Editor’s Note – The following content was provided to us via Tim White, our representative to the ACBL Board. Note that the Seattle Fall NABC in 2027 precedes these proposed changes; it will not be impacted by this structure/model.
Welcome to the New NABC!
Transforming the Tournament Experience Starting Fall 2028
Starting with the Fall 2028 NABC in Austin, TX, we are reimagining our Spring and Fall NABC schedules around two continuous, structured tracks: the Championship Track and the Signature
Track. This new format ensures every player—from rising contenders to world champions—has a clear path to compete for and win an official NABC title.
Updated hotel and venue criteria expand our options for great host cities—bringing favorite locations and exciting new destinations within reach! By prioritizing exceptional playing space
right inside host hotels, we ensure everyone enjoys top-tier playing conditions paired with seamless “stay upstairs, play downstairs” convenience.
Two Tracks to a National Title
- The Championship Track: The ultimate arena for world champions, top experts, and
ambitious challengers. Compete at the highest level for our most prestigious NABC
titles in traditional qualifying and knockout formats. - The Signature Track: Built for balanced, peer-level competition, this track uses
bracketed fields so you can compete directly against others at your level. Whether you
begin here or pivot from the Championship Track, you stay in the chase for an official
NABC title.
Key Highlights
Earn Titanium Masterpoints®
Introducing a major Signature Track highlight: Titanium Masterpoints®, designed for advancing players under 10,000 Masterpoints. This is an entirely new Masterpoint type earned exclusively at NABCs, featuring its own Titanium race. As an added benefit, Titanium points convert directly to Gold and Red—so every point you win moves you forward on your journey through the ranks.
Shared Hands, Shared Insights
Play the exact same deals as the rest of the field—in similar events wherever possible—then compare notes afterward. Use your hand records to break down critical plays and discuss bidding
with friends, peers, and top players. Watch video commentary on how the best handled the trickiest deals—on the very hands you just played!
Just for Newer Players
The Spring and Fall NABCs will feature specially curated one- and two-day events designed specifically for newer players. Hosted alongside local NABC Committees composed of bridge volunteers who truly understand the newer player’s perspective, these events offer expert guidance, warm hospitality, and a smooth, engaging tournament experience. When you aren’t playing, the options are wide open: step up into the Signature Track to test your skills, join a side game, or take time to explore the host city!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Picture & Track Choices
What is the difference between the Championship Track and the Signature Track?
- Championship Track: The ultimate arena for world champions, top experts, and ambitious challengers competing in qualifying and knockout formats for our most prestigious NABC titles.
- Signature Track: Uses bracketed fields so you compete directly against players at your level. Whether you start here or pivot from the Championship Track, you remain in the chase for an official NABC title.
How will I be placed in a bracket or track?
Placement in the Signature Track will be based on Masterpoints—for pairs and teams, this will most likely be the average of the partnership or team. Full bracket details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Can my regular partner and I play together if we are at different levels?
Yes. Because Signature brackets are expected to use the average of a partnership’s Masterpoints, you and your regular partner can play together and be placed in a bracket that reflects your
combined strength as a pair.
I just want good games—I don’t expect to win a title. Is there still a place for me?
Absolutely. The new NABC is for every kind of player, whether you are chasing a national title or simply love a good game. Side games will be available every day for exactly that purpose.
If I start in the Championship Track and don’t qualify for the final rounds, what happens?
The 11-day schedule guarantees non-stop action. Should your run in a Championship Track event end, you can transition seamlessly into a Signature Track bracket or a side game.
How does the tournament flow over the 11 days?
Day 1: An opening day of charity games and warm-up events to kick off the week—a relaxed start before the main events begin.
Days 2–9: Primary competition. Championship Track players compete in open NABC title events; Signature Track players compete in balanced, bracketed fields.
Days 10–11: The tournament shifts to a playthrough format, ensuring events beginning on the final weekend keep everyone playing right to the end.
Your Favorite Events & Everyday Play
Are my favorite events still here?
Yes. All core NABC events remain—the premier championships you look forward to every year are still on the schedule. The new format expands your options without taking away existing
favorites.
Are there side games every day?
Yes. If you would rather play a side game on any given day, that option is available throughout the entire tournament.
Is there still Intermediate/Newcomer (I/N) and Gold Rush play?
Yes. Programming for newer and advancing players continues alongside the specially curated events described above.
Venue & Location
Why are we upgrading our hotel and venue criteria?
By focusing on exceptional playing space right inside great host hotels, we expand our options for great host cities—opening the door to exciting new destinations while making it feasible to
return to past favorites.
What does “stay upstairs, play downstairs” mean for players?
It means prioritizing host hotels that house the tournament playing space on-site. You get top-tier playing conditions paired with the simple convenience of walking straight from your room to the game.
Will the venues be accessible for players with mobility needs?
Yes. Accessibility is a required component of our venue standards, and the on-site playing model is designed to make getting to and from the game easier for everyone.
Masterpoints & Hand Records
What are Titanium Masterpoints® and who can earn them?
Titanium Masterpoints® are an entirely new Masterpoint type earned only at NABCs, featuring their own dedicated race. Designed for advancing players under 10,000 points, they carry an
added benefit: they convert directly to Gold and Red points, helping you progress through the ranks as you play.
What does “Shared Hands, Shared Insights” mean?
Players across the field play the exact same deals, allowing everyone to compare hands afterward. Use your hand records to study key plays and discuss bidding with friends, peers, and
experts—and watch video commentary on the hands you played yourself.
The Newer-Player Experience
What special events are available for newer players?
The Spring and Fall NABCs feature specially curated one- and two-day events designed alongside local NABC committees. They offer expert guidance, warm hospitality, and a smooth
experience. When you aren’t playing in these, you can step up into a Signature event, join a side game, or explore the host city.
What if I come without a partner or team?
The ACBL will provide an on-site Partnership Desk to assist you in finding a partner or team.
Your Stay & the Experience
Do I have to attend all 11 days, or can I come for just part of it?
Come for as long or as short as you like—whether for a single weekend or the full 11 days. There is meaningful play every day, making even a short visit well worth it.
Will there be social events, speakers, and lessons?
Yes. Social events, speaker programs, and lessons will be planned alongside each host committee to suit attending players.
Registration, Entry Fees & Dates
When do these changes take effect?
The new format debuts at the 2028 Fall NABC in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott, and will apply to future Spring and Fall NABCs.
How do I purchase entries?
Entry Express, the ACBL’s online registration system, lets you buy entries before game day. Skip the entry desk lines, receive table and seed assignments by email, and head straight to play when you arrive.
How are entry fees structured?
Detailed pricing for each event will appear in the official tournament program and on Entry Express before registration opens.
Is the Summer NABC changing too?
No. The Summer NABC stays exactly as it is today—featuring nationally rated and regional events, Gold Rush events, Intermediate/Newcomer games, learning opportunities, the Youth
NABC, and the Collegiate Bridge Bowl.
Do I need to be an ACBL member to play?
Yes. All participants must be active ACBL members in good standing. You can join or renew anytime at acbl.org.
How will I learn more—and can I share feedback?
This is the first of several updates, and we want your input as plans take shape! The ACBL will communicate directly via email, with complete details posted on the ACBL website. Local
NABC committees will share news in their Regions, and regular updates will appear in the ACBL Bridge Bulletin and NABC Daily Bulletins.