Nationals Are Here in Philly! 

Click here for the tournament website.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email Joann Glasson at joannglasson@msn.com, John Marks at jgmmarks@aolcom, or Mike Giesler at mgiesler@comcast.net.

Players are encouraged to use public transportation to reach the playing site whenever possible. Most SEPTA trains stop at Market East, which is essentially under the Marriott, and PATCO trains stop at 8th and Market, only a few blocks from the playing site.

For those of you who do drive, please take note of some helpful parking information. You can park at any lot you find in the city, including the parking at the Marriott hotel, but several lots will be offering discount parking.

Many lots offer early bird specials, but you will need to check each one individually to find out how early you must enter and exit. Almost none will allow time for you to play an afternoon session, but for those of you playing a morning session only, this option might work out well.

Parkway Parking Corporation will be offering discounts at two attended, self-park garages. 

The first is on the west side of 12th St., just past Sansom St. This lot is two blocks from the Marriott and will cost $10/day. Spaces, however, are limited. The other lot is on Juniper St. between 12th and 13th streets. The rate there is $15/day. You can also park overnight for $15/day. This larger garage is immediately behind the Marriott. Both lots have attendants 24/7. 

The system at both lots works like this:

1. Pull in and take a ticket from the parking machine. Don't lose it!

2. Park and lock your car.

3. At the Marriott, visit Everett Young at the information booth between 9:30AM and 10:15AM or 2:30PM and 3:15PM. He will give you a "chaser" that will provide you with the discounted rates when you eventually pay for your parking. Please indicate in which lot you parked your car. The discount "chasers" are specific to each lot. 

4. When you retrieve your car and are ready to pay for parking, insert the original parking ticket into a pay machine. A message will indicate that you owe the full rate. Then insert the "chaser" ticket. A new message will show that you owe the discounted rate.

5. Pay for your parking and exit.

Central Parking has discounted parking at two valet lots. Both require attendants to park and retrieve your car. These lots are located on the east side of 12th near Sansom St. (just across from the Parkway lot) and on Race St. near 11th. The rate for each of these lots is $12 for a 12-hour period. Discount coupons will be available at the information booth at the Marriott or you can print your own at www.philadelphia.centralparking.com.             

Please address any questions about parking to Everett Young at everettclu@gmail.com or 267-625-9623.

The BBO Vugraph will be showing the Grand National Teams Flight A semi-finals and finals, the Spingold round of 32 through the finals, the Wagar semifinals and finals. The BBO Vugraph has both text and voice commentary. It is easy to watch and you can learn many insightful tips. Better yet, it is free  -  just log on to BBO at www.bridgebase.com.

Larry Cohen is one of the top commentators on BBO. He had this to say in latest newsletter:

Dear Fellow Bridge Player,

I hope you're enjoying summer. If you have some free time later this month, you might want to try listening (it's free) to broadcasts from the summer NABC in Philadelphia. I'll be commentating on the Spingold matches. Most of my comments are aimed towards Intermediate-Level players--it is a great way to learn (and hopefully be entertained--I'll try to be funny). Most likely, you can hear me (listed as "LC") on July 19-22 at various times. See the BBO website for schedule and details.  

                                                                  -  Larry Cohen

You can visit Larry's website at www.larryco.com and signup to receive his newsletter directly.

Operators are needed for the Vugraph!

In order for all of the presentations to happen on BBO, many operators are needed. Being an operator is fun and lucrative - $40 per session. If you are familiar with playing on BBO, it will take just a short time to learn how to do it. If you are interested, contact coordinator Jan Martel at marteljan@gmail.com. Give her your availability and she will get you on the schedule and give you all the training you need.

Flight B completed in Solomon KOs;

Flight A enters next round

The Giesler Team (Mike Giesler, Allison Brandt, Carl Perchonock, Kris Varhus) repeated as Flight B champions in this year's Solomon Teams, defeating the McAlpin team in a close match. The McAlpin team is Edie McAlpin, Bill Grosnick, Mike Mayer, Lewis Klein, and Bruce and Jackie Williams. 

In the semifinals, Giesler defeated Walker and McAlpin defeated van Leeuwen. The van Leeuween team (Christina van Leeuwen, Nancy Chorpita, Ted Levy, Marc Rothschild, Mary Anne Stedman, Joanne Smith) is the Flight C champion.
In the Solomons, you can play in more than one flight.

In the Flight A KOs, the teams are down to the round of four. The Rabinowitz team is still alive seeking an unprecedented sixth straight title, having defeated Korth. Morgen also defeated Walker, Glasson defeated Giesler, and Civale defeated McAlpin.

As for the last two years, the final match of Flight A will be broadcast on BBO Vugraph. A special announcement will supply the date when it is set. You also will be able to find the information on the BBO website. If you would like to be a Vugraph operator or one of the commentators for this match, contact Art Korth at ArtK78@comcast.net.

Some clubs will be canceling games during Nationals.  

The North Penn Bridge Club, for example, will be closed July 13-20 for Nationals. Old York Bridge Club has canceled the July 16th game. Please check with your local club for its schedule.

Local clubs are encouraged to send announcements, schedules, updates, and special games for placement in upcoming newsletters.