We run a number of events for less experienced players, intended as an introduction to more competitive bridge. There is no lower limit, other than the player being comfortable playing unassisted, although in some cases the field may be a little stronger than others, so particularly inexperienced players may be a bit too far out of their 'comfort zone'. The upper limit on a players experience may vary based on the specific event, but in general they will have only been playing the game for a few years, and have little or no experience of ‘tournament bridge’. Players are probably below the rank of Master and lower than a Jack on the NGS. In some instances a more experienced player may partner a novice – please check with us prior to entering.
Really Easy Afternoons
These are held as part of some of our congresses, and are intended as a relaxed duplicate pairs event for those with less experience and who are not yet ready to play in the 'main event'.
As it is intended as an introduction to 'congress bridge' the event is aimed at those with no experience of green-point events, and such players are probably below the rank of Master and lower than a Jack on the NGS scale.
The congresses at which a Really Easy Afternoon takes place are:
Autumn Congress - Peterborough - 14th October 2016
Year End Congresses - London; Northern - 27th December 2016
Easter Congress - London 14th April 2017
Spring Bank Holiday Congress - Stratford-upon-Avon - 27th May 2017
In addition the same hands are played at other locations round the country, with the competition scored across all venues. The venues will be added to the specific congress page when known. Any clubs interesting in hosting a heat should contact gordon@ebu.co.uk.
The results are stratified based on NGS grading with prizes for the overall winners, and for the winner at each venue, and Blue Points awarded based on the stratified results (there is a B stratification for those with an NGS rating of 6 or below).
The event at each location will be open to all - EBU members and non-members alike.
Really Easy Congress at the Summer Meeting
Really Easy Events are held at the Summer Meeting in August each year. In 2016 the Really Easy Congress will be held in Eastbourne.
Details of the events will be made available when confirmed.
Really Easy Weekends
The Really Easy Weekends are 'house parties', designed for more experienced novice players of up to approximately 5 years experience.
The emphasis on these weekends is on play and socialising. There are four bridge sessions - Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening will be normal pairs sessions; on Sunday we will play a Swiss Pairs competition. There will be an optional instructional session on Saturday morning.
We suggest that they are most suited to players who are ranked below Master, and whose NGS grading is lower than a Jack. Whilst there is no lower limit on a player's ability, they should be comfortable playing in a 'club setting' and should note that the standard may be higher than at some of the other Really Easy events.
The dates for Really Easy Weekends in 2016 and 2017 are:
28th to 30 October 2016 - Star Inn, Alfriston, East Sussex (fully booked - waiting list in operation)
31st March to 2nd April 2017 - Wroxton House Hotel, near Banbury
23rd to 25th June 2017 - Star Inn, Alfriston, East Sussex
27th to 29th October 2017 - Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon
Entering an event
To enter a Really Easy event please contact the EBU Competitions Department - comps@ebu.co.uk or 01296 317203/219. For the Really Easy Weekends your accommodation should be booked directly with the hotel.
To join a Blue Point Holiday please book directly with Bridge Overseas via the Accommodation Booking Service.
Systems
At all our events for less experienced players only level 2 systems may be played. The exception is the First Step events at the Really Easy Congress at which only basic Acol may be played.
An example 'level 2' system card is available here. It is not exhaustive but shows some of the conventions which are permitted.
Lessons
If you are looking for lessons - whether to learn some of the basics or to take your game to the next level - please visit the English Bridge Education and Development website