Bridge NSW invites all clubs to conduct Club Selection Events (CSEs) for the 2026 State Pairs and Teams.
As announced in December, we are changing the format of our State Pairs and Teams events. The change 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.
Key dates
- 31 March – Intention to hold CSE forms submitted
- 31 August – Returns for CSE in Pairs and Teams
- Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – Regional Finals in all regions (unless changed for individual regions)
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December – State Teams Final (online)
- Monday 7 and Monday 14 December – State Pairs Final (online)
Direct entry of pairs and teams to the Regional Finals will be possible, however, seating priority will be given to club representative pairs or teams. There will be no direct entry to the State Finals.
Red masterpoints
All affiliated clubs can play qualifying sessions and award red masterpoints at state championship level (W = 5.00).
You do not need to send a club representative pair or team to the Regional Final in order to award red masterpoints.
These sessions are part of a Bridge NSW State Championship, so they come with a higher weighting and are additional to your B4c allowance.
Benefits of new format
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.
More on CSEs
The regulations allow CSEs to be played online on the RealBridge platform or face-to-face.
Clubs may hold up to three CSEs, provided that each is targeted at a different set of players. For example, two separate events held at the time of ordinary day and night sessions, an event held at a second club venue, or online on RealBridge. CSEs must be held during regularly scheduled club session times.
We understand clubs have already planned their activities for 2026. Please note, any club duplicate session can be changed to a CSE session. CSEs for teams can be played as single session teams events (using New England Relay or American Whist movements), or as an ordinary duplicate pairs event with IMPs scoring.
For more information
Full details are included in the Supplementary Regulations on the State Pairs and Teams page.
Fraser Rew
Chair of the Bridge NSW Tournaments Committee
