The 2026 State Pairs and Teams Championships are happening on the weekend of 26–27 September, with State Pairs on Saturday and State Teams on Sunday. Some face-to-face Regional Finals will be replaced by combined online events.
This year’s format was introduced to make the championships more accessible across NSW and relevant to players with a wider range of abilities. It offers Open, Under Grand Master and Under National Master categories, with a pathway from regional events to State Finals.
Entries in several regions are below the level needed to run viable local finals. Combining those Regional Finals online will allow affected players to continue in the championships. It is also an opportunity for additional players who like to play online to join the event.
Direct entries close Monday, 14 September.
Players who have not qualified through a Club Selection Event can still enter either directly through MyABF or through their club. If entering through your club, you must have played in a Club Selection Event, and the entry fee you reimburse the club for will be half the direct entry fee. For example, for Under Grand Master and Under National Master, it is just $18.75 per person for the day ($25 for Open).
A quick reminder
This year’s format was introduced to make the championships more accessible across NSW and offer opportunities at different player levels – Under National Master, Under Grand Master and Open.
Club Selection Events have now finished. Eligible players can still enter a Regional Final directly, without having played in a Club Selection Event. The closing date for direct entries has been extended until Monday, 14 September (11.59pm).
What stays the same?
There are still three player categories, double red masterpoints, and a pathway from Regional Finals to the online State Finals. The State Pairs Finals dates are 30 November and 7 December; the State Teams Finals dates are 4–6 December. Players qualify for the State Finals through the regional stage. There are no direct entries to the State Finals.
What is changing?
- Face-to-face finals remain in Metro Sydney, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Tablelands–Illawarra and Mountains.
- Combined online finals for Central Inland, Northern Rivers, South-West NSW, Western NSW and South Coast. These replace the local face-to-face finals in the listed regions. There is now one MyABF event listed as South Coast and Outer Regions Regional Final.
- Mountains will hold one session of pairs and one session of teams on 26 September.
Already entered?
- Existing registrations and payments remain unchanged where Regional Finals stay face-to-face.
- Entries already received in regions joining the combined online event have been transferred, and the regional organisers have contacted affected players.
- If you have questions or you are playing in a Regional Final and have not received your update, please contact Dave Havyatt by emailing state.champs@bridgensw.com.au or calling 0414 467 271.
Questions? We’ve got you covered.
Read our State Championships FAQs and get ready to play.
