Patti Lee and I would like to thank all of you for your very generous donations to Cambodia and Laos this spring and fall. We have now raised over $58,000.00 for our five Cambodia schools and other outreach programmes in Cambodia and ALMOST $40,000.00 for Laos (Adopt A Village in Laos) for the purchase of water filters. We are thrilled and cannot thank you enough. The money goes such a long way in these countries.
WE NOW HAVE A SECURE SITE WHERE YOU CAN DONATE TO CAMBODIA and LAOS! If you wish to donate differently than the ONLINE option, you can donate through: Canadians: Email transfer to: akornel@sympatico.ca   |   Americans: Paypal is fine to above OR FOR EVERYONE Check to: Barbara Seagram, 220 Lawrence Ave East, Toronto ON M4N 1T2 Canada Listen and watch the Laos Presentation by Patti Lee and Steve Rutledge! We are thrilled and cannot thank you enough. The money goes such a long way in these countries. If you have not yet donated, you may still do so: https://barbaraseagram.clickfunnels.com/cambodia-laos-donations

NEW SHIPMENT
OF PURE COTTON SCARVES
FROM CAMBODIA

Patti and Barbara have a fresh supply of lovely scarves, all pure cotton, from the weaving centre we support in Cambodia. We also have some black ones.

The money all goes to the weaving centre ladies in Cambodia.
More info...Click here

Contact Patti Lee at
or
Barbara Seagram at

TUESDAY EVENINGS BID & PLAY WITH JOSÉE HAMMILL

Josee's popular BID AND PLAY SERIES is BACK!!! Every Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 8:45 pm and continuing until December 8th.

Price per lesson will be $15.00

Half of the total revenues will be donated to Armour Heights Presbyterian Church (where we normally rent space for our lessons) and to ARISE (www.ariseministry.ca) which is a cause dear to my heart. I am working on Topics, gathered from your suggestions over the past month.

• November 24th - Roman Key Card Blackwood, Control Cuebids and when to use what when!
• December 1st - Major Suit Raises: Jacoby 2NT, splinters, Limit raises, does anything change when ops interfere? Yes it does!
• December 8th - Double Trouble: Many have asked about having the different doubles explained: penalty, takeout, support, negative, responsive, card showing, lead directing, Lightener.

One Zoom Link for all lessons:
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796634744

NEED EXTRA HELP?
From Josee:
After my lessons end at the end of October, I will have some limited availability to help you alone or you and your partner with some private coaching. Please email me at mjhammill@rogers.com with your requests. Please be as specific as you can be. e.g. partner and I want to work on our 2/1 auctions or could you come and watch partner and I play and provide feedback. This is not in lieu of all the offerings above! It is just a bit of extra help.

2021 WINTER CLASSES WITH JOSÉE and LORRAINE ARE COMING ON ZOOM

BASICS BEGINNERS BRIDGE SERIES with Josée

• Tuesdays 11 am to 1 pm (EST) beginning on January 5th for 8 weeks

ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796634744

Price: $240 CDN ($185 USD). Price includes taxes and Barbara Seagram Basic Bridge textbook. See below for payment instructions.

Learn the basic elements of the game of bridge: how to take tricks, how to work with a partner, how to open the bidding in a suit and in No Trump, how to respond, how to compete and more. Opportunities to play and practice online will be provided.

Lessons are recorded and can be watched on your own time.

INTERMEDIATE II BRIDGE SERIES with Josée

• Tuesdays 4 to 6 pm (EST) beginning on January 5th for 8 weeks

Price: $240 CDN ($185 USD) Price includes taxes and Barbara Seagram Intermediate II textbook. See below for payment instructions.

Weak Two Bids, Strong 2 Club Bids, Slam Bidding, Cue-Bidding First Round Controls, Preempts, Unusual NT, Michaels Cuebids, Opening Light in 3rd seat, Balancing, End Plays, Cross-Ruff, Loser-on-loser play, Introduction to defence, ...and MUCH more!!

Lessons are recorded and can be watched on your own time.

INTERMEDIATE I BRIDGE SERIES with Lorraine

• Thursdays 4 to 6 pm (EST) beginning on January 7th for 7 weeks.

ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89796634744

Price: $210 CDN ($162 USD) Price includes taxes and Barbara Seagram Intermediate I textbook. See below for payment instructions.

For those who feel rusty and need a refresher and for those moving up from Basic lessons. Opportunities to play and practice online will be provided.

Lessons are recorded and can be watched on your own time.

