Bridge Tournament Travel

Bridge Tournament Travel

Bridge players are some of the most dedicated tournament travelers anywhere. A bridge tournament can be a local sectional on a weekend, a regional of up to a week, or a North American Bridge Championship that fills a big hotel for eleven days. Here is what to know before you pack.

In North America, tournament bridge is run by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Tournaments come in tiers: sectionals and regionals held all over the U.S. and Canada, and the NABCs, the league's national championships. Players earn masterpoints, and many events are limited by masterpoint totals so that you compete against players with similar experience.

Most tournament bridge is duplicate bridge: the same deals are played at every table, so your score depends on how well you did compared with everyone else who held the same cards, not on luck of the deal. Pairs games are the most common format, with team games and individual events alongside. At bigger tournaments the day usually has two sessions, and the evening is free for a meal out with your partner.

Making the Most of a Bridge Tournament Trip

• Book in the block. Staying at the host hotel saves time between sessions, which can start in the morning and run into the evening.
• Pace yourself. Two sessions a day for a week is tiring; plan a lighter day or a half day of sightseeing.
• Bring your convention card and agree on your system with your partner before you travel.
• Use the partnership desk if you are traveling solo.
• Arrive the day before the events you care most about, especially if you are flying across time zones.

A Las Vegas NABC is also a Vegas vacation: our sister guide See and Do Vegas covers the Strip, shows and day trips. Hotels in other host cities can be compared on Rooms Cheap if the block sells out.

Frequently Asked Questions