We’re re-shaping the NSW State Pairs and Teams Championships in 2026.
The new format replaces the State Open Pairs and State Open Teams. It is designed to encourage all players across the state to compete to represent their club to become Regional Champions in three different categories (Open, Under Grand, Under National) in Pairs and Teams.
Regional Champions will represent their region at the State Finals. It is not possible to enter the State Finals directly.
The new format is expected to increase regional participation by players of all levels, and strengthen the event bridge playing community across the state. The change is significant, so we expect momentum to build as players and clubs embrace the change and the community fully realises the benefits.
What’s new in 2026?
From 2026, we are introducing Regional Championships where players represent their clubs to become Regional Champions. Pairs and teams are chosen to represent their clubs in Club Selection Events. Regional winners compete at the State Finals.
Clubs can conduct up to three Club Selection Events in times regularly allocated to club sessions, provided each is targeted at a different player audience (e.g. different days/nights, F2F/online). Each CSE must consist of no more than four (4) sessions and a club is limited to a total of nine (9) sessions.
Regional Championships will be played in categories (Open, Under Grand, Under National) where possible. They will be held in ten country regions and metropolitan Sydney (the same as the GNOT regions – see Appendix A). Pairs and teams can also register directly for the Regional Championships. The new State Teams and Regional Finals replace the Country Teams element of the former State Open Teams. A Country Teams Champion is still selected at the State Final.
At the State Finals, the three player categories (Open, Under Grand, Under National) will be played as separate fields. Each will feature Regional Champions, including Metropolitan Champions as well as the next three qualifiers from the Metropolitan finals. The State Finals will be online to make it easier for players across the state to participate.
All events attract red masterpoints at double the rate of club red point sessions. However, where an event (all Regional Finals, State Finals and some Club Selection Events) is played in different fields, a Master Factor will be applied.
What events will be played?
Clubs can schedule their Club Selection Events when and how it suits them. However, they must be played in the normal advertised session times of the club.
The three player categories are according to players’ masterpoint rank as at 1 January 2026. Masterpoint ranks are being used to offer all players a fairer and more enjoyable playing experience.
Full Supplementary Regulations will be published on the Bridge NSW website by 1 January 2026.
Benefits of the change
The new format offers a number of benefits.
- Broader participation: The new player categories encourage greater participation at the club and regional levels. Players can also benefit from red Masterpoints without having to play Open State Finals.
- Regional focus: Players compete to play in Regional Championships and to become Regional Champions. This is expected to foster greater local and regional engagement, as well as stronger competition at club and regional levels.
- Greater access: All Regional Champions will have better access to State Finals, as the State Finals will be online.
The new format is expected to help grow the event playing community and provide another type of event for player development at all skill levels.
Key 2026 dates
Club Selection Events
Clubs can hold events when and how it suits them, provided they are completed before 31 August 2026.
Regional Championships
Regional Championships will be held in-person at 11 host clubs across the state on or around the following proposed dates:
- Saturday 26 September: [Region name] Pairs
- Sunday 27 September: [Region name] Teams.
The host clubs will be determined by an expression of interest process. Where a region is unable to hold its final on scheduled dates, the host may apply for an alternative date.
State Finals
The State Finals are to be held online with RealBridge on:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December: State Teams
- Monday 7 and Monday 14 December (evenings): State Pairs
How would players progress through the Championship?
Most clubs will run a single field Club Selection Event, from which they will select their representative players.
- A Club Selection Event over one or more sessions will be held before 31 August. Clubs do not need to nominate pairs or teams, and are not limited to one entry for each category.
- The selected pair or team advance in each player category — Open, Under Grand, Under National — to the Regional Championships on 26-27 September.
- The region crowns their champions who compete in the State Finals online on 28 and 29 November (Teams) and/or 7 and 14 December (Pairs).
Entry fees and Bridge NSW support
The fee to play in the Regional Championships as a club representative is $25 per player per event. That is $50 for a Pair and $100 for a Team. For players who register directly for the Regional Championships, the cost is $75 for a Pair and $150 for a Team.
Clubs will be invoiced for their representatives and can decide whether to pay all of these costs or recoup some or all of the costs from their players.
Bridge NSW will charge clubs $2.50 per player per session at a Club Selection Event. These funds will be used to cover the costs of running the Regional Championships and State Finals.
Bridge NSW will provide marketing support to the host clubs of the Regional Championships.
Seeking Regional Organisers
Bridge NSW is seeking Expressions of Interest for Regional Organisers to implement the new Championships. The RO’s role is to encourage clubs in their region to hold Club Selection Events and, in conjunction with a host club (which may be their own), organise the Regional Final and provide required information to the Tournament Organiser.
Head to our Vacancies page for more.
Q&A
Q: We’ve already planned our 2026 club calendar – can we fit this in?
A: The model is designed for flexibility. Use any regular club sessions for player selection.
Q: How does a player know their category?
A: A player’s Masterpoint Rank on 1 Jan 2026 determines their eligibility for one of the three player categories (Open, Under Grand, Under National). Players can log into the Masterpoint Centre to view their rank. Players may play in a higher category but not a lower category. All players in a pair or team must be eligible to play in that category.
Q: What are the additional Red Masterpoints on offer?
A: Red Masterpoints at the State Championship level (W= 5.0) will be allocated for all Club Selection Events, Regional Championships, and State Finals. For events played in separate categories, a Master Factor will be applied. Bridge NSW will invoice clubs for the Masterpoints issued in their Club Selection Events. Bridge NSW will bear the cost of Masterpoints for the Regional Championships and State Finals.
Q: How does the new format affect a club’s B4c Masterpoint allocation?
A: The club’s B4c allocation will not be affected. The red Masterpoints allocated for the Club Selection Events, Regional Championships and State Finals will all be in addition to a club’s existing allocation.
Q: Can players enter multiple Club Selection Events and Regional Championships?
A: Yes. Players may play in multiple Club Selection Events provided they comply with the club’s entry requirements and regularly play at that club’s sessions. Players may contend in any region of NSW in which they have a bona fide connection, but they may only play in the Regional Championship for one region. Players who missed out or come from different clubs can register directly for Regional Championships.
Q: Why are State Finals being held online?
A: To improve access for all players and reduce travel costs. It also means more players can experience state‑level play against players of similar ability.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Tournament Organiser Dave Havyatt on 0414 467 271 or david@havyatt.com.au.
Appendix A — regions (as per GNOT)
See the attached.