ABOUT LORRAINE: Many of you in Toronto have had the wonderful opportunity of taking bridge lessons from Lorraine. Lorraine has an extensive background in education, and I have been so grateful that she and I have worked together for the past 2 years. Her delivery of the material and care for her students cannot be surpassed. You will LOVE her.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ALL CLASSES IS REQUIRED

Contact Josée preferably by email at mjhammill@rogers.com, indicating your choice of course or by phone at 416-300-9140

Canadians:
Payment by etransfer to email address mjhammill@rogers.com

If you are uncomfortable with this approach, you can always mail me a cheque to my home:
Josee Hammill, 418-1717 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 0A2 Canada

For our American friends:
Unfortunately I am not set up for Paypal or cannot receive money through Zelle. It seems the only way is by way of cheque. So very sorry about this. Feel free to send one cheque for all the lessons you have taken after the series has ended.

PLEASE NOTE MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: barbaraseagram@gmail.com

UPDATE: Now Sold Out! We ARE taking names for a waitlist!
Also, we do need one lady to share with someone whos is booked.
If you know of anyone interested or wish to waitlist yourself, please contact Paola Shaw.

VANCOUVER TO TOKYO BRIDGE CRUISE NORTHERN PACIFIC CROSSING
19 NIGHTS ABOARD SHIP & 3 NIGHT STAYOVER POST CRUISE IN TOKYO
September 22 - October 14, 2021

The cruise in April 2020 was to be Barbara & Alex’s last escorted cruise but was cancelled. This cruise is the replacement cruise.

19 NIGHTS ABOARD SHIP & 3 NIGHT STAYOVER POST CRUISE IN TOKYO on the REGENT SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER,
the most luxurious ship ever built WITH BARBARA SEAGRAM & ALEX KORNEL

ALL CABINS ON THIS SHIP ARE VERANDAH SUITES

• Sep 22 Wed Vancouver, British Columbia
• Sep 23 Thu Cruising the Inside Passage
• Sep 24 Fri Ketchikan, Alaska
• Sep 25 Sat Icy Strait (Hoonah) Alaska
• Sep 26 Sun Cruising Hubbard Glacier
• Sep 27 Mon Seward, Alaska
• Sep 28 Tue Kodiak, Alaska
• Sep 29 Wed Cruising Pacific Ocean
• Sep 30 Thu Dutch Harbor
• Oct 1 Fri Cruising the Pacific Ocean
• Oct 3 Sun Cross the International Date Line
• Oct 3 Sun Cruising the Pacific Ocean
• Oct 4 Mon Cruising the Pacific Ocean
• Oct 5 Tue Petropavlovsk, Russia
• Oct 6 Wed Cruising the Pacific Ocean
• Oct 7 Thu Cruising the Pacific Ocean
• Oct 8 Fri Hakodate, Japan
• Oct 9 Sat Sendai, Japan
• Oct 10 Sun Hitachinaka, Japan
• Oct 11 Mon Tokyo, Japan
• Oct 11-14 Stayover in Tokyo
  *Currently Waitlisted

PRICES:

• $10,299.00 USD (NO Air) (Category G2) per person dbl. occ.
• $13,299.00 USD includes ALL Air & Bus class air from Japan
• $13,549.00 CDN (NO Air) (Category G2) per person dbl. occ.
• $17,449.00 CDN includes ALL Air & Bus class air from Japan

SPECIAL NEWS:

1. FREE LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR ALL GUESTS (New Feature)
2. Shipboard credit is $600.00 USD per cabin
3. Deposits for the cruise are now reduced.

ALL Fares Include: 3 nts post-cruise in Tokyo (Currently waitlisted) or 2 nts pre in Vancouver, Free Business class Japan back to North America, Free economy air on domestic flights from most major airports to Vancouver, BC, Free transfers if air is booked with Regent, Free unlimited shore excursions, Free unlimited beverages including fine wines & premium spirits, Free pre-paid gratuities, All taxes / World class dining, Free specialty restaurants, Free unlimited wi-fi.
NOTE: Penthouse suites & higher: Free personal butler

UPDATE: We have 46 people booked to date on this wonderful ship. Everyone loves Regent and they are doing everything right. Do join us on this amazing adventure from Vancouver to Alaska, Russia and Japan.

Barbara is the author of 30 books, the most well-known being 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know.

Barbara & Alex will be escorting the group while aboard ship, teaching bridge and running bridge games. This is a private bridge programme.

Barbara & Alex are not working for the cruise line, only for the group.

You must book with Vision Travel in order to participate in our bridge program.

To BOOK this Vancouver to Tokyo Bridge Cruise please contact:
Paola Shaw at Vision Travel Georgetown
Phone: 905-873-8070 or toll free at 1-800-263-5575 #1228
Email paola.shaw@visiontravel.ca

To book any trip, contact PAOLA SHAW
AT VISION TRAVEL
paola.shaw@visiontravel.ca

Her telephone numbers are:905-873-8070 Toll-free: 1-800-263-5575 #1228

Paola is an excellent agent with years of experience.

