Masterpoint changes
by Addis Page

If you're anything like me, you are used to playing in bridge tournaments and winning Master Points in small denominations, whether "Greenies" in EBU events and County Congresses or local (black) points in other County competitions. Typically, we accumulate slowly but eventually reach the next rung on the ladder.

Our achievements have usually been recognised with a certificate, our name in English Bridge and sometimes a pen. In addition, we've been eligible for one of 3 annual National awards but keener or better players have almost always pipped us

The new Master Point scheme, which will start in April, 2010, gives Tournament players like us some fresh opportunities:-

• when you're promoted to one of the 4 landmark levels (Master, Regional Master, Life Master and Grand Master), you will receive a good quality gift, and free entry into the Ranked Masters pairs.
• all other promotions gain entry into a 4-monthly Master Point draw. 1st prize is 2 nights DB&B for 2 people at a Barcelo Hotel.
• In addition, the winner of the most black points in each affiliated club's events will enter the new Annual Prize Draw with a first prize of £400.

Details of all these prizes will be on the EBU website.

This is a change to our reward and recognition framework which we hope you will enjoy. We intend to review it after 1-2 years to take account of your feedback. Resources are finite but we believe we have distributed them more evenly amongst the various categories of player.

Your feedback on the new scheme is welcome at any time, though we plan to request it formally at the end of its first year.

• About the Tournament Committee