The District 17 Bridge Buzz focuses on district and national news
and provides the links to access the details.
The Buzz is published every other month. Catch the next Buzz July 2026.

Send feedback and content suggestions to bridgebuzzeditor@gmail.com.

President's Perspective

by Sharon Smith

sharon@steamboatbridge.com

Greetings, District 17 Players!

I have just returned from a really enjoyable Tucson regional. Well run, nice hotel, great location with good walking and dining nearby. Thank you Unit 356!

Be sure to read about the D17 Goodwill Ambassadors for 2026, highlighted below. As you know, duplicate bridge is a grass-roots phenomenon – it exists due to the energy and efforts of its players. D17 says thank you to all of these outstanding individuals.

The Longest Day, the annual fundraising event for Alzheimer's, is coming up around the summer solstice – June 21 or thereabouts. D17 has supported this for the past several years. If you are a club owner, consider holding TLD fundraisers this year, and if you are a player, be sure to find a fundraiser game and play in it. More information below.

Exciting news: The Phoenix regional includes an online game. If you can't manage to get to Phoenix in person, you can still play, for a chance at regional masterpoint awards. Click here to see the flyer for the online games.

Denver's Rocky Mountain Regional

Coming up in just three weeks: Denver's Rocky Mountain Regional. It will be held from May 19th through May 25th (Memorial Day) at the Renaissance Hotel, 3801 Quebec Street in Denver. If you need a room, here's the link for reservations: https://tinyurl.com/DenverRegionalHotel.

The schedule offers pair and team games almost every session, as well as Gold Rush events. And on Friday you can try Board-A-Match teams, possibly the most difficult of all game types. Click here for the tournament flyer.

If you have between 5 and 499 masterpoints, play in the Pro/Am! The sign-up deadline is May 5, so you still have time. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Don't forget that the Monday team game starts at 9:30. It features an A/X/Y Swiss Team event for players 3000+, and bracketed teams for players with fewer than 3000 points.

See you soon!

by Don Boyarsky and Jerry Ranney

Tournament Co-Chairs

regional@denverbridge.org

Plan Now for Phoenix

Make plans to join us for the 2026 Phoenix Desert Empire Regional at Talking Stick Resort & Casino in Scottsdale. This summer tradition offers a cool, comfortable setting and a full week of great bridge.

Hotel & reservations

Rooms are $119/night
Reserve by July 17 for the tournament rate
Book your room: Click here
Or call Talking Stick’s Reservation Line (480-270-5555 or 866-877-9897) and reference “Desert Empire Regional” or code 1790

What’s new

New start times: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Daily Bracketed Teams: one-day, two-session events

Highlights

Supervised Bid & Play (Mon–Tue; pre-registration required)
Daily pair games for all levels (Gold Rush, Open, and Side Pairs)
Saturday: 0–3000 Bracketed Teams and A/X/Y Teams
Saturday Online Open & Gold Rush Pairs (BBO): one-day, two-session events
Supervised Bid & Play: $18 (Youth $9); players with 0–10 masterpoints play free in all other pair and team events

Plan your visit

Register for Monday Supervised Bid & Play: Click here
Register for Tuesday Supervised Bid & Play: Click here
View the tournament flyer: Click here
View the online game flyer: Click here

by Pat Linville

Tournament Chair

fplinville@cox.net

Play Bridge in the Beautiful Town of Taos

Taos Regional, September 21–27, 2026

Sagebrush Inn

1509 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

575-758-2254

Use code ACBL 2026 to get the discounted rate

Variety of events for everyone:

299er games Monday – Saturday
Gold Rush pairs Tuesday – Saturday
Team games every day
- Soloway, Bracketed, or Swiss
Speakers Tuesday – Saturday
- Excellent tips for newer and seasoned players
District 17 North American Pairs finals

Championship and Flight C – Friday, September 25
Flights B and C – Saturday, September 26

Click here to view tournament flyer

by Julie Clark

Tournament Co-Chair

jclark9811@comcast.net

D17 Board News

The D17 board met at the Tucson regional in early April. The board welcomed new member Pawan Agrawal, who joined the board to represent Unit 373 (Las Vegas).

