Following a site visit in April we are pleased to confirm that the building works are coming to a close in the new, modern Welcome Building (pictured) of the Devonshire Park complex in Eastbourne.

It will be used for the Nature Valley International Tennis Tournament in June, after which we are looking forward to holding our Seniors Congress there in July, before heading back for the Summer Meeting in August.

Visit the pre-congress information page for travel and parking information, tourist advice, and news updates as the congress approaches.

The Summer Meeting will incorporate Weekend Challenges and One Day Events, the Seniors Congress, and the Really Easy Congress. All events are Level 4 except for the Really Easy Congress, which is Level 2.

Please enter through the members area of the website or by email to comps@ebu.co.uk - otherwise please enter at the venue as entries can be taken on the day, although a small surcharge is applicable.

Weekend Challenge Events

These are the flagship events of the Summer Meeting, ideal for those looking for an intensive long weekend of bridge. They take place across three days, with enhanced Green Points available to reflect the prestigious nature of the competition. If you are looking for an intensive weekend of quality bridge, these are the events for you.

Both weekend challenge events are part of the Championship Series, in which points can be earned towards the Player of the Year Championship.

• More details on Weekend Challenge events

One Day Events

For those who are only able to come to Eastbourne for a short period of time, or who simply prefer shorter competitions, there are the One Day Events.

These take place every day, except in the first weekend, and include pairs and teams events, and one- and two-session competitions. They offer the excellent bridge one would expect at the Summer Meeting, but with greater flexibility than the Weekend Challenges.

They give the opportunity to play as little or as much as you choose. Combine playing and sightseeing. Play with different partners. Just come for the day, or commute from home. Whatever your reasons, the One Day Events have something to suit you.

Some of the weekday evening events have an early bird start for those who would like to finish sooner - this can make travel easier for those who are 'commuting'. Alternatively you can start at the regular time and have longer dinner break. The choice is yours.

• More details on One Day Events

Jack High Event – sponsored by First for Bridge

This year there will be a Jack High Swiss Pairs on the first weekend, this will be a one-day green-pointed stratified Swiss Pairs. It will consist of six six-board matches, with a noon start-time.

First for Bridge will award vouchers worth £150 each to the winning pair, with monetary prizes based on the size of entry awarded to the remainder of top sixth of the field with an additional prize to the top ‘nine and below’ pair.

Seniors Congress

To be eligible for a Seniors event, players must have their 61st birthday or beyond during the calendar year (January-December) of the event. For example, a player can play in a Seniors event at the age of 60 provided his/her 61st birthday falls later that year. For 2019 players must have been born in 1958 or earlier. See here for further details.

• More details on Seniors Congress

Under 26 Pairs

This event is no longer played at the Summer Meeting. Please see Under 26 Pairs event page

The Really Easy Summer Congress

The Really Easy Summer Congress offers a range of competitions and lessons for those who have recently to learn the game, or who have only just started playing more competitively. All players should be below the rank of Master, and have an NGS rating lower than Jack. Previous entrants to the Really Easy Congress should look to play in the main congress events.

For more information please see the event webpage

TD and Scoring courses

Details of any courses to be held at the Summer Meeting will be announced in due course.
The schedule of training courses to take place at the Summer Meeting has been confirmed.

Monday - 10:30 - 4:30 - TD course: How to run a club duplicate
Tuesday - 10:30 - 4:30 - TD course: Book Rulings
Wednesday - 10:30 - 4:30 - TD course: Book/Judgement Rulings
Thursday - 10:30 - 4:30 - TD course: Assessment

Friday - 10:00 - 12:30 - Scoring course: EBUScore beginners
Friday - 10:30 - 4:30 - Advanced TD training
Friday - 2:00 - 4:30 - Scoring course: EBUScore next step

To make a booking for any of the above please contact richard@ebedcio.org.uk, or call 01296 317217.

Other events

On Saturday and Sunday on both weekends and on Wednesday morning there is a seminar with an expert (or experts) discussing the hands from the previous day. Previous speakers have included Andrew Robson, Zia Mahmood, David Gold and other greats of the international game. The list of speakers will be announced in the weeks before the congress. On Friday morning there will be an expert seminar on a topic and with a speaker to be announced.

On both Friday and Saturday evenings there will be fun, free, fast-paced action for the insomniacs and bridge addicts, starting at 11:30pm.