In 2026, Bridge NSW is introducing a new format for the State Pairs and Teams. The changes include:
- Three categories for State Finals – Open, Under Grand Master and Under National Master
- The State Pairs and Teams Finals will both be played online
- There will be Regional Finals for the Pairs
- Regional Finals for Pairs and Teams will be played on two days Face-to-Face across all regions on the same weekend (where possible).
- 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.
- There will no longer be Zone Finals for the Teams.
There are 10 country regions (the GNOT regions) and one Metropolitan Region.
Further information on the changes is available here:
- Invitation to clubs (PDF)
- List of clubs by regions (PDF)
- State Pairs Supplementary Regulations 2026 (PDF)
- State Teams Supplementary Regulations 2026 (PDF)
A workbook is provided that generates a report for a club that sorts members (Home Club and Alternate) into the categories of Open, Under Grand, and Under National.
- Club Member Categorisation (Excel)
Club Selection Events (CSEs)
Clubs are invited to conduct CSEs in accordance with the supplementary regulations for the Pairs and Teams championships. To assist in planning the Regional Finals, clubs are required to complete the Intention to Participate form below.
- 2026 Intention to conduct Club Selection Events for Pairs or Teams (spreadsheet).
- State Pairs and Teams CSE Intention Form (online form)
Clubs holding CSEs are required to complete the State Open Pairs Qualifying Event Excel Workbook available below.
- 2026 Pairs Club Selection Event Excel Workbook (spreadsheet)
- 2026 Pairs Club Selection Event Results Submission Form (online form)
- 2026 Teams Club Selection Event Excel Workbook (spreadsheet)
- 2026 Teams Club Selection Event Results Submission Form (online form)
Regional Finals
Face-to face Regional Finals will be held simultaneously in one venue unless resource availability requires alternative dates. As they are created, MyABF pages for each of the Regional Finals will be listed in the table at the bottom of this webpage.
Click the links below to access the results following the conclusion of each Regional Final:
Pairs and Teams entered as club representatives will be entered into the final by the Regional Organiser. Other Pairs and Teams may directly enter in accordance with the supplementary regulations.
- 2026 State Pairs and Teams Information for Regional Organisers (PDF)
- 2026 State Pairs Regional Final Excel Workbook (spreadsheet)
- 2026 State Pairs Regional Final Results Submission Form (online form)
- 2026 State Teams Regional Final Excel Workbook (spreadsheet)
- 2026 State Teams Regional Final Results Submission Form (online form)
2026 Regional Finals details
| Region | Regional Organiser | Final Date | Final Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Inland | Bruce Tier | 26-27 September 2026 | Armidale | Link to MyABF |
| Northern Rivers | Marjorie Askew | 26-27 September 2026 | Ballina | Link to MyABF |
| South Coast | Rae Duffy & Karen Creet | 26-27 September 2026 | Mollymook | Link to MyABF |
| Mountains | Ian Jackson | 26-27 September 2026 | Blue Mountains | Link to MyABF |
| Hunter | John McIlrath | 26-27 September 2026 | Hunter River Bridge Association | Link to MyABF |
| Tablelands-Illawarra | Steve Brabyn | 26-27 September 2026 | Illawarra | Link to MyABF |
| Central Coast | Louis Koolen | 26-27 September 2026 | CCLCBC | Link to MyABF |
| Mid-North Coast | Ray Ingielewicz | 26-27 September 2026 | Coffs Harbour | Link to MyABF |
| South-West NSW | John Currie | 26-27 September 2026 | Wagga Wagga | Link to MyABF |
| Western NSW | Pam Bradford | 26-27 September 2026 | Orange | Link to MyABF |
| Metropolitan | David Havyatt | 26-27 September 2026 | Sydney Bridge Club | Link to MyABF |
State Finals
State Pairs and Teams Finals will both be played online. Pairs and Teams qualifying for the State Finals will be entered into the MyABF event by the Tournament Organiser. No direct entry to the finals is permitted (except for House teams if any required for the Teams events).
- State Pairs Finals: Monday 30 November and Monday 7 December 2026
- State Teams Finals: Friday 4 December to Sunday 6 December 2026
Tournament Organiser
Dave Havyatt is the Tournament Organiser. He can be contacted at state.champs@bridgensw.com.au or on 0414 467 271.
Key dates 2026
- 31 March – CSE forms submitted
- 31 August – Returns for CSE in Pairs and Teams
- Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – Regional Finals in all regions.
- Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December – State Teams Final (online)
- Monday 30 November and Monday 7 December – State Pairs Final (online)