High stakes and higher bids: Philly hosts national bridge tournament

Around 4000 people will be gathering in the Center City Marriott for the North American Bridge Championships, through Aug. 3. Hosted by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), the 10-day-long event draws bridge players from all over the world.

The ACBL, the largest bridge organization in North America, has over 120,000 members. The ACBL, the largest bridge organization in North America, has over 120,000 members. The game may seem old-school, but it’s had its moments in the spotlight—popping up in shows like “The Crown” and “Downton Abbey,” and even making appearances in high-stakes celebrity tournaments.

While bridge—a trick-taking card game normally played in pairs—is particularly popular among older adults, there is a growing interest among the younger generations. 

Regardless of experience level, the Philadelphia event offers something for both advanced and beginner players, welcoming people from all walks of life. 

The program’s agenda can be found on the ACBL’s website. Entry fees range from $18 to $50 per event and can also be purchased for each event after registering for one of the membership options. 

Here’s the schedule of events this week.

Monday, July 28 – Goodwill Day / Krauss Dansby Wealth Partners Day

• All day: Spingold Knockout Teams begin (continues through Aug. 3)
• Wagar Women’s Pairs (two qualifying and two final sessions)
• Rusty Krauss Open Pairs & Phil Krauss Gold Rush Pairs
• David Dansby Bracketed Round Robin Teams
• Truscott/USPC Senior Swiss Teams (65+)
• Side Pairs and 299er Pairs at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 29 – Rick Rowland Day

• Spingold Knockout Teams continue
• Mini-Spingold Knockouts (0–6000) begin
• Wagar Women’s Pairs finals
• Multiple Swiss, Round Robin, Open, and Gold Rush pair events
• Side Pairs and 299er Pairs throughout the day
• Evening: Ann Smallen Side Pairs continue (Tue–Fri)

Wednesday, July 30 – Meyer Kotkin Memorial Day

• Wernher Open Pairs and Freeman Mixed Board-a-Match Teams (both multi-session)
• Mini-Spingold (0–6000 and 0–3000) continues
• Special Memorial events, including Jane Segal, Bobbie Gomer, and Joan Brandeis Pairs
• Collegiate Individual (7:30 p.m.)

Thursday, July 31

• NABC 0–10,000 Pairs begin
• Collegiate Bridge Bowl Championship (qualifiers)
• Thomas Welk Fast Pairs (10 a.m. & 1 p.m.)
• Continued action in Spingold, Mini-Spingolds, and Wernher events
• Evening: Ann Smallen Side Pairs and Collegiate Individual

Friday, August 1

• Roth Open Swiss Teams begin (multi-day event)
• NABC 0–10,000 Pairs continue
• Lois Sanders Fast Pairs
• Collegiate Pairs competitions
• Multiple memorial and bracketed team events throughout the day

Saturday, August 2

• Bean Red Ribbon Pairs (Under 3000 w/ Ribbon Q) begin
• Oshlag Fast Pairs
• Collegiate Pairs Championship
• Mixed Swiss Teams (0–10,000) begin
• Additional Gold Rush, Open, and Round Robin team events

Sunday, August 3 – Final Day

• Championship rounds for Spingold, Roth Swiss, and Mini-Spingold Teams
• Bean Red Ribbon and Mixed Swiss finals
• Ala Hamilton-Day Top-Flight Swiss Teams
• Final round of the Oshlag Fast Pairs
• Philadelphia NABC 2025 Committee hosts a final side pairs session

Eligibility for limited events is based on the masterpoint total of the highest-ranked player, with stratification determined by the average masterpoints of the pair or team. 

Most events follow standard board counts—24 to 27 per session—and players can earn gold points in multi-session events or by competing in the top strat of Side Pairs Series.

Newbies can also attend celebrity speaker events, with professional bridge players offering advice and skills training. Other game workshops, such as “Crazy Bridge” and “Bridge Mania,” will be available throughout the week.

For first-time Philadelphia visitors, the ACBL has put together a restaurant directory with a list of places to grab a bite between events. The iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak is, of course, one of the top recommendations. 

Additional information, such as tourist sites and contact information, is also available on the website. Happy card playing!