Her attention to detail is legendary
and she can help you with ANY trip you wish to go on.

BARBADOS BRIDGE SUN SEA & SLAMS 2021 - WIN GOLD POINTS

We want to tell you about our annual bridge event held on the island of Barbados. Next year: Jan 31-Feb 7, 2021.

NEW!! A SPECIAL ACBL BRIDGE EVENT AWARDING BLACK & GOLD MASTER POINTS.
NOTE THAT 25% OF ALL POINTS WON WILL BE GOLD
NO NEED TO WIN YOUR SECTION OR PLACE OVERALL

SEVEN NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING ALL YOUR MEALS & DRINKS

USD $1,120.00 PER PERSON (DBL. OCC.) $1,435.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY
Pay cash or you pay 5% surcharge if paying by credit card

EXTRA NIGHTS: $160.00 USD per person DBL OCC. or $205.00 per person SGL OCC.

Come early or stayover to tour this lovely island. (You may have to be in quarantine so check protocols on PDF) - MOST important if travelling from USA

You can play in one, two or all three of the Lady Burton Pairs.

All bridge is optional. You can take a morning off here and there to do some sightseeing.

Know that the hotel & the bridge committee will be diligent. You will be required to wear masks, covering mouth AND nose and use hand sanitizer regularly. Also carry your own bidding box

HOTEL: BARBADOS BEACH CLUB, MAXWELL COAST ROAD, CHRIST CHURCH

THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL RATE

• BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA, DINNER & LOCAL DRINKS ARE ALL INCLUDED. HOUSE WINE WITH DINNER. MANAGER’S COCKTAIL PARTY.
• TAXES INCLUDED.
• GRATUITIES ARE NOW INCLUDED.
• HOTEL GOVERNMENT LEVY INCLUDED.
• TRANSFERS TO & FROM AIRPORT INCLUDED. BRIDGE COMMITTEE TAKES YOU TO & FROM AIRPORT!

TO BOOK:
Contact Reservations Department at Barbados Beach Club 1-246-428-9900 or email reservations@barbadosbeachclub.com
BOOKING CODE IS BRIDGE 2021

One night’s deposit is required by the hotel by credit card
Cancellations within 14 nights of arrival: Penalty of 3 nights

The island has a wonderful Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, who has been lauded by all and is revered for her handling of the Covid-19 crisis on the island. She has been interviewed on BBC, CNN and other news media. At time of writing , there are only 8 active cases on the island, all visitors, and they are all in quarantine.

ACBL has cancelled all tournaments until at least the end of February BUT they are making an exception and allowing us to hold our annual Sun Sea and Slams event because Barbados is NOT in the same category as North America and the rest of the world re. Covid.

The hotel and the Bridge event will be diligent about spacing and we will all wear masks. Lots of hand sanitizer also. We plan to use two floors for playing area and there are many other improvements. Alex and I have shipped down our personal bidding boxes so everyone can carry around their own each day, versus boxes attached to tables.

The BEST part though that, while 75% of the master points you win will be black, 25% of ALL points that you win will be GOLD. No section tops or overall placements needed...just any points you win...25% will be converted to gold.

• Americans Because you are travelling from a high-risk country, you will be in quarantine for 7 days after arriving on the island. At a different hotel. You then MUST be re-tested on the island at your expense ($150.00 USD) ...SOME places are free of charge for the test. You can request to be in quarantine at Sunbay Hotel which is a quarantine hotel across the street from Barbados Beach Club (Host hotel). So you would need to come at least a week early.
• Canadians: No quarantine because you are coming from a medium risk country. But you have to be re-tested in 7 days. Also at your expense or go to one of the free centres to be tested.

Protocols change all the time but that is the situation as it stands now. AND everyone must show proof of having a Covid test done within 72 hours of arrival on the island and you bring test results with you.

Contact Roglyn Hinds Tournament chair roglynhinds@gmail.com or 246-231-0149 if you have any questions.

If you have questions, feel free to email me also. A huge amount of effort is being expended to make this all work well so I am hoping to see lots of you. It will be so great to be able to see real people in real time.

Please watch this video of the island performed by Sir Emile Straker of the famous group, The Merrymen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NghkV-dDa10

NOTE: Alex and I have had to cancel our plans to go to Barbados for the winter due to my upcoming surgery and follow up treatments. I know some of you have booked expecting that we will be there teaching.

NEW!!!
Planning the Defense
by
Barbara Seagram & David Bird

Ten years after their award-winning Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand, Seagram & Bird tackle the hardest part of the game: defense.