Topics discussed include tournament supplies, education, and Conditions of Contest (COCs) for future GNTs and NAPs. Goodwill Ambassadors were nominated and elected.

For more details of the full board meeting, refer to the minutes. Minutes of all board meetings are posted here.

Spotlight on Education

Education committee

Laurie Steuri has joined the education committee – welcome Laurie. Laurie is coordinating the Teacher Roundtables at the regionals.

There's more to be done on the education front. If you are interested in joining the committee or in otherwise volunteering, contact Sharon Smith.

Teacher roundtables

Six teachers attended the Teacher Roundtable in Tucson. We discussed curriculum, pace, and supporting materials for teaching beginners.

The next opportunity is at the Denver Regional, Wednesday, May 20. Meet at 8:00 am in the hotel restaurant. Sharon will bring information about resources available to bridge teachers, including hand records. Don't miss this opportunity to brainstorm with your colleagues. RSVP to Laurie.

Jump Start Bridge

Jump Start Bridge is growing and now includes four levels of materials.Take a look at the Jump Start Bridge website to learn about the program and resources, and see testimonials. And thank you to the players that have donated to the program. Exciting plans for the future are in discussion now! Your support makes it possible. Let Sharon know if you have a teacher you would like to visit and encourage. We can send you a bag with materials for the teacher.

Upcoming JSB booths in District 17:

Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented (CAGT): Loveland CO, October 2026
National Math Conference, Denver CO, October 27–31

North American Pairs News

The North American Pairs is a grass-roots competition where each District selects representatives to compete at the Spring North American Bridge Championship (NABC). The event begins with qualifying games in clubs during June, July, and August.

This year, the District 17 finals will be held at the Taos Regional in September. The Championship Flight and Flight B finals will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026. Finals for Flights A and C will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The flights are listed below:

Championship Flight: Open to any player
Flight A: fewer than 6000 masterpoints
Flight B: fewer than 3000 masterpoints
Flight C: Non-Life Masters with fewer than 750 masterpoints

Masterpoints credited as of May 6, 2026 will be used to determine eligible flights. No player may exceed the masterpoint limit in flights A, B, and C.

While the Conditions of Contest are not yet available, everyone who plays in the District 17 Finals must qualify. Please check your local and online clubs in June, July, and August and make sure you qualify at the club level.

Once the Conditions of Contest are approved by both the ACBL and District 17 Board of Directors, a communication will be sent via email with further details.

by Julie Clark

D17 GNT/NAP Coordinator

jclark9811@comcast.net

303-981-5230

GNT Finals (Flights A, B, C) Coming Up in Denver

The District 17 Grand National Teams (GNT) finals for flights A, B, and C will be held at the upcoming Denver Regional tournament. The games start on Saturday, May 23rd. The finals will be held on Sunday, May 24th. Please click this link to see if you are qualified to play. The winning team in all flights will qualify to represent District 17 at the upcoming National GNT Finals in Minneapolis, at the July NABC. If eight or more teams compete in Flights B and C, the top two teams will be eligible to compete in the national finals.

Flights:

Flight C: Non-Life Master with fewer than 750 masterpoints
Flight B: 0 – < 3000 masterpoints
Flight A: 0 – <6000 masterpoints

There is still time to register if you are interested in playing! Please email Julie Clark at jclark9811@comcast.net to register by May 8, 2026. For those already registered, please make sure that payment for the first day ($128 per team) is sent to the district prior to the event. Payments may be sent via Zelle to acbld17@gmail.com, or via check made payable to District 17 and sent to Jennifer O’Neill at 30 Sommerset Circle, Greenwood, Village, CO 80111.

