%

Wednesday Winners (best 3 of 4)
Allen Rosenberg & Ralph Davis 57.1%

Most Improved Rating
Denise Gassenheimer +1.22.

Using our website
Here is a link to our web page
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/
If you just want to go straight to results, here’s that link
https://www.easts.bridge-club.org/bridge/au2065/all-results-index
You can go into each hand to see which contracts were makeable, see the results for other tables and even re-play a hand with guidance on making the optimum contract. Just click on the Replay and Analyse link at the bottom of the details for the particular board.

FROM THE CHIEF DIRECTOR, NICK HUGHES
DO YOU KNOW THESE OFFICIAL BRIDGE RULES?

Keep the bidding cards out until the first card is led
As was the case with written bids, the bids should remain on the table so all players, including the one leading, can see the bidding until the first card is led when they should be put back in the respective bidding boxes.
If you are passing, please put down a green Pass card, do not tap the table or say Pass. In this way, the bidding sequence is clear from looking at the laid out bidding cards. It avoids any misunderstanding or dispute. If there is, the director can be called and immediately see the bidding.
Ideas and Suggestions Welcome
Please let me or any Committee member know if you have any ideas or suggestions how we might do things differently and of course, if you are pleased with how we have done something. We are all volunteers giving our time for our members to have their most enjoyable experience in our club.
I look forward to another enjoyable month of bridge at Easts and to seeing you at the bridge table!
Warm regards
Ted Popper
President

WHAT’S COMING UP

Christmas in July Party – Wednesday 24 July 4pm
All members are invited to our mid-year Christmas in July Party on Wednesday 24 July after our regular session. This will be fully catered and is another chance to schmooze while enjoying fine finger-food and a drink, also for Monday and Tuesday players. Put the date in your diary and if you don’t usually play on Wednesdays, why not grab a partner and try to play on the 24th?

Our Wednesday numbers are increasing and we have about 10 tables. We can also find you a partner if you don’t have one.

State Open Pairs Qualifying – Monday 22 & 29 July
Those playing on Monday 22 and 29 July can qualify for the State Open Pairs Championships (to be held on 16-17 November) and also earn Red Points.

Wednesday 31 July: We will be playing at COA as Bondi Room is not available.

New Ratings System and Prizes
Starting July, we are introducing an exciting new ratings system and prizes. Nick will send a separate email explaining how it will work.

GNOT Qualifying – Wednesday 21 & 28 August
The Grand National Open Teams Qualifying will now be held on Wednesday 21 and 28 August, with the Final on 7 and 8 September. Form a team of 4 and let Nick know.

Intermediate Class
We had a great turnout of 13 tables for Nick’s recent class all about Doubles. Our next Intermediate Class will be held on Tuesday 1 October.

Matchmaking
Our WhatsApp Matchmaking Group, with 42 members currently, is working well. It’s a quick and simple way to find a partner. Please reply to this email if you would like to join.

Kindness
We are a community bridge club run by volunteers that has been flourishing for over 25 years, with some founding members still playing. We all enjoy playing this wonderful game in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Please continue to be kind to each other, welcome visitors and get to know your fellow members better at our many social events coming up.

Stay warm and enjoy your Bridge. Look forward to seeing you at one of our sessions and parties.

Ted Popper
President