Using the same step-by-step approach, they guide the reader through the minefield of:

• signaling
• making a defensive plan and, above all
• counting - points, tricks and distribution.

Available at our school or at Lee's bridge club or Wayne's bridge club or at Stephen's bridge club or by contacting Barbara at

BARBARA'S NEW 26th BOOK

PLANNING THE PLAY: THE NEXT LEVEL
by Barbara Seagram

Barbara's first book in this series (also co-authored by David Bird) won Book of the Year Award by the American Bridge Teachers' Association: Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand.

That first book introduced the basic concepts of how to go about making a plan as declarer for beginning and improving players, and is a popular text for bridge teachers. This sequel extends the plan to more complex situations, and covers ideas such as safety plays, avoidance play, trump control, dummy reversal, and endplays.

It will appeal to players who have a good grasp of the basics of declarer play
and are looking to improve from there.

Books are available from:

• Lee or Wayne at their excellent Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and evening games at Temple Sinai Synagogue @ 210 Wilson Ave.
• Josee at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 2737 Bayview Ave on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• By email from Barbara
• You may pick up the books from us at a convenient address in North Toronto if you pre-arrange by email. We leave orders between our doors.

BARBARA'S

NEW BOOK

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
by Barbara Seagram

Over the years, readers have suggested that it would be an even better book if it offered some way to practice what they had learned. Now, here it is: Barbara's 25th book...a brief summary of each of those 25 conventions, together with example hands that can be dealt out and used to apply your new or brushed up knowledge.

It can be mailed to you or you can pick it up in Toronto.

Available by emailing Barbara at , or at Temple Sinai 210 Wilson Ave or at 2737 Bayview Ave on selected days only. It can be mailed to you or you can pick it up in Toronto!

NEW:

TWO OVER ONE TEXT BOOK
by Barbara Seagram

Simply explains all you need to know about this system that has swept the world. Quizzes within will make you very comfortable with the system very quickly. And if you don’t play it, at the very least you should understand what your opponents are playing.

Available by emailing Barbara at

Barbara Seagram's DOUBLES CHEAT SHEET

Takeout doubles, Negative Doubles, Support Doubles, Redoubles, Lead Directing Doubles, Lightner Doubles, Responsive Doubles, Penalty Doubles

Available in person at our Bridge Studio, or by email to

Everything you need to know about this system, in a nutshell. Simply explained. Why you need to know the system that has swept North America by storm!

If you don't have Barbara's other cheat sheets, we will be happy to send these out to you. Just send us your postal mailing address and we will send.

When you receive the package, have a look to see cost of postage on outside of packet. Send us a cheque for cost of the product and add the postage. Sorry but we do not take credit cards.

A summary of all the fancier conventions. A VERY useful summary in a nutshell. You will love it.

BARBARA SEAGRAM BRIDGE BOOKS

Which book will help YOU the most?

• Books on Conventions: For Advanced, Beginners and Intermediate Players
• Books on Bidding, Playing and Defending at Bridge: For Beginners and Intermediate Players
• Quiz Books: For Beginners and Intermediate Players

Barbara was in Cambodia February 14-24, 2015!

Watch the video as Barbara teaches English along with the A, B, C's, completing the lesson with a very energetic sung song to school children in Hin Pan & Phou Vien Villages, Luang Prabang District (Laos)

From March 1 - March 18, 2015 Barbara was on a river boat in Myanmar!

Canadian Kindness Felt in Faraway Cambodia

Most people in the bridge world know Barbara Seagram as one of the top teachers, a prolific author and an intrepid tour guide. What's not so well known is how far she will go to help her fellow mankind.

About three years ago, Seagram and fellow tour guide Patti Lee discovered a need in Cambodia and went into action. Today, they and their supporters sustain the operations of five schools in Phnom Penh area, paying for electricity, supplies (including computers) and the salaries of teachers and librarians. Funds to help run the schools come from the bridge players of Canada. "We couldn't do it without them," says Lee, a retired IBM accountant executive who took up teaching and directing bridge after leaving the company. Continued...

ZERO TOLERANCE

The ACBL is renewing the public education campaign initiated by Seagram, Cronin and Jacobs more than 15 years ago.

The theme, "Play nice," transposes two words we all like to hear at the table ("nice play!").

New posters have been developed and are being disseminated to all clubs.

Says Seagram,
"I think that all players are responsible for policing this situation. When I call a director about a problem (perhaps at an adjacent table), I make a point of checking with the director later to see what penalty was awarded. If none was, the director gets to listen to me expound on the subject, and if that doesn't work, I then a) report the situation to ACBL and b) speak to the offender myself."