This is a group of pairs championships for which an appropriate EBU Master Point Rank is needed to enter. The rank must be attained by virtue of points earned by 1st January 2008, and players who hold unregistered points at that date, which would
promote them to a higher rank, may only compete at the higher rank. Players currently or previously based overseas for any substantial period of their bridge playing career should make a special application for a national rank to be afforded them solely for the purpose of participating in this particular event.

All events will be scored by IMPs, employing the ‘Butler method of scoring.

Running scores will be displayed at the end of each round (Barometer style) in events ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. A new feature for 2008 is the inclusion of a small cocktail party for players at the end of play on Saturday evening. Also, that all prizes will be
awarded in the form of good quality wines rather than EBU money vouchers.

Starting times

Events start at 2.00pm on Saturday and end between 3.30pm and 5.30pm on Sunday depending on numbers.

Entry Fees

£50 per player for the Premier Grand Masters, Grand Masters and Premier Life Masters events, £47 per player for all other events.

Closing date for entries is 18th February 2008.

Venue

The Paramount Hotel, Hinckley, Leicestershire; for reservations call 01455 898560. Click here for directions and a map

Premier Grand Masters Pairs

This new event, which was created in 2007, is open to Premier Grand Masters and to players in the top 20 Gold Point rankings as at 1st January 2008 (however, such players may elect to play in their normal rank category instead). Additional pairs may also be invited to participate in order to facilitate numbers. Were this to happen, invitations would be based strictly on the combined Green Point holdings of the pair concerned.

Grand Masters Pairs for the Harrison Gray Salver

This event is open to Grand Masters (but not Premier Grand Masters) and to players ranked 21st - 40th inthe Gold Point rankings as at 1st January 2008 (however, such players may elect to play in their normal rank category instead).

Premier Life Masters Pairs for the Premier Life Masters Trophy

This event is open only to Premier Life Masters.

Life Masters Pairs for the Maurice Blank Trophy

This event is open to Life Masters (but not Premier Life Masters) partnering either another Life Master or a Premier National Master.

National Masters Pairs for the Bridge Magazine Cup

This event is open to National and/or Premier National Masters, or either of these playing with a Premier Regional Master.

Regional Masters Pairs for the St Dunstan’s Plate

This event is open to Regional and/or Premier Regional Masters, or either of these playing with a Premier Master.

The Masters Pairs for the Ann Staveley Trophy

This event is open to all other players viz Unranked, Club Masters, District Masters, County Masters, Masters, Advanced Masters, Star Masters, Tournament Masters or Premier Masters. Prizes will be awarded within two categories:

(a) at least one partner is a Star, Tournament Master or Premier Master; and

(b) both members of the partnership are Unranked, Club, District, County, Masters or Advanced Masters.

Click here for the list of past winners of this Trophy

Master Points

Green Points will be awarded to half the field in all events. Winners range from 24 (Premier Grand Master) to 6 (Master) with top awards of 18, 15, 12, 9 & 7½ respectively in the other five events.

Previous Results from the Ranked Masters:

• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002