Linda Marshall and Luanne Stoltz met at the bridge table in 2014-15, playing at the Ace of Clubs and taking lessons from Irene Pickett. They bravely ventured to the Portland Regional 299er game and scored 46% to earn .70 red points in 2015 and a great partnership was born. Over the years they would console each other after losses, calculate the dollars per point spent chasing gold, and encourage each other to bravely venture into the intimidating new territory of Gold Rush Pairs!
They truly felt that earning enough gold points to achieve the Life Master status was impossible. Luanne was grandfathered into the old status of needing 25 points, so maybe could make the grade. But there was no hope for Linda to get FIFTY! Then, by 2023, Luanne did get 25 gold, playing with Linda at the Chicago NABC, and promised Linda that by 2025 the next 25 would be hers!
The 2024 Portland Regional was their next chance. Hal Montgomery and Amy Casanova suggested that Luanne and Linda pair up with a couple from Lacey WA named Bert and Carolyn Adams. Bert and Carolyn had thousands of points but seemed willing to play teams with Luanne and Linda, so off they went into the big ballroom with the nerve-wracking opponents.
Although there were no actual wins, there were some near misses. And the experience was priceless. It’s hard to quantify the value that experience at a table with much better players provides. There is no doubt that Luanne and Linda gained skill and confidence.
By the time Thursday rolled around, these competition-hardened players were ready to take on the world. They called friends Elliot Wahba and Tom Aherns and convinced them to play teams – promising great results. Sure enough the results were beyond the team’s wildest dreams. First place! More than 11 gold points!
Now, Linda only needed 4 points and change to get her LM. Luanne said, “I think we can get that tomorrow!” Linda just rolled her eyes … Other friends were called to play – this time Ginny Kopacz and Terry Strand stepped up. This team won the Sunday Bracketed Swiss going away, leading from the opening deal. The team won the 5 points that Linda needed to be a Life Master!
It was truly a magical week.
Believe in yourself!
