Bridge Players Plan to Get Lucky in Kentucky

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Mar 01, 2011, 08:24 ET

HORN LAKE, Miss., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge players from around the world will soon begin arriving in Louisville KY, for the Spring North American Bridge Championships to be held from March 10 through March 20, at The Galt House. The tournament, one of three held annually by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), will feature card play from 9am to 2am for each day of the event. Attendees will also have opportunities to take advantage of free bridge lessons and entertainment.

ACBL's Marketing Director, Vicki Campbell, says, "There is a place for all levels of bridge players at this event. Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned social player or an experienced tournament player – we have a place for you to play. All are welcome and no reservations are necessary. Louisville and surrounding area residents don't even need a partner, as a partnership desk matches up singles. Kibitzers are equally welcome and frequently attend the tournaments just to sit beside expert competitors of the game."

The ACBL expects up to 5,000 players to attend the tournament from every state and dozens of foreign countries for as many as 30 different bridge games a day. The undertaking requires massive shipments of supplies from the ACBL headquarters in Horn Lake MS, including 12,000 decks of cards and 1,000 card tables.

Free bridge lessons and casual games for newcomers will be held beginning at 10am on Friday, March 11 and other free games and workshops are scheduled for the following Saturday and Sunday.

Winning or placing in tournament events results in earning masterpoints. ACBL members strive to reach the required number of points to become a Life Master – the title regarded as a symbol of expertise.

Founded in 1937, the ACBL, with over 165,000 members, is one of the largest bridge organizations in the world. It supports 3,200 bridge clubs and 1,100 regional tournaments throughout North America. Headquartered in Horn Lake MS, the ACBL is also home to the ACBL Bridge Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of bridge memorabilia. For more information, visit the ACBL web site at www.acbl.org.

SOURCE American Contract Bridge League