N°52 • AUGUST 2024

The ACBL’s Spring Nationals in Louisville attracted 6757 tables, suggesting that the downturn in attendances following the enforced interval caused by the pandemic was still a major factor. However, the Summer Nationals in Toronto attracted 9560.50 tables, a significant step in the right direction. The venue for the Fall Nationals is Las Vegas, which has always been one of the most popular locations, so there is every chance that the upward trend will continue.

Meanwhile, the World Bridge Federation and the European Bridge League are busy promoting online events for Women, Small Federations and the age groups U16, U21, U26 and U31 that should reflect the continuing popularity of online play. Looking a little further into the future, the 5th Transatlantic Seniors Cup organised by the Polish Bridge Federation is likely to take place early in the New Year.

However, no matter how encouraging increased attendance figures may be, they do not address the long-term age-related problem.

The challenge that lies ahead is not only to maintain the current level of enthusiasm, but to build on it. The Jump Start Bridge initiative championed by our ABTA contributor Patty Tucker is inspiring schools across North America to introduce their students to bridge. Just imagine what the effect might be if Federations around the world start to beat that same drum.

Number 52 – Monthly – August 2024 – Director of publication Olivier Comte – Publisher Éditions de Presse Spécialisée Le Bridgeur – 33 avenue Emile Zola, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt  – France – Executive Director Karine Meyer-Naudan – Editorial Committee Michel Bessis – Muriel Clément – Philippe Cronier – Mark Horton – Vincent Labbé – Norbert Lébely – Karine Meyer-Naudan – Assistant Editor-in Chief Vincent Labbé – Editorial Secretary Muriel Clément – Adverts Bridgerama+ Muriel Clément 01 42 96 25 50  – Subscriptions 01 42 96 25 50 – Art Director Isabelle Le Squer-Fontaine/Maya – mayatom@me.com – Translation Monika Kummel – Legal Deposit august 2024, N°7.680 – Joint Committee – 1118 K 85690 – ISSN 0184-8127.