Test
The North American Bridge Championships (NABC) offers an excellent chance to dive into the world of bridge and explore the best of a new city.
More advanced players can play in premier events awarding platinum masterpoints; those looking for gold points will have plenty of opportunities, too. Newer players, and even absolute beginners, can learn and hone new skills in a dedicated space just for them.
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or all 10 days, it’s a wonderful time full of meeting fellow bridge players from all over and playing the world’s best card game.
All bridge play will occur in the Minneapolis Convention Center.
hotel
Hotel & Transportation
Host Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown
1101 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
$209+tax per night
Host Hotel
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 S Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
$229+tax per night
Host Hotel
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
$229+tax per night
Host Hotel
Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
1313 Nicollett Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
$179+tax per night
While the Sheraton offers a lower rate, it is a smaller block and is currently sold out on several dates. Despite our efforts, the hotel is unable to add additional rooms or shoulder nights.
We appreciate your patience and will continue to monitor availability should any rooms open. Alternative availability is available at:
Hilton Minneapolis – $229/night plus tax
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis – $229/night plus tax
fees
Schedules & Fees
Each NABC has a wide variety of events each day, whether you’re just starting out, looking for gold points or aiming for an NABC title. The Full Schedule shows each event broken down by date and time and is color coded to help you find games to suit your interest.
All players must have an ACBL member number to participate in any event (ACBL member numbers are valid for life, even if your membership is inactive). Not a member? Join now!
Entry Fees (per person/per session)
All fees are maximum one discount type per member and subject to change without notice. All discounts require the use of Entry Express to purchase entries.
| Events | ACTIVE ACBL MEMBERS WITH DISCOUNT |
ACTIVE ACBL MEMBERS WITHOUT DISCOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Premier NABC+ (Platinum points, some stages on screens) Applies to Morehead Grand National Teams Championship Flight, Von Zedtwitz Life Master Pairs, Spingold Knockout Teams & Roth Open Swiss Teams $3 per member per session benefits the International Fund |
$43 | $53 |
| NABC+ (Platinum points) $3 per member per session benefits the International Fund |
$38 | $48 |
| NABC (Gold and Red points) | $25 | $35 |
| Regional / Gold Rush (Gold and Red points) | $22 | $32 |
| Evening Events (Gold and Red points) | $22 | $22 |
| Intermediate/Newcomer (Red points) | $18* | $28* |
* For all events, participants must be full ACBL members and up-to-date with their membership dues or services fees. Guest membership is permitted only for a) events with an upper limit of 20 masterpoints and b) members participating in the 0 to 5 players play free in 299er events on Friday, July 10.
Youth & Junior Entry Fees
All fees are in USD and subject to change without notice.
NBO Junior Player Free Entry: Juniors named to teams to represent Zone 2 NBOs in world competitions (“Junior NBO Player”) will receive free plays for NABCs occurring between the time they are named to the team and the world championship. These free entries can only be used while playing in a team or pair made up of Zone 2’s NBO Junior Players.
All other Youth and Juniors are eligible for free or discounted entries as follows (in USD):
| Events | Youth age <21 | Junior age 21-25 | NBO Junior Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier NABC+ | $18 | $18 | Free |
| NABC+ | $13 | $13 | Free |
| NABC | Free | Free | Free |
| Regional / Gold Rush | Free | Free | Free |
| Evening Events (Gold and Red points) | Free | Free | Free |
| Intermediate/Newcomer | Free | Free | Free |
new
For New Players
Just getting started? Try the friendly bridge experience of the Intermediate/Newcomer Area at the NABC! This welcoming area features many chances to learn more (often for free) and practice with players at your skill level. Stop by the Intermediate/Newcomer Desk for more information.
Soak up some bridge knowledge, sharpen your skills and take your game to new heights as you learn from world-class teachers and players. Most days at 9:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. before the morning and afternoon games.
BridgeBattle™
Come play BridgeBattle! A fast and fun game blends Bridge and War—no lessons needed. Just show up, play, and win prizes.
Saturday, July 11
Time: 1- 3 p.m.
Fee: Free
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Learn Bridge in A Day?
You’ll nail the basics of bridge in this interactive class that has both instruction and coached play. If you’re just starting, returning to the game or wanting to test the waters before taking formal lessons, this course is for you. Leave the class and take on a newcomer game!
