Next weekend the 10th and 11th of August is the first Hills Non-life Master tournament. This will be a great chance for all you players with less than 500 pts. to participate in games with opponents rated at the same ability level. There will be 3 stratifications, which gives everyone a fair chance to have a good game. If you are looking to win master pts., this will be a great opportunity, but if you just want to have a fun afternoon or evening game and meet some nice people, then this is the tournament for you (good food too).
Also you can take advantage of the free lessons that MaryAnn Boardman will give at 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday morning.
But before every sporting event is preparation and it is up to coaches to get their players ready. And the play book says you need your convention card filled out. If you haven’t done this already, you need to sit down with your partner and agree on the key plays. This does not mean you have to go through and mark the whole convention card. There are entries on there I have no clue about. But at least check off the ones you understand and use on a regular basis.
At the top where it asks for names enter yours and your partner’s names. If you have an ACBL number this is a good place to write it so you have it handy and don’t have to go rooting around in your purse or wallet when your mind is already messed up because the game is about to begin.
Now the other thing you need to understand is the convention card is not your private strategy document that you keep from prying eyes by sitting on it. It is there for the use of your opponents. Yes, yes, they can look at it any time they want. Now this doesn’t happen too often as most will ask verbally, but don’t feel threatened if someone asks to look at your convention card.
There is a great 24 part series on the ACBL.org website under Conventions and Cards. It explains what the expectations are for each of the areas. There will be lots on there you don’t understand but it’s a good beginning point and as your game progresses check back on the requirements occasionally for an update.
I will be at Hills both days and will be glad to help you with your convention card.
Hope to see many of you there.