Spring NABC: Bridge invades the streets of Louisiana
The NABC returns March 9-19 in the city of jazz for the fourth time. The North American Bridge Championships are the biggest bridge open event in the US and are held three times a year: spring, summer and fall. New Orleans has been chosen for hosting the Spring edition this year.
Competitors from all over the world and of all levels
For two weeks, a specific area will be dedicated to the players coming from all four corners of the globe in the entrance hall of the Marriott Hotel. Whether you are a beginner who barely knows the rules of the game or an expert, everyone is welcome in Lousiana. The ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) is awaiting players of all levels and will even give introduction courses to newcomers.
There will be games covering all age ranges. Whether you are a young or a senior player, Louis Armstrong’s home town has something for every generation. Loners will find a partnership desk so that everyone can enjoy playing with partners of the same level. However, the level will be very high and it will be possible to follow prestigious ACBL events involving the world’s elite bridge players.
Three flagship events with top world players
Kay Platinum Pairs
With the Kay Platinum Pairs as a starter, the organizers have decided to kick off the competition with an elite-focused event. Indeed, only the best players are allowed to register for this tournament renamed after Norman Kay (1927-2002), a former American great champion who has been playing with Edgar Kaplan for forty years. Pairs will try to qualify and make it to the knockout phase on March 10-13.
Vanderbilt Knockout Teams
Another tournament not to be missed is the Vanderbilt Knockout Teams on March 13-19. This mythical ACBL contest is a yearly event which began in 1928. Participants don’t get a second chance in this knockout tournament. There is one round every day. So each board matters, each mistake can be fatal and taking risks makes things all the more worthwhile.
Jacoby Open Swiss Teams
The NABC will end with the Jacoby Open Swiss Teams during the last weekend. In this Swiss-system tournament, teams of similar ranking are matched up against each other. So, once the dust settles, the pair who suffered fewest defeats becomes the winner.
Far beyond bridge…
For eleven days bridge fans will be able to socialize, kibitz select tables, attend conferences about game ends or visit the city. If players want to explore away from the bridge table, they are invited to ask NABC volunteers about the best eating spots. Several activities including a Hall of Fame induction ceremony are also on the agenda.
Famous for its warm and festive atmosphere, Louisiana is about to live to the pace of bridge for two weeks. 6,000 tables are expected and about a hundred games, of which one third is aimed at novices, are scheduled! Champion of France Muriel Clément will be there to share with us images of this not-to-be-missed event and feedback.
