Last November, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in a national bridge tournament hosted by the ACBL in San Francisco—an experience that marked a true highlight in my lifelong journey with bridge games.

I've played Duplicate Bridge for over 10 years,  and after six months of dedicated study and practice with my team, I specifically prepared for the Winter Nationals in San Francisco. 

I arrived with a suitcase filled with books and notes, ready to play from 8 AM to 8 PM for four exhilarating days. Our efforts paid off as we achieved first place three times and second place once, making the event both thrilling and deeply rewarding. Walking into the convention center, filled with rows upon rows of card tables, was awe-inspiring and symbolized the vibrant community that bridge creates.

This achievement was especially meaningful as it brought back memories of playing in a tournament with my father, a Life Master, in the Midwest, in 1976. While that earlier experience was far from successful, this moment felt like a tribute to his legacy; as I looked across the sea of tables, I felt his spirit and shared love of the game. At Spades & Company in Plymouth, Minnesota, we strive to create these same meaningful connections—helping players learn to play bridge, advance their skills through bridge lessons, and build lasting friendships. Bridge is more than a game; it’s a journey of connection, growth, and lifelong engagement, and I’m honored to share that passion with our community.

The Alice Plumb Memorial Game is a heartfelt tribute to a cherished member of the local bridge community, celebrating the connections and friendships that make the game so meaningful. At Spades & Company in Plymouth, Minnesota, this special gathering honors Alice’s legacy as a passionate Life Master and lifelong advocate for bridge games that bring people together. The event reflects our mission of fostering connection, encouraging players to stay engaged, and creating a welcoming space where both seasoned competitors and newcomers can feel at home.

Through thoughtful play and shared memories, participants experience the true spirit of a bridge tournament—one that emphasizes camaraderie as much as competition. Alice’s dedication to the game continues to inspire others to learn to play bridge, deepen their skills through bridge lessons, and build lasting friendships around the table. Events like this highlight how bridge transcends generations, offering opportunities for personal growth, social engagement, and lifelong learning.

At Spades & Company, we believe that every hand dealt is a chance to connect, make new friends, and advance in the game. The Alice Plumb Memorial Game beautifully embodies this vision, reminding us that the heart of bridge lies not only in strategy, but in the community it creates.

For event details, visit: https://spadesandcompany.org/event-6635508?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=4/10/2026

Private bridge lessons offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the strategies and tactics that elevate your game. Whether you're refining bidding conventions or strengthening your partnership communication, personalized instruction allows you to focus on the areas that matter most. In the featured image, you’ll see the convention known as New Minor Forcing—a concept that can look as complex as calculus at first glance, but with the right guidance, it quickly becomes an invaluable tool in your bridge games. And the best part? Learning happens in a warm, supportive environment with friends gathered around the table, sharing both challenges and successes.

At Spades & Company in Plymouth, Minnesota, our mission is to foster connection, friendship, and lifelong learning through the game of bridge. Whether you're preparing for a bridge tournament or just beginning your journey to learn to play bridge, private lessons provide the confidence and skills needed to advance. These one-on-one or small group sessions are tailored to your experience level, ensuring meaningful progress while building lasting relationships within the community. Interested in taking your game to the next level? Reach out today to schedule a private lesson and experience the joy of learning bridge in a personalized setting.

Spades & Company is proud to announce the opening of a dedicated space for bridge players to learn, play, and connect—conveniently located in Plymouth, Minnesota. 

The first and only space of its kind in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, Spades & Company is designed for the bridge community, bringing together players of all experience levels in a welcoming environment.

The space features two thoughtfully designed game rooms: an intimate 12-table room and a 25-table Grand Room for larger tournaments and special events. A lobby reception area with refreshments provides a comfortable place to gather before and after play.

Attending an event at Spades & Company means enjoying bridge in a premium, thoughtfully designed space with inspiring surroundings, while taking part in special events featuring guest industry leaders such as teachers, authors, and competitive players. Players can strengthen their skills through beginner and intermediate learning opportunities, connect through curated social gatherings, and feel welcomed in an environment designed for all experience levels. New-to-bridge and advancing players will find lessons and events at their respective experience levels.

The largest bridge organization in North America - the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) - estimates that up to 25 million people play bridge in the U.S. alone, and over 12,000 people join the ACBL each year. 

Founder of Spades & Company, Norrie Thomas, was drawn to the cognitive components of the game and also the connections it fosters. “Spades & Company was founded as a way to study and play this remarkable game. I’m drawn to its impressive heritage and its ability to sharpen the mind while bringing people together. The full impact of this game requires logical and rational skills. Equally important are the connections you make. While playing and studying bridge I have enriched my life with these friendships. Spades & Company is a place to learn, play, and connect.”

Steve Gaynor, ACBL Director and Platinum Life Master says, “The majority of bridge players in Minnesota are intermediate/newcomer (I/N) players, so offering opportunities for this player group is a high priority. This new bridge club is focused on developing skills and confidence.” 

Keith Thompson, an experienced ACBL Tournament Director and Club Director says, “Our success with the West Metro Social Duplicate Bridge Club shows our model of ‘lesson, play, and analysis’ is a winning strategy. Our new club will continue this model in a fun and welcoming environment. I hope to see many of the newer players at the Summer ACBL tournament.” 

Officially welcoming players in early March, a calendar of events can be found on the Events page of the website. Please register in advance; payment is taken onsite.

Spades & Company will continue building toward a full schedule of daily bridge games, lessons, and events that support learning, competition, and community.

Spades & Company is located at 12805 Highway 55 Plymouth MN 55441 Suite #111.

From a broad Minneapolis/St. Paul area perspective, Spades & Company is located near the intersection of I-494 and I-394:

For those more familiar with the western suburbs, Spades & Company is located on Highway 55, about 1 mile east of 494:

Reach out to Norrie Thomas with any questions at NorrieAThomas@gmail.com or Info@SpadesandCompany.org