Paula Koeller reached the bridge milestone of Life Master by earning her last required gold points at the Chicago NABC in July and her final few black points at the Vancouver Sectional in August. She was thrilled to reach these milestones playing with longtime friend and partner Karen Douek, who reached Life Master just before Paula while playing with her – at the Chicago NABC.
Paula started playing bridge about 15 years ago with her husband Dave and other friends at a local athletic club. For the first few years, she played socially. Then about 12 years ago, Paula heard about duplicate and began playing occasionally at the local club.
Fast forward to about four years ago, when Paula retired from medical practice. With more available time, she began playing more frequently and seriously. This is also when she started talking lessons with Portland Bridge Club owners/teachers Dave Brower and Linda Weiner.
Besides working on her game, Paula also helps others learn by teaching beginning and intermediate bridge at the Lake Oswego Community center with co-teacher, Linda Roundtree. The classes have been very popular – leading her to add another class at the Southwest Community Center in Portland. Paula says she learned a lot about how to teach bridge from Dave Brower, who says, “keep the lesson short and simple. Just concentrate on letting folks play.”
One of Paula’s favorite bridge stories happened when she was relatively inexperienced at bridge and playing in an open game. The auction proceeded 1H on her left, 2NT by partner, Pass, PASS! The helpful opponent said, “You can’t pass that bid!” to which Paula replied, “I just did!” Her hand was 6-5-1-1 with stoppers in both majors. In answer to the question on every reader’s mind – no, partner couldn’t make 2NT. But a good story, nonetheless!
When not playing bridge, Paula likes to ride bikes, hike, and travel. And in her spare time, she manages to make room to be the Unit 487 President.
Congratulations, Paula.
