Test
The North American Bridge Championships (NABC) offers an excellent chance to dive into the world of bridge and explore the best of a new city.
More advanced players can play in premier events awarding platinum masterpoints; those looking for gold points will have plenty of opportunities, too. Newer players, and even absolute beginners, can learn and hone new skills in a dedicated space just for them.
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or all 10 days, it’s a wonderful time full of meeting fellow bridge players from all over and playing the world’s best card game.
All bridge events will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
hotel
Hotel & Transportation
Host Hotel
Manchester Grand Hyatt
1 Market Pl
San Diego, CA 92101
$189+tax per night
If you are having any issues booking or have questions about the hotel or your room, please contact ConferenceDirect by phone at 855-956-0776 or email at
acbl@conferencedirect.com.
fees
Schedules & Fees
Each NABC has a wide variety of events each day, whether you’re just starting out, looking for gold points or aiming for an NABC title. The Full Schedule shows each event broken down by date and time and is color coded to help you find games to suit your interest.
All players must have an ACBL member number to participate in any event (ACBL member numbers are valid for life, even if your membership is inactive). Not a member? Join now!
Entry Fees (per person/per session)
All fees are maximum one discount type per member and subject to change without notice. All discounts require the use of Entry Express to purchase entries.
| Events | ACTIVE ACBL MEMBERS WITH DISCOUNT |
ACTIVE ACBL MEMBERS WITHOUT DISCOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Premier NABC+ (Platinum points, some stages on screens) Applies to Soloway Teams KO Stages, Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs, Reisinger B-A-M Teams & Keohane NA Swiss Teams $3 per entry benefits the International Fund |
$43 | $53 |
| †Soloway KO Swiss Stage (Platinum points) (All 4 sessions, per member) | $140 | $160 |
| NABC+ (Platinum points) $3 per entry benefits the International Fund |
$38 | $48 |
| NABC (Gold and Red points) | $25 | $35 |
| Regional / Gold Rush (Gold and Red points) | $22 | $32 |
| Evening Events (Gold and Red points) | $22 | $22 |
| Intermediate/Newcomer (Red points) Fri. Nov. 27, 0 to 5 players Sat. Dec. 5, 99er Pairs only |
$18* Free $10 |
$28* Free $10 |
* For all events, participants must be full ACBL members and up-to-date with their membership dues or services fees. Guest membership is permitted only for a) events with an upper limit of 20 masterpoints and b) members participating in the 0 to 5 players play free in 299er events on Friday, November 27.
† Entry fees for the four sessions of the Soloway KO Swiss Stage (Friday, November 27 at 1 & 7:30pm and Saturday, November 28 at 10 am & 3:30 pm) are collected prior to the 1st session. This price listed is the collective price for all four sessions (per member). Please note that the Friday, November 27 7:30 pm session is only two rounds, not four, for a total of 14 rounds in the Swiss Stage.
Youth & Junior Entry Fees
All fees are in USD and subject to change without notice.
NBO Junior Player Free Entry: Juniors named to teams to represent Zone 2 NBOs in world competitions (“Junior NBO Player”) will receive free plays for NABCs occurring between the time they are named to the team and the world championship. These free entries can only be used while playing in a team or pair made up of Zone 2’s NBO Junior Players. NBO free entries require Entry Express usage; entries bought in person receive the typical junior discount only.
All other Youth and Juniors (must be current on membership) are eligible for free or discounted entries as follows (in USD):
| Events | Youth age <21 | Junior age 21-25 | NBO Junior Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier NABC+ Applies to Soloway Teams KO Stages, Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs, Reisinger B-A-M Teams & Keohane NA Swiss Teams | $18 | $18 | Free |
| †Soloway KO Swiss Stage (All 4 sessions, per member) | $54 | $54 | Free |
| NABC+ | $13 | $13 | Free |
| NABC | Free | Free | Free |
| Regional / Gold Rush | Free | Free | Free |
| Evening Events (Gold and Red points) | Free | Free | Free |
| Intermediate/Newcomer | Free | Free | Free |
† Entry fees for the four sessions of the Soloway KO Swiss Stage (Friday, November 27 at 1 & 7:30pm and Saturday, November 28 at 10 am & 3:30 pm) are collected prior to the 1st session. This price listed is the collective price for all four sessions (per member). Please note that the Friday, November 27 7:30 pm session is only two rounds, not four, for a total of 14 rounds in the Swiss Stage. Note: For this stage of the Soloway only, Entry Express junior/youth discounts will be insufficient by default and charge $90 total, rather than $54. We will issue a refund of $36 per junior player.
new
For Newer Players
Just getting started? Try the friendly bridge experience of the Intermediate/Newcomer Area at the NABC! This welcoming area features many chances to learn more (often for free) and practice with players at your skill level. Stop by the Intermediate/Newcomer Desk for more information.
Soak up some bridge knowledge, sharpen your skills and take your game to new heights as you learn from world-class teachers and players. Most days at 9:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. before the morning and afternoon games.
BridgeBattle
Come play BridgeBattle! A fast and fun game blends Bridge and War—no lessons needed. Just show up, play, and win prizes.
Saturday, November 28
Time: 1- 3 p.m.
Fee: Free
Location: Manchester Grand Hyattr
Learn Bridge in a Day
Preempts in A Day gives players a thorough grounding in these useful bids. Come join us and explore the ins and outs preempts!
Sunday, November 29
Time: 1- 6p.m.
Fee: $25 USD pre-registered or $30 at the door – includes textbook
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Free Lessons
Both lessons will be followed by a free 12-board game for newer players (0-20 masterpoints). Pre-registration not required.
