University is a great place to play bridge!

Bridge is not just a fun and mentally challenging game, but a fantastic avenue to meet people and make new friends - you may even find love!

"Bridge has been a great way to meet people who I may not have otherwise met. I have become friends with many of these people, and I even met my boyfriend through bridge."

Student bridge clubs run regular playing sessions, welcome beginners, and play in matches against other universities as well as in their local bridge community. Many players arrive with experience from school bridge, while others discover the game for the first time at university. For many players, university bridge provides the natural step between youth bridge and the wider adult game. It is also where lasting partnerships and friendships are often formed

"What's better than meeting with friends in the pub, having some food and drinks and playing some cards?!"

While many university bridge players enjoy the social aspect of the game, it can also be as competitive as you wish it to be!

Inter‑university competition is a central part of the university bridge calendar. Teams compete in the Portland Bowl (the national knockout championship for universities) and the EBED Inter-uni Friendly; additionally there are also many other playing opportunities for university students - see below!

EBU University Award

EBED is offering up to £1,000 in funding for individuals or groups of university students who start or restart a bridge club at their university. Recipients' names will also be published on the EBU and EBED websites in recognition. See list of past recipients here

In the first year, £300 may be awarded for establishing a bridge club with two or three tables, entering the Portland Bowl or other local tournaments, and engaging with local clubs or counties.

An additional £300 may be given in the second year for the continued development of the club.

A final payment of £400 may be awarded if the club is active and fully established in its third year.

At the end of each academic year, a brief report or a phone call to the CEO of EBED will be required (contact details are to be found on EBED’s website).

In addition to these payments, EBED is open to supporting university clubs in need of equipment such as boards or bidding boxes. However, it is possible that local clubs or counties may be another source. EBED will also provide free access to teaching materials and tournament directors courses.

Download pdf information

A number of universities have thriving bridge clubs...

• University bridge club websites

(Please contact sam@ebu.co.uk to add your club details)

Portland Bowl

This is an inter-university teams-of-four knock-out competition, which starts each autumn and runs through to a semi-final and final hosted by the Portland Club in London in the spring. Early matches are zoned to minimise travel.

• More information

EBED Inter-Uni Team Friendly

EBED organises a friendly inter-university Teams match each Autumn term, which is free to enter with no restrictions on the number of teams that can join from each university. This friendly is held online, offering a wonderful opportunity to socialise with and compete against fellow university bridge players across the country! Click here for more info and to register for the next event.

EBED Sunday Pro-Am Pairs

EBED organises a free gentle duplicate online on Realbridge every 2nd Sunday of the month, with the objective of providing more playing & development opportunities for youth players new to or improving at bridge: the session thus is most suitable for two amateurs playing together, or a pro-am pair (ie a more experienced player playing with a less experienced partner). At least one of the pair must be U-26. Playing links can be found via the calendar entries on the B4S website.

Upcoming Events

Feel free to view our Youth Calendar page for a list of all upcoming events for junior players (under 26).

More Information

For more details of how EBED can help support bridge in your university, please contact us.

Affiliate with the EBU

It costs just £5 a year for university bridge clubs to affiliate with the EBU. Your club members can then get all the benefits of being EBU members, you can win Master Points in your club sessions, they will count towards your NGS, and more.