Congratulations to the Championship team of Garth Yettick, Peggy Ware, Spencer Jones, Olivia Schireson, and Anant Rathi. They will be representing District 17 in the Championship Flight at the finals in Minneapolis!

by Julie Clark

D17 GNT/NAP Coordinator

jclark9811@comcast.net

303-981-5230

Why I Love Bridge

by Taylor Spence

Unit 374 (Albuquerque) bridge player

People often ask me why I love the game of duplicate bridge. So here are my top three reasons (though there are many more!):

Intellectually challenging. Bridge is a card game that combines a unique international language and playing strategy based on probabilities. So it combines both sides of my brain – left and right.
Relationship immersion therapy. You play bridge with a partner, another living human being, with whom you – hopefully – develop a productive relationship, working on and solving problems together. It can be rewarding! It can also be frustrating. These relationships sometimes crash and burn. But sometimes they abide for years, and one's partners become one's friends. Just like real life relationships.
Community building. The bridge club becomes a gathering place for all kinds of people, reflective of our community. We make friends and learn to do things together.

Duplicate bridge is 100% real: real time, real people, real joy of triumph, and real agony of defeat. The range of emotions I have experienced because of bridge has actually surprised me. I have also grown as a person because of it, which is what all games can potentially do for us. Bridge is fun. Seriously fun.

Coming Up Soon: The Longest Day (Alzheimer's Support)

AKA Do what you love to end Alzheimer's

Since 2013, the ACBL has partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to raise funds for Alzheimer's research and support. Since then, the ACBL and participating bridge clubs have raised more than $12 million. In 2025, seventeen clubs in District 17 raised a total of $65,000.

In 2026, clubs can offer Longest Day games on one day during Solstice week (June 17–24), and players can play in as many games as they like. A number of D17 clubs are already registered!

To find a game, to register your club, or for more information, click here.

District 17 Goodwill Ambassadors 2026

Seven bridge players from across our District were honored by the District Board of Directors at their meeting at the Tucson Regional. They were nominated, usually by their Unit's representative to the District Board, and are being recognized for their Goodwill in their clubs and unit. This includes good sportsmanship, helping fellow players, and being cheerful at local activities. Many of the recipients are also active as volunteers at the Unit level.

Each Ambassador received a letter of commendation, an ACBL Goodwill pin, and four free plays good at any Regional in District 17.

Julie Bosserman, Unit 354

nominated by Perry Van Hook

Julie works tirelessly for our unit, mostly behind the scenes but also frequently out front as a leader. She single-handedly learned & understands all of the many quirks & issues involved in planning and running tournaments both large (regionals) and small (sectionals). She plays at all of our clubs and has an excellent rapport with all of our club managers as well as with the various facility managers. Her husband Dave Bosserman also supports the unit and Julie – Julie plans and Dave provides lunch during each sectional. Julie is a unit board member & has various responsibilities in that capacity. I think everyone who has seen her in action would agree that she gives to our bridge community far beyond any board requirements – she shines as a genuine example of a person who gives back.

Julie Kelly-Carnes, Unit 356

nominated by Jack Shoemaker

Julie Kelly-Carnes began playing bridge after returning from the Peace Corps, seeking a constructive hobby. She played alongside her late husband Aaron, a member of the Adobe Bridge Club, until mutual priorities led them to place their marriage above competition at the bridge table.

Julie recently assumed the position of president at Adobe Bridge Club, following her previous tenure as hospitality chair. She has consistently demonstrated leadership, organizational expertise, and professionalism, contributing significantly to the club's operations. Her involvement ranges from providing homemade food for events to supporting various committees, such as finance, conduct, and ethics, and participating in weekend cleanup projects. Julie is recognized for her thoughtful approach and willingness to undertake numerous tasks that facilitate the club’s progress. Her positive attitude and insightful perspective continue to advance and strengthen the Adobe community.

Jay Silberberg, Unit 361

nominated by Jennifer O'Neill

Jay joined the Denver Unit Board in 2024 and has been a great addition. Currently his primary role is to run our sectional tournaments, and he has done an excellent job. He is very organized and resourceful. This has resulted in us finding suitable and popular venues! Being responsible for such an important job would normally mean that this would be the sole focus for Jay, but no. In addition, Jay supports and encourages newer players, helps to grow our membership, and takes on many additional tasks to support the unit and bridge. He is someone who can be counted on when needed (such as helping to unload the district’s trailer for the regional).

