Information for our Sectionals in Palo Alto

This San Mateo Unit 498 Sectional tournament is a two-day weekend event open to all experienced ACBL bridge players.

Our San Mateo Unit hosts up to two sectionals each year at:

Palo Alto Bridge Center

432 Stierlin Rd

Mountain View, CA

For the Saturday games, you may participate in morning, afternoon, or both sessions. Sunday games are Teams events, requiring both morning and afternoon participation. Winners will receive SILVER points.

NOTE: THE AFTERNOON START TIME IS 2:30PM (half-hour earlier than in the past).

ENTRY FEE

Price per session is $15 for ACBL members; $19 for lapsed members. Students age 25 and under pay $10 per session. Non-members must join ACBL or obtain a free ACBL guest membership in order to play in any Sectional tournament. All participants must have an ACBL number. For information on joining ACBL click here (ACBL website).

REGISTRATION

Please arrive AT LEAST 30 minutes before the event. There is currently NO ADVANCED REGISTRATION or pre-payment. This is a large venue; we want to make sure we start on time. Payment via CREDIT CARDS only (cash not accepted).

PARTNERSHIP DESK

If you are in need of a partner please use our ONLINE PARTNERSHIP DESK or contact Carl Ebeling.

GAMES

At the discretion of the Director in Charge, all games are stratified based on participant Masterpoints (MPs) and participants are assigned seating in an attempt to “balance the field” for the number of strong, intermediate and newcomer players sitting in each direction. Stratification is based on the average of the partner Masterpoints. Stratification provides those with less experience to potentially play against more skilled players without diminishing their chances of winning.

FOOD

Option to purchase lunch to be delivered when first session is finished.

Complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. You are encouraged to bring your lunch if you are staying for both sessions. Also, a Safeway (with takeout options) and a limited number of restaurants are available within a short walk. Please be aware that there may be as little as one hour between sessions so it is best to buy take-out or bring your lunch.

SUNDAY TEAMS EVENTS

On Sunday, all games will be Teams. Team games are fun to play and grant generous Masterpoints. There is a lot of great information about teams events on the web. To get started, we suggest Palo Alto Bridge Center information.

WEINSTEIN TROPHY

The Saturday morning single-session Art Weinstein Trophy Pairs game is limited to partners who each have less than 100 Masterpoints. The winners will be announced in our Unitizer and have their names inscribed on the large trophy displayed at The Villa. Note that these players may also compete in afternoon and Sunday events if they wish.

PARKING

Free parking is available at the Palo Alto Bridge Center. Overflow parking, if available, will be identified with signage. THE CITY PROHIBITS PARKING ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS IN THIS AREA.

MASKS

Proof of vaccination is NOT required consistent with District 21’s present Covid policy. There is NO mask requirement at the tournament, unless a player at a table requests that masks be worn at that table. In that case, all players at that table are required to wear a mask. Please bring your mask to accommodate anyone requesting masking at their table

Questions? Contact Carol Lashman

San Mateo Unit 498 website

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