Deal me in: Bridge tournament Aug. 4-6

Organizers of the upcoming regional bridge tournament hope Bella Vista residents decide to say "Deal me in" and participate.

"Yoo-hoo, just another friendly nudge to say that our bridge tournament is right around the corner," organizer Robert Gromatka said. "Whether you are an up-and-coming bridge player or a seasoned veteran, you are invited to join us at Riordan Hall for another three days of fun, food, and cards on the weekend of Aug. 4-6 at the Bella Vista Arkansas NLM Regional and Sectional Bridge Tournament.

"Remember how friendly and hospitable everyone was last time? We promise that it will be even better this year. And, if you've never played at a tournament before; please come and witness our famous hospitality for yourself," Gromatka said.

He plans two session stratified open pairs games for all three days of the tournament. Pairs games are divided into two flights, one for more experienced players who are Life Masters and the other -- Golf Rush pairs -- for aspiring players new to tournament bridge. There is also a Compact Swiss Teams game Saturday evening.

The tournament flier is at www.ACBL-Unit-247.org/Sectional.htm. Go there for more information and to see where you fit in. Only Gold Rush players are eligible to win gold and red master points; silver master points will be awarded to everyone else. In order to qualify for Gold Rush pairs, players must be a non-Life Master and have fewer than 750 total master points. Non-Life Masters can play in the Silver points games.

"Among the greatest assets of our tournament are its amenities," Gromatka said. "We offer free goody bags when you check in at our Hospitality Desk. We also give away great door prizes. This year, the guaranteed first prize is a $1,000 Bella Vista Property Owners Association building lot. (See note below for details.) Other prizes will also be awarded. Our snack tables are continually stocked with fresh fruit and other treats. Bottled water, coffee, tea, lemonade are available at all times during tournament play. And of course, everything is free. We also provide a box lunch on Sunday that is included in your entry fee. You must pre-register by email at [email protected], to be eligible for door prizes. The deadline for pre-registration is July 25.

Need a partner? Email Kevin Glasgow at [email protected]. He will match players with the best available peer player so can both enjoy playing time here.

"Our goal is to make this year's tournament the best ever. To do it, we need your help," Gromatka said. "Our theme this year is 'each one, reach one.' We ask each of you planning to attend to bring one additional player with you. We grow best when friends invite friends who invite friends."

For more information, email Gromatka at [email protected].

"We will try to do everything we can to make your tournament experience a pleasant one," Gromatka said. "The only thing we can't do is promise you master points. There are some things you just have to do for yourself."

Note: The grand prize does not include taxes, transfer, and monthly assessment fees. For more information about the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, go to bellavistapoa.cm/about-us.

Community on 07/12/2017