Challenge to all WB Clubs - it's time for Rubber Bridge again!

As you undoubtedly know, each year the Dan Gifford Rubber Bridge competition is played at National Congress and pairs from all regions participate.

The Waikato-Bays has had some very good partnerships in the past who have given the other regional pairs a good run for their money, including Christine and Jenna Gibbons who won the national title in 2012.

Last year we had an influx of new entries, with 20 pairs participating. This is the most we have had for many years, and this year we would like to do even better. Currently we have TWO entries. Come on Waikato-Bays - we can DO this thing!! First log in to NZ Bridge and then click here to enter.

Over the last few years, your Regional Committee has organised the Rubber Ducky Day Out, where players have an opportunity to learn about the tactics and the scoring of Rubber Bridge and play in round one straight after. Plus a free lunch, all sponsored by the region.

If it doesn’t suit to play your first round at Putaruru, the game against your opponents from the draw may be played elsewhere at a venue agreed by both partnerships. This could be at your home, a bridge club, or anywhere that suits both of you.

Please note that the regional winning pair gets $50 pp if there are less than 8 pairs entered, $70 pp for 8 or 9 pairs and $100 each if 10 pairs or more pairs participate. As well as this, the regional pair receives prize money at National Congress, as well as travel expenses. And the region with the most entries in the rubber competition gets TWO pairs to the competition at National Congress.

And to quote from Richard Solomon, Bridge Development Officer, New Zealand Bridge: “Remember the positives: 30 board matches should create a social atmosphere between the 2 pairs. Many matches have exciting finishes. No complex systems to worry about. Anyone can get a run of good cards. $1000 prize money for national champions. No national entry fee. Event sponsored by NZ Bridge Foundation. Travel costs to Hamilton paid by National Association.”

The Challenge:

The WBRC challenges each club to put at least one pair forward to play in our regional rubber bridge tournament. Surely that is a gettable target. We didn't achieve it last year, but why don't you be the pair from your club to enter this year?

So please get your entries in by 1 April and be there in Putaruru on Sunday 8 April at 10am for the seminar followed by morning tea. If you don't want to come for the seminar, come for morning tea ready to start play at 11am. Even if you can’t make it to the Rubber Ducky Day Out, get your entries in so we can organise a draw.