PAPAKURA CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB INC.

A friendly, welcoming community

OUR CLUB

CLUBROOM ADDRESS:
13 Opaheke Road, Papakura
(click here for map)

CONTACT EMAIL:
papakurabridge@xtra.co.nz

KARAKA
PAPAKURA

Thank you to our sponsors

WELCOME TO PAPAKURA BRIDGE CLUB

Our monthly drinks and nibbles after Friday bridge. All are welcome to join us at the end of the month.

Directors Training Meetings

These four sessions were a great success, with Kay, Christel, Barbara M, Diana K and Jackie attending and keen(ish) to start supervised directing at the club. Together we discussed the most common reasons that directors are called to the table, and the laws involved to resolve these issues. We did practical scenarios to practice and help gain confidence.

It is hoped that next year this group will do the self-directed online directors course, run by Allen Joseph and NZ Bridge. More meetings will be planned for next year.

Many thanks to Helen, Neville and Claire for their input into the training.

 

Grand slam and slam

We have decided that in this friendly competition for the most likely to bid and make slams that both slam and grand slam should be counted. At the end of September Katie Foster leads the charge on 26, while John Varney and Claire Gunn are close on her heels, both on 25.

Keen bridge players at our tournament.

Papakura Intermediate Pairs 5B Tournament

An excellent day was held with friendly, fellow bridge players from the Auckland area. Notably John Tetley flew from Christchurch to join his mother Val. A very successful pair. Thanks to the committee for a beautifully-run tournament, well-catered, lots of raffles and a great atmosphere. 
Clockwise from top left: Mark and Gabrielle Bercich, winners of the Intermediate Tournament; our President Susie Gordon announcing the winners of the day; Kevin Kerneys and Peter Thompson, winners of the Intermediate/Junior Tournament; and last and definitely not least, Papakura Bridge Club members, Grant Sharman and Dennis Dare, winners of the Junior Tournament. Grant and Dennis also came 6th overall. Congratulations to you all.
New members were warmly welcomed to our club on President's Night. From left: James Conquer, Diane Sumner, Laura Lapwood, Claire Gunn (Tutor) and Susie Gordon (President). Absent: John Sumner.
Friday Play
Friday afternoon winners 2025.
Clockwise from top left: Barry Fraei wins the Joan Dreadon Plate for highest 1st/2nd year points. Claire Gunn wins the John Luxton Trophy for service to the club (for Directing and Beginner lessons). Simon Jolley is awarded the Elisak Trophy, the Club Spirit Award. Barbara McRae is thanked for her years of service as Club President.
Neville’s significant birthday celebration.

 
PEARLS OF WISDOM

  • Length is better than strength.
  • Often the wisest and certainly the most difficult word in bridge to say is PASS.
  • Leave the last hand in the past. Never dwell on a mistake or a bad board; clear your mind and focus entirely on the hand in front of you.
  • Be a good partner: Bridge is a partnership game of equals. Praise good plays, accept mistakes with kindness, and move on.

  • The opening lead is, by far, the most determining factor of the outcome of a deal — often with a swing of several tricks depending on the choice made. This play should be considered carefully, and not just on the basis of your own hand. Mentally review the bidding before selecting your lead.