There is a new ACBL policy that takes effect in March, 2018. To play in a tournament you must have an ACBL number. If you were a member once and have not kept up the payments, you are a lapsed member and you can use your old ACBL number. You will have to pay $4 extra per session. That has been changed from the $3 surcharge in previous years. ACBL is selling one month memberships that will cost $7.99. You get all the advantages of an ACBL member, including The Bridge Bulletin, for a month. More importantly, you have an ACBL number and can play in tournaments. If you decide to join for a year, you can apply that monthly membership cost to the yearly one.

Non members can join at the tournament or online at acbl.org, click “join now.” A yearly membership is now$49. There will be reps at the tournaments to help you understand the new policy and sign up for a monthly or yearly membership. MaryAnn has encouraged all local club managers and accredited teachers to have the instant membership application. Signing up with a local rep will give them a rebate. If you sign up with the tournament chair Unit 163 will not be credited.

Hope to see you all at our upcoming tournaments: Hills March 23-25, Mt. Pleasant, April 28-29, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Intermediate tournament, June 9-10, the Coralville Regional June 26-July 1 and Cedar Rapids July 13-15.

If you have questions about the new policy, call or e-mail MaryAnn Boardman 319 540 4206 maryann.boardman@gmail.com