Jay began playing bridge in college (he was self-taught from Goren’s book), but did not get serious about playing until after COVID and retirement. He has now taken on volunteering for bridge as a new full-time job!

Susan Gibbs, Unit 383

nominated by Dave Bagley

Susan was born and raised in Santa Fe, and attended Colorado College and Stanford Law School. She worked as an appellate public defender, middle school social studies teacher, and educational consultant before retiring. Her parents were good social bridge players, and taught her to play as a young adult, and later she took lessons at the Santa Fe Bridge Club to learn duplicate bridge. She now teaches beginning bridge and runs the weekly supervised play class at our club, which continued online throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and has grown from 1–2 tables in 2017 to 6–7 tables today. Susan lives in Santa Fe with her wife, Laurie, and their two cats and two donkeys.

Sheri Morris, Unit 356

nominated by Cindy Shoemaker

The Goodwill Award recognizes character and service – qualities Sheri Morris embodies through her commitment to fostering a welcoming bridge community. As a recent Life Master, she has made a significant impact by prioritizing the growth of the game and the player experience. Sheri is valued for her positive table presence, greeting every opponent with a sincere, "Good luck and have fun!" She handles victory and defeat with equal grace, setting a high standard of etiquette that inspires those around her.

Beyond her own play, she is a constant advocate for bridge, directing her friends and new players toward learning opportunities and club resources. Her dedicated service to Unit 356 in Tucson is evident through her work as a Board Member, Membership Chair, and former I/N Representative. Sheri is a proactive problem-solver in meetings. Whether she is promoting Unit events or addressing membership needs, she conducts herself with a level of professionalism and integrity that makes her a deserving recipient of the D17 Goodwill Award.

George Hanzas, Unit 360

nominated by Kay Brock

The 2026 Goodwill Ambassador for ACBL Units 360 and 363 is George Hanzas. George grew up in the small town of Rocky Ford in southeast Colorado where he was first exposed to the game of bridge as a child. In 1981 he moved to Stockton, California where he served his community for many years as a deputy sheriff. Wishing to expand his social circle beyond the cops and criminals he dealt with on a daily basis, he began taking bridge lessons.

In 2004 after changing careers, George moved back to his home of Rocky Ford and became involved in ACBL Unit 367 in Pueblo, Colorado. He played bridge regularly in Rocky Ford and at the Pueblo club. He served on the Unit 367 board of directors from 2007 until 2011. In 2010 he was elected to the ACBL Board of Governors (now called the Advisory Council). He served on the Board of Governors for three years. In 2011 George took the ACBL director’s course and was certified as a game director. He currently runs two weekly duplicate games, one in Pueblo and one in Rocky Ford. Additionally, George is a member of the Rocky Ford Elks lodge, works for a local irrigation canal company, grows garlic, and makes “the best prime rib in Southern Colorado.” We are lucky to have George Hanzas and his dedication to duplicate bridge keeping the game alive in southeast Colorado.

Linda Melcher, Unit 422

nominated by Sharon Smith

Linda Melcher is a retired registered dietitian, having spent 25 years with the University of Wyoming and 5 years with USDA Food and Nutrition Service. She began playing rubber bridge in high school and continued until 1992 when she tried Duplicate. She joined ACBL and the Laramie Duplicate Bridge Club. She became Club Manager in 2015 when she also became President of Unit 422. Linda mentored the Steamboat Club and has always been a very active Unit board member (President for years), Club Manager, teacher, and player. Linda recently enjoyed playing bridge on the November 2025 Western Caribbean cruise with Robert Todd and Michael Berkowitz.

Thank You from Tucson

The Tucson Regional concluded on April 11th, and the Unit Board and Tournament Committee thanks District 17 players, volunteers, and ACBL directors for a successful tournament.

Our new venue, the Marriott Tucson University Park, was well received by the 479 attendees, earning positive feedback for the bright playing area, hospitality, and convenient location near dining and downtown attractions.

