Events for less experienced players

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 Nine on the NGS. In some instances a more experienced player may partner a novice – please check with us prior to entering.

Online 9-High & Jack High Events

A series of 9-High and Jack High events run online by counties on behalf of the EBU!

Next Event: Jack High Pairs on RealBridge, 12th November 2023

"Relaxed" Games on Bridge Base Online

The EBU runs daily "9-high Relaxed Games" on Bridge Base Online at 11am and 7.30pm. They are 12-board games costing $2.20, aimed at those without too much experience, with an NGS no higher than "9", and run at a slower pace that our other regular daily games. 

In addition, English Bridge Education and Development (EBED) run "6-high Relaxed Games" with experienced teachers to hand and a Zoom discussion afterwards, for those whose NGS is no higher than "6". They cost $3.50 and are on Wednesdays at 2pm. 

To play in these events, members should set their skill level on their BBO account as no higher than Intermediate. This can be changed by going to the Account menu on the right hand side when logged in to your BBO account.

Improvers events at YCBA congresses

Three congresses are run by Yorkshire CBA on behalf of the EBU, and at each of these there is an 'improvers' event.

Please see the event webpage for details, and make entries directly to the YCBA.

Entering an event

To enter a Really Easy event (excluding the YCBA events listed above) please contact the EBU Competitions Department - comps@ebu.co.uk or 01296 317203. For the Really Easy Weekends your accommodation should be booked directly with the hotel.

Players from abroad

Entry requirements for any Really Easy or Novice event, whether run by the EBU or a county or club, are based on master points earned even if not recorded by the EBU. For this reason, visitors or those who have moved here from abroad should check their eligibility with the event organiser or the EBU Chief TD, before entering any such event. For the same reason, visitors and those who have moved from abroad are not usually eligible for stratified or Non-Expert prizes or master point awards that may be available in an event. Any request for an exception to this should be made before entering an event.

Systems

At all our events for less experienced players only level 2 systems may be played, example level 2 system card. 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 & Development website.