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.

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.

Russell Watt

Sadly Russell Watt passed away the morning of August 25. Russell was our Club President for 2 years (1984-1985). When he moved into the city, he joined his local club, but he would always come back to Papakura to direct, for the club and for tournaments. He was a warm, intelligent man, who happily shared his knowledge, skills and love of bridge.
Rest in peace Russell.

Directors’ Helpers Course

We have had a wonderful response. Thank you to those attending. The Directors’ Helpers Course will start on Monday, September 14 at 10am, for four consecutive weeks.

Congratulations

To Linette Morgan and Claire Gunn for winning the Clevedon Fireside Pairs Tournament.

 

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

The Auckland Region Jin Club Grand Prix

The Auckland Regional Bridge Clubs have set up two competitions for the second half of the year: The Intermediate Circuit and the Junior Circuit. Go to Tournaments for details.

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.