START OF MESSAGE It seems that some people feel we are not playing enough bridge hands at the club to get "value for their money"! (particularly if there is a "sit-out"). The slower players in the club are really causing this and so changes MUST be made since these slower players insist on not speeding up. The director has decided that at LEAST 24 boards will be played each session by every player, with a real push to play 27 in most sessions. To achieve this certain changes are now in place: 1. Supper is strictly 10 minutes in length - players should quickly obtain their refreshments and take them back to their table-announcements will be made in the playing room. 2. Play will be strictly controlled by the "time clock" and no leeway will be given on hands where PLAY (not bidding) has not started on the 2 minute "warning" bell. If hands are to be "not played", remember that we are actually playing on the average SIC more hands than we have been accustomed to, so those affected are not really missing out on much. Hopefully the extra hands will give players a better bridge experience and "value for money" will cetainly be there! (even though I feel this club gives players much more than any other club I know)....a busy website, Bridgemates, lots of Red and Gold points events and plenty of awards during the year. END OF MESSAGE

START OF MESSAGE Starting with hands played on Monday 10/7/06 the bridge movies of how JACK bids and plays the cards has been altered from being played at Level 10, to a much deeper skill level (30) and the system used by Jack (in all positions) has been altered from Standard American Yellow Card to "World Bridge Standard". This is to help improve the standard of bidding by Jack (which has been open to criticism at the low level using SAYC). Please re-download the hands for 10/07/06 if needed to obtain the improved play by Jack. These hands were updated today (12/7/06) to the new standard. END OF MESSAGE

START OF MESSAGE Anybody across the world can now participate in on-line bridge, free of charges (and get masterpoints if you are a player in Australia!) During the week there are numerous arranged "tournaments" and every Sunday there is an individuals "SUPER SUNDAY" masterpoints event. Since our club (ECBC) now uses the BRIDGEMATES automated scoring machines each ECBC member can apply for a free Masterpoint membership of the "Friends of Stepbridge" club (as can any member of a club using Bridgemates). Playing in "Super Sundays Masterpoints" normally costs $50 a year but is free to members of clubs using Bridgemates! It's a great way to meet other players across the world and to compete for extra masterpoints! If you are an ECBC member (or member of a club using Bridgemates) but not yet a StepBridge member please supply your Home Club number (ECBC's is 3-338) and your ABF-number in the reference field on the application form on http://www.stepbridge.com.au. All Super Sunday players will receive a free StepBridge gadget and a monthly (email) magazine which will include club monthly standings too. ECBC members please also advise me (Chris Raisin) by email to ecbc@optusnet.com.au that you are participating in this competition....HAVE FUN!! END OF MESSAGE

START OF MESSAGE This year this website is going to make a concerted effort to help Bridge players both at the club and around the world to better their standard of bidding (and play). I am re-activating the (long dormant) "Practice Hands" (see button at left) New hands will be introduced every two weeks covering different conventions in common use. Along with these hands will be "Cheat Sheets" covering the convention used in the hands. The main document "A Standard American System" will also be updated to incorporate fuller descriptions of the conventions (click special button on the left to see this document). The hands should be invaluable to both players and teachers....Please let me know what you think of this idea by dropping an email to ecbc@optusnet.com.au Cheers to all Chris Raisin (Director) END OF MESSAGE

START OF MESSAGE For those who quite often visit this site there is a quick way to get to the latest news and results. You can either click "Events/News" link at the top of every page or (even sneakier) after clicking on "Events/News" click on "Add to Favourites" within your browser. This will add the page "http://www.ecbc.net.au/#Coming_Events/News" to your favourites, taking you straight there! Any questions simply send me an emai By the way, don't forget to click on "WhosOn" button occasionally to see some of the over 300 people who visit this site daily.......a real eye opener! Cheers Chris END OF MESSAGE