You may have seen that BBO (Bridge Base Online) is making some changes to its pricing policy. Essentially, the changes greatly restrict players’ ability to play in free games on BBO (including setting up teams games themselves) unless they sign up for a Premium subscription, the fee for which starts at $6 per month and goes up to $10 per month after a year. While BBO’s pricing strategy is a matter for themselves, the consensus seems to be that bridge players feel this may not be a sensible strategy, especially as alternative platforms have emerged in recent years.
In any event, the main purpose of this post is to inform CBAI members these changes will NOT affect the CBAI virtual clubs at all. So if your club currently plays online on BBO, or you play in any of the open virtual clubs within the CBAI (Sligo & Friends, Bridge Beo, Galway Virtual Bridge, Drogheda & Friends, or Diarmuid Reddan’s games) you can continue as currently and do not need to take out any paid subscription with BBO. (If you play extensively in BBO’s free games, however, you will need to do so to continue to enjoy these games.)
A reminder that the closing date for the annual Pre-Qualifier Trials (aimed at players with fewer than 100 National Points who would like to try to qualify for either the Lady Milne or Camrose Trials later in the season) is tomorrow, 7 August. Entries should be sent to info@cbai.ie.
The first event for the 2026/27 season is the Boyne Valley Bridge Bash, in Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim over the weekend of 22/23 August. You’ll find full details, including how to enter, here, and all are welcome. While numbers are strong again this year, organiser Nicola O’Dowd tells us that she can squeeze in a few more players.
The first “major” of the new season, the Duais an Uachtarain (President’s Prize), is in the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow over the weekend of 19/20 September (three sessions, two Saturday, one Sunday). This event is open to Masters and Intermediate As, and entries should be made via the CBAI website. If you’re planning to stay in the hotel, our block advance booking expires on 18 August, and there are still rooms available, so you should make your booking before then.
The Northern Ireland Bridge Union has announced the schedule for its 2026/27 Online Leagues, and CBAI members are welcome to enter. In a change from last year, matches will be played on various weeknights, apart from Friday. Last season’s fixed night caused difficulties for some due to repeated clashes with their regular club nights. There is an Open (referred to as “Senior”, but with no age restrictions) and an Intermediate League. You’ll find more information here, and entries can be made here. The closing date for entries is 13 September.
We have begun updating the list of bridge classes for 2026/27 on our website. If you are a CBAI-accredited teacher planning classes, please let us have the details (to info@cbai.ie) and we will be happy to promote your classes. If you know anyone interested in taking up bridge, or in improving their game, you’ll find details of the classes available. In a new departure, the CBAI is offering gift vouchers (for amounts in multiples of €50) which you can give to a friend or family member to encourage them to take up the game, and which they can redeem against the cost of their classes, with the teacher returning the vouchers to the CBAI to receive payment. An ideal way to incentivise someone to take up our great game.
Finally, moving overseas, the 60th Isle of Man Congress will take place from 4-6 September in Douglas, Isle of Man. A number of Irish players have been attending this event in recent years, and the feedback is good. Doubtless the organisers will be pulling out all the stops for the diamond jubilee. You’ll find full details here.