Sunday, July 12
Time: 1- 6 p.m.
Fee: $25 USD pre-registered or $30 at the door – includes textbook
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Free Lessons
Both lessons will be followed by a free 12-board game for newer players (0-20 masterpoints). Pre-registration not required.
Saturday, July 11
Time: 8am -9:45am
Teacher: TBD
Topic: TBD
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Sunday, July 12
Time: 8am -9:45am
Teacher: TBD
Topic: TBD
Location: MInneapolis Convention Center
other
For Other Games
Level up your experience at the Spring NABC with some bonus events! Experience two unique evening activities filled with a variety of entertaining games for bridge players and their companions.
Beyond Bridge
Picture yourself challenging Bob Hamman and Joe Grue at backgammon, John Hurd and David Grainger at Catan, Eddie Wold at cribbage, or George Jacobs at pretty much any game! No masterpoints, no directors (except as players), just snacks, a cash bar, friends and fun.
Sunday, July 12
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton
“It’s Midnight Somewhere” Knockout (at 8:30 pm!)
Play in our special ZIP KO social bridge event featuring short rounds and big fun! Just six boards each, up to four rounds and a special prize on the line. No masterpoints but plenty of excitement!
Monday, July 13
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Bridge Mania
Join us for bridge-themed games like Jeopardy, Family Feud, Wild Hand Tournament and “Whats the Score” Trivia. Light food, cash bar and prizes for winners handed out by ACBL Executive Director, Bronia Jenkins.
Wednesday, July 15
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton
Crazy Bridge
Ready for some chaos at the card table? Crazy Bridge takes your favorite game and adds a new rule to every board, turning each hand into a fresh challenge. Maybe the player who wins the trick doesn’t lead next, or maybe everyone gets to revoke once—who knows what’s coming?
Show up solo or with a partner (we’ll match you if needed) and get ready to play, laugh, and think on your feet. It’s still bridge—just a little crazier.
Hosted by Adam Kaplan, member of the USA1 Open Team. Ages 35ish and under (don’t worry, we won’t card you at the door).
Friday, July 17
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
meetings
meetings
Meetings, Seminars & Receptions
Best Practices Teacher Workshop
This workshop covers proven techniques designed to enhance the effectiveness of teachers in their classrooms. The focus is on how, rather than what, to teach. Participants may opt to demonstrate their Best Practices proficiency on Friday afternoon to earn certification as an ACBL Best Practices teacher. For more information visit acbl.org/bpteacher.
Thursday-Friday, July 9-10
Time: Thursday, 8-5 p.m. with a break for lunch; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon
Fee: $125 USD, Assessment Fee (optional) $25 USD
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Reception for Club Officials and Teachers
The ACBL hosts this reception to say thank you to the club officials and teachers who recruit and retain our members. We invite club managers, teachers and club directors to attend. A light meal and adult beverages will be served. Event is free, but registration is required. Deadline to register is June 15. Walkup admittance is not guaranteed.
Friday, July 10
Time: 6:30 – 8pm
Location: Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown
Registration: Deadline is June 15
Learn Bridge in A Day? Instructor Accreditation
This program instructs teachers in methods of administering and presenting LBIAD.
Sunday, July 12
Time:12:30-8:30 p.m. You will serve as a table helper during the LBIAD class from 1 to 6 p.m.
Fee:$50
Register: Email Patty Tucker at bridgewithpatty2020@gmail.com
Food
About the City & Food
Minneapolis, the City by Nature, is known for its beautiful parks, vibrant arts scene and friendly Midwestern charm. Whether you're into lakeside strolls, modern museums, live music or inventive eats, this city serves up something for every kind of traveler.
For a detailed list of attractions, visit minneapolis.org and Minnespolis convention center events
The Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis’s scenic Chain of Lakes is perfect for walking, biking or simply relaxing by the water. Comprised of five lakes, this public park houses everything from shorelines and gardens to museums and restaurants.
Historic Fort Snelling
Sitting on the Dakota homeland known as Bdote, Fort Snelling has a history spanning 10,000 years. Learn the stories of the military fort and its surrounding area with a wide history including Native peoples, trade, soldiers and more.
Mill City Museum
Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, this interactive museum tells the story of Minneapolis’s industrial past in a surprisingly fun way. The Flour Tower, a large elevator traveling through time, is a must-do.
contacts
Contacts