Saturday, November 28
Time: 8am -9:45am
Teacher: TBD
Topic: TBD
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt
Sunday, November 29
Time: 8am -9:45am
Teacher: TBD
Topic: TBD
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt
other
Other Games
Beyond Bridge
Challenge Bob Hamman or Joe Grue at backgammon, face off against John Hurd or David Grainger at Catan, take on Eddie Wold at cribbage, or test your luck against George Jacobs at...well, pretty much anything.
Not feeling competitive? Grab the mic and show off your karaoke skills!
No masterpoints. No directors (unless they’re playing). No pressure. Just games, karaoke, snacks, a cash bar and a chance to hang out with friends, old and new.
Sunday, November 29
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Bridge Mania
Join us for bridge-themed games like Jeopardy, Family Feud, Wild Hand Tournament and “Whats the Score” Trivia. Light food, cash bar and prizes for winners handed out by ACBL Executive Director, Bronia Jenkins
Wednesday, December 2
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
"It's Midnight Somewhere" Knockout (at 8:30 PM)
Play in our special ZIP KO social bridge event featuring short rounds and big fun! Just six boards each, up to four rounds and a special prize on the line. No masterpoints but plenty of excitement!
Monday, November 30
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Crazy Bridge
Ready for some chaos at the card table? Crazy Bridge takes your favorite game and adds a new rule to every board, turning each hand into a fresh challenge. Maybe the player who wins the trick doesn’t lead next, or maybe everyone gets to revoke once—who knows what’s coming?
Show up solo or with a partner (we’ll match you if needed) and get ready to play, laugh, and think on your feet. It’s still bridge—just a little crazier.
Hosted by World Champion Adam Kaplan. All ages welcome!
Friday, December 4
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Receptions, Seminars & Meetings
Beyond the games at the NABCs, members can enjoy educational programs. Below is a listing of the seminars being offered in Memphis. Please check the NABC Daily Bulletin for the exact location of each session.
Best Practices Teacher Workshop
This workshop covers proven techniques designed to enhance the effectiveness of teachers in their classrooms. The focus is on how, rather than what, to teach. Participants may opt to demonstrate their Best Practices proficiency on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning to earn certification as an ACBL Best Practices teacher. For more information visit acbl.org/bpteacher.
Friday and Saturday, November 27 & 28
Time: Friday, 1pm to 5pm, Saturday, 8 am to 5pm with a break for lunch. Proficiency Assessments to earn certification: Assessment spots will be offered between 5:15 and 8:30 pm on Saturday, November 28 and 8am to 11:15am on Sunday, November 29; the number of spots is based on enrollment you must sign up.
Fee: $125 USD, Assessment Fee (optional) $25 USD
Location: TBD
Reception for Club Officials and Teachers
The ACBL hosts this reception to say thank you to the club officials and teachers who recruit and retain our members. We invite club managers, teachers and club directors to attend. A light meal and adult beverages will be served. Event is free, but registration is required. Deadline to register is Octobe 15. Walkup admittance is not guaranteed.
Friday, November 27
Time: 6:30 – 8pm
Location: TBD
Registration: coming soon
Learn Bridge in A Day? Instructor Accreditation
This program instructs teachers in methods of administering and presenting LBIAD.
Saturday, November 28
Time: 12:30-8:30 p.m. You will serve as a table helper during the LBIAD class from 1 to 6 p.m. A light meal will be provided 6-6:30 p.m.
Fee:$75
Register:Email Patty Tucker at patty@whirlwindbridge.com
Teacher Breakfast Meeting
TSee presentations from ABTA Master Teachers of award-winning teaching materials and learn how the ACBL and ACBL Educational Foundation can help you. The first 20 teachers who register receive complimentary copies of the materials, and non-ABTA members receive a free one-year membership in the ABTA.
Monday, November 30
Time: 8-9:30 a.m.
Register: coming soon
Food
About the City & Food
When you need a break from the tables, San Diego offers the perfect escape. With its year-round sunshine, walkable neighborhoods and sophisticated-yet-relaxed vibe, America's Finest City provides an ideal backdrop for your tournament experience.
For more to see and enjoy, visit sandiego.org
Balboa Park
This cultural oasis houses 17 museums, stunning gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The Spanish colonial architecture provides beautiful photo opportunities, while museums like the Fleet Science Center and Museum of Art offer intellectual stimulation between sessions.
USS Midway Museum
This fascinating floating museum lets you explore a real aircraft carrier while enjoying spectacular harbor views. The self-guided audio tour allows you to move at your own pace, and the flight deck offers incredible photo opportunities.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Experience California's birthplace at this living history museum that recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods (1821-1872). Free admission makes it budget-friendly, and the authentic Mexican restaurants surrounding the area offer some of the city's best cuisine. Many shops stay open until 9 or 10 p.m., making this a great evening destination.
contacts
Contacts
Tournament Committee
| POSITION | NAME & EMAIL |
|---|---|
| Tournament Chair | Lamya Agelidis  |
| Tournament Co-Chair | Alan Turner |
| Finance Chair | Richard Picheny |
| Sponsorship & Fundraising | Alan Turner |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Selby Winkler |
| GR/IN Co-Chair | Marjorie Michelin |
| Partnership Chair | Bridget Poizner |
| Registration/Prize Co-Chair | Ed Gould |
| Registration/Prize Co-Chair | Cornelia Gould |
| Charity Chair | Millie Garrison |
| Program/Restaurant Guide | Kathy Byrne |
| Player Hospitality | Lamya Agelidis |
| Information/Transportation | Landis Fox |
| Publicity Chair | Jessica Rohm |
