What is the Grand National Teams? It sure sounds like a high caliber event, but it’s actually one of the most enjoyable and accessible team events ACBL and the District holds each year! If you haven’t formed a team yet, it’s certainly not too late. Here’s a wild story about how I began my bridge journey…
Two Years Ago – A Last Minute Team Forms
Almost exactly two years ago, I was total beginner and knew nothing about the game of bridge (my partners often remind me not much has changed). A few former colleagues wanted to chance a team, and I reluctantly agreed having never scored IMPs in my life. Adding to the chaos, our 4th dropped out last minute with a work conflict – so we grabbed a company intern to fill the spot. Lucky for us, this intern later joined the Columbia bridge team that went to the National Collegiate Bridge Bowl finals!
Club Qualifier to District Swiss to District KOs to NABC
Amazingly, we prevailed, and it was a nonstop set of firsts for me! My first red points. My first knockout. My first experience playing 48 boards against the same opponents – and feeling the emotional fatigue pile up alongside my many errors. My first NABC – Atlanta Summer 2018!
Even though our GNT team lost early on, we turned the trip into a wonderful week of bonding among friends. We played 3-4 sessions per day, the morning bottom bracket, the evening side swiss, the midnight knockout. On the last day, we won our first Gold Rush!
After returning to New York, I was hooked. GNT definitely launched the beginning of my bridge adventures, and I’ve been so lucky for all the encouraging teachers, mentors, friends, and partners who have helped me along the way.
A Full Day Of Fun Guaranteed
In total, 6 teams can qualify to the Montreal Summer NABC and represent the district this year – one from each flight plus a possible 2nd team in flights B and C. There are four brackets to cater to all skill levels, so I encourage everyone to give it a shot. There are no qualifiers this year, just show up with your team of 4 to 6 players, ready to play on any of the dates below. A full day of fun team play will be guaranteed!
And you never know – maybe you’ll become New York and Long Island’s next Grand National Teams representatives!