Planning for the 2027 tournament is already underway, and we hope to see you next year.

by Jack Shoemaker

Tournament Chair

The Devil's Bridge Dictionary

Master Points – A reward for the triumph of persistence over ability
Grand Master – An expert who has added longevity to these two qualities
Blackwood – A convention employed by players who compensate for their inability to bid intelligently by proving they can count up to four
Pre-emptive Bid – A bid intended to make it difficult for opponents, and impossible for partner to play the contract
Relay Sequence – A means of increasing the number of bids needed to reach the wrong contract
Opening Lead – The first vital lead, often described as moronic if unsuccessful or obvious if successful
Duplicate Bridge – A pernicious system of comparing results, which turns the suspicion that a player is bad into a certainty
Safety Play – A play which risks a contract against normal distribution by ensuring it against adverse distribution

---------------------------------

With thanks to The Kings' Tales by Phillip and Robert King, which is a set of bridge parodies of famous authors, and to Paul Elstein, who posted this set on Bridge Winners. And of course, thanks to Ambrose Bierce, author of the original Devil's Dictionary.

Sponsor an Event at the 2027 Las Vegas NABC

Celebrate a friend, honor a bridge partner, or commemorate a special achievement by sponsoring an event at the 2027 Las Vegas NABC. Purchasing naming rights for a regionally rated game is a meaningful and memorable way to recognize someone special or to mark an important bridge milestone.

Sponsorships are available at several levels, allowing you to choose an option that best fits your wishes.

Sponsorship levels

$2,500 – Naming rights for an entire day at the Nationals
$500 – Naming rights for one regionally rated two-session event, including Open Pairs, Swiss Teams, or Bracketed Teams
$350 – Naming rights for a three-session Side Game Series
$150 – Naming rights for a single-session Intermediate or Novice event

These sponsorships make thoughtful gifts, lasting tributes, or special recognitions within the bridge community.

Interested or have questions?

To reserve naming rights or to learn more, please contact:

Event Chair: Jack Shoemaker
Email: shoejack20@gmail.com
Phone: 719‑331‑0394

D17 Logo and Logo Usage

In 2023, D17 adopted a unique logo. This logo combines D17, Region 10, and the ACBL. It should be used on all D17 communications, including tournament flyers, and the ACBL logo should not be used. The goal is to distinguish between D17 communications and ACBL communications.

Click here to download the D17 logo.

It's Phishing – Don't Bite!

Recently, several D17 members have received emails purporting to come from various D17 board members, asking for money in some form. Don't bite! D17 board members will never use their position to ask for money, donations, purchases, etc.

One of the easiest ways to verify an email is to check the sender's email address. If it isn't the email address you expect, don't open any links or download any files. If you are uncertain, contact the board member.

Invitation to Clubs and Units

Is something happening in your club or unit that the rest of us would like to know about? Maybe an innovative way to attract players, maybe a special event. Share your ideas and successes! Send an email to bridgebuzzeditor@gmail.com. Photos would be great! so plan ahead if you can.

Rank Advancements March – April 2026

ACBL members receive masterpoints for winning and placing in club games and tournaments as they strive to advance through the ranks. There are sixteen ranks, from Junior Master (5 masterpoints) to Grand Life Master (10,000 masterpoints plus a victory in an eligible North American Bridge Championship). Learn rank qualifications.

Congratulations to all!

Rank Advancements March 2026

Rank Advancements April 2026

Editor's note: This data comes from the ACBL database, which is updated once a month. Accordingly, if your rank advancement occurred after the update, it won't be official at the ACBL until the following month, and won't appear here until the issue of the Buzz that comes after that.

New Life Masters March – April 2026

Steve Fraidstern

Unit 361 (Denver CO)

Laurie Gaspar

Unit 361 (Denver CO)

(also Bronze Life Master)

Sheri Morris

Unit 356 (Marana AZ)

Judith Reed

Unit 374 (Albuquerque NM)

Marcia Tedy

Unit 359 (Brighton CO)

Not shown: Paul Gefreh (Unit 360, Colorado Springs CO), Rebecca Ortega (Unit 374, Albuquerque NM)

Upcoming Tournaments in D17

This data comes from the ACBL tournament schedule for D17, through June 2026. To see tournaments farther out in time or more distant in space, click here, set your filters, and click Search.

