22nd February 2026, Various Clubs
The EBU Masters Pairs
- a national competition for the Ann Staveley trophy!
Hosted by clubs, online or face-to-face, 22nd Feb 2026
This event is open to players below the rank of Regional Master. Players above this rank, including those who have a master point record abroad that would give them a higher rank, should enter the Ranked Masters Pairs.
The Masters Pairs is a national competition hosted in club heats to compete for the Ann Staveley trophy. it is aimed at players with fewer Masterpoints. Please note format changed in 2019 - the heats are hosted by individual clubs, rather than run by the EBU. This means cheaper prices, a chance to support your local club, and hopefully more participants.
Venues
The Masters Pairs will take place as events organised by host bridge clubs, each of two short sessions (36 boards total). These clubs are responsible for most aspects of the heat, including taking entries, running the game and submitting the scores. The entry fee is determined by each host club - a part of this is remitted to the EBU and the rest is retained by club, so by taking part you are supporting your local club. If your club wishes to host this event please contact comps@ebu.co.uk for information. Details of the clubs which are hosting heats will be available below.
Rankings
This event is open to players below the rank of Regional Master. This includes: Local Masters, Club Masters, Area Masters, District Masters, County Masters, Masters, Advanced Masters, Star Masters, Tournament Masters or Premier Masters. Players above this rank, including those who have a master point record abroad that would give them a higher rank, should enter the Ranked Masters Pairs. Your ranking is taken as of 1st January 2026, and will include any Master Points which have been earned prior to that date, but not yet registered. We may reserve the right to restrict entry only to those members with less than 25 Green Points in instances where the member in question has not yet accumulated enough Master Points in total to reach the level of Regional Master or higher.
Full Master Point ranks List.
Format
The competition is played as a 1-day event scored by match-points simultaneously across several centres. Usually it will comprise two sessions of 18 boards each. The start and finish time will be dependent on the host venue. Please see below for information.
Stratification
In a recent change, stratification will be based on NGS grades (the average of the individual grades for both members of each pair). Details will not be announced in advance, but will be determined once the strength of the field is known, and arranged so that approximately 50% of the National field qualifies for the B stratification and 25% for the C stratification. No players with hidden NGS will be able to be in the B or C strat group.
To enter
By entering an EBU congress or event you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set out in the Terms and Conditions document.
Please enter directly with the host club.
The contact details and/or the process for making an entry for each venue is listed below.
Full payment must be made at the time of entering. Those who play in an event without having entered and paid beforehand will be subject to an additional financial penalty of £20.
Holders
2025
Dido Coley & Lily Kearney
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Sunday 22nd February | The start time will be between 11am and 1pm, chosen by the host venue. |
Each session will be around 18 boards (36 boards all together) (the movement used will depend on the number of entrants), with a break between sessions.
| The entry fee will be determined by the host club - see below for specific prices for each venue |
|---|
Please make entries directly to the host club
Master Points
Green Points are awarded throughout, both for session results and for final ranking. Session awards go to the top 1/4 of the overall field based on the session scores alone. In addition, ranking points go to the top 1/2 of the overall field based on the two-session total score. Session awards and final ranking awards are cumulative. The results will be stratified - see above.
Agreements
Level 4 agreements are permitted in this event.
Venue and Tariff
2026 Venues
Details of the clubs which are hosting heats will be posted here when confirmed. If your club wishes to host a heat please contact comps@ebu.co.uk for information.
Previous Results
2025 results
2024 results
2023 results
2022 results
2021 results
2020 results
2019 results
2018 results
2017 results
2016 results
2015 results
2014 results
2013 results
2012 results
2011 results
2010 results
2009 results
2008 results
2007 results
The Masters Pairs for the Anne Staveley Trophy - a history
Find a partner/team mates
If you are looking for a partner or team mates for this congress, please email comps@ebu.co.uk