Introducing the Starter Congress

April 30, 2026

Bridge NSW is excited to announce an initiative to support new and developing players who have little or no experience playing in a congress.

Introducing the Starter Congress – a full-day pairs event specifically for newer players who are interested in trying tournament bridge but might feel hesitant to take that first step.

The very first Starter Congress will be hosted in partnership with Peninsula Bridge Club at their brand-new club house on Sunday, 9 August from 9:30am to 4:00pm. 

Why try tournament bridge?

Playing in a Congress is the best way to:

  • Make new friends and connect with other bridge players
  • Compete against others at about the same level of ability (or if you feel up to the challenge, in a higher-level field)
  • Have a wonderful time, sharing stories of triumphs and disasters, while you laugh and learn!

 

Take your first step at the Starter Congress

Moving from club bridge to tournament bridge can feel like a giant step for many players. The Starter Congress is a “supported pathway” to allow players to give congress bridge a go. It features:

  • Fair competition: created for players with under two years’ experience or less than 50 masterpoints to ensure players compete with those at a similar stage in their bridge journey.
  • A gentler pace: a shorter day with fewer boards than a standard congress and a focus on learning – a great experience without the pressure of a standard tournament.
  • Helpful guidance: the day begins with introduction to congress etiquette and scoring, with dedicated “Go-to” volunteers on hand to support players throughout the day.

 

The inaugural Starter Congress is expected to be the first in an ongoing series, hosted in partnership with clubs across the state. The goal is simple – to help newer players build their confidence and skills to become more active and engaged players within the NSW bridge community.

Clubs and players are encouraged to share details of this event with newer players in your community – download the event flyer here.

Register now at MyABF.

 

You may also like to read:

Bridging NSW: October 2026 Newsletter

The October edition brings together the latest news, events and achievements from across the NSW bridge community. Explore highlights from the State Championships Regional Finals, the upcoming Sydney Spring Nationals, club celebrations, youth events, education and directing updates, and our People of Bridge feature with Cath Whiddon.

Read More

State Championships: updated Regional Finals arrangements

The 2026 State Pairs and Teams Championships regional and metropolitan finals take place on 26–27 September, with some regional events moving online. Opportunities remain for players across Open, Under Grand Master and Under National Master categories. Check the arrangements for your region and enter before direct entries close on Monday, 14 September.

Read More

Bridging NSW: September 2026 Newsletter

The September edition brings together the latest news, events and achievements from across the NSW bridge community. Explore upcoming State Championships and the Sydney Spring Nationals, recent congress results, youth achievements, education and directing updates, and the people helping bridge thrive across NSW.

Read More

August Newsletter

The August edition celebrates outstanding NSW performances at the Australian National Championships and looks ahead to an exciting calendar of upcoming events. We farewell inaugural Chair Catherine Chaffey, welcome Sophie Ashton to the Board, and meet Sue Eishauer in People of Bridge. The issue also brings together news from clubs, teachers and players across NSW, along with education, directing and community updates.

Read More

July newsletter

The July issue of the Bridging NSW newsletter is here. Key features this month, 'Gold in Goa' - the amazing results from the Asia Cup in India, including a gold medal in the Seniors’ Team, featuring four players from NSW and we introduce the
talented players representing NSW at the Australian National Championship. They share memorable moments, tips for players and more.

Read More

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This