May 1-3, 2026 – Glenwood Springs, CO – Info – Unit 364 – Local Sectional

May 2-3, 2026 – Las Cruces, NM – Info – Unit 380 – Local Sectional

May 4-10, 2026 – Info – Unit 381 – STAC

May 19-25, 2026 – Denver, CO – Info – Unit 361 – Regional

May 23-24, 2026 – Denver, CO – Info – GNT/NAP District Finals

May 27-29, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Info – Unit 373 – Open Sectional

Jun 5-7, 2026 – Albuquerque, NM – Info – Unit 374 – Open Sectional

Jun 8-14, 2026 – Info – Unit 360 – STAC

Jun 26-28, 2026 – Fort Collins, CO – Info – Unit 363 – Open Sectional

The Bridge Buzz is a bi-monthly publication of ACBL District 17. It is sent automatically to all members of D17 who have current emails registered with the ACBL, and whose privacy settings allow. It is also sent to individuals outside D17 who have asked to be on the mailing list. You can see previous issues of the Buzz on the D17 website at d17acbl.org/d17-buzz-newsletter/.

To join the Buzz mailing list, send an email to bridgebuzzeditor@gmail.com. For more information about District 17, go to the D17 website at d17acbl.org.

President's Perspective President's Perspective

Denver's Rocky Mountain Regional Denver's Rocky Mountain Regional

Plan Now for Phoenix Plan Now for Phoenix

Play Bridge in the Beautiful Town of Taos Play Bridge in the Beautiful Town of Taos

Taos Regional, September 21–27, 2026

D17 Board News D17 Board News

Spotlight on Education Spotlight on Education

Jump Start Bridge

North American Pairs News North American Pairs News

GNT Finals (Flights A, B, C) Coming Up in Denver GNT Finals (Flights A, B, C) Coming Up in Denver

Why I Love Bridge Why I Love Bridge

Coming Up Soon: The Longest Day (Alzheimer's Support) Coming Up Soon: The Longest Day (Alzheimer's Support)

AKA Do what you love to end Alzheimer's

District 17 Goodwill Ambassadors 2026 District 17 Goodwill Ambassadors 2026

Julie Bosserman, Unit 354

Julie Kelly-Carnes, Unit 356

Jay Silberberg, Unit 361

Susan Gibbs, Unit 383

Sheri Morris, Unit 356

George Hanzas, Unit 360

Linda Melcher, Unit 422

Thank You from Tucson Thank You from Tucson

The Devil's Bridge Dictionary The Devil's Bridge Dictionary

Sponsor an Event at the 2027 Las Vegas NABC Sponsor an Event at the 2027 Las Vegas NABC

D17 Logo and Logo Usage D17 Logo and Logo Usage

It's Phishing – Don't Bite! It's Phishing – Don't Bite!

Invitation to Clubs and Units Invitation to Clubs and Units

Rank Advancements March – April 2026 Rank Advancements March – April 2026

New Life Masters March – April 2026 New Life Masters March – April 2026

Upcoming Tournaments in D17 Upcoming Tournaments in D17

President's Perspective

Denver's Rocky Mountain Regional

Plan Now for Phoenix

Play Bridge in the Beautiful Town of Taos

D17 Board News

Spotlight on Education

North American Pairs News

GNT Finals (Flights A, B, C) Coming Up in Denver

Why I Love Bridge

Coming Up Soon: The Longest Day (Alzheimer's Support)

District 17 Goodwill Ambassadors 2026

Thank You from Tucson

The Devil's Bridge Dictionary

Sponsor an Event at the 2027 Las Vegas NABC

D17 Logo and Logo Usage

It's Phishing – Don't Bite!

Invitation to Clubs and Units

Rank Advancements March – April 2026

New Life Masters March – April 2026

Upcoming Tournaments in D17