The weekend of the March 15-17 saw the 48th annual Oban Bridge Congress held in the town’s Royal Hotel.
With 44 pairs and 22 teams of four, the Congress proved to be as great success as ever, drawing players from all over the country.
“We were delighted with the congress being fully subscribed and with a waiting list. Oban has become one of the most popular events on the annual bridge calendar, ” commented Sue Pollard, secretary of the event’s organising committee.
“As well as many regulars we’re seeing many first timers. Always a good sign. We’ve had to bring the event forward in the year because of pressure on hotels in the town from Easter onward. This seems to have helped its popularity within the bridge community.”
The congress format comprises both pairs and teams events as well as fun formats including a bidding competition and a mixed teams event where random teams are formed by a draw of all the players entering.
The congress, while predominantly about testing bridge skills is also a great opportunity for socialising and taking advantage of Oban’s many attractions. Now in its second year at the Royal Hotel, the venue is proving very popular with both players who book in as residents as well as daily visitors.
“We love coming to Oban,” remarked Alan Downie from the Ness Bridge Club in Inverness, “Always a great buzz about the town and the hospitality always makes this congress special.”
The congress is one of the main highlights of the year for the Oban Bridge Club. The club meets three times a week, two times for face to face Bridge, and on Mondays for an online competition in partnership with clubs from Helensburgh, Dalbeattie and Stewarton.
As well as weekly club competitions the club is actively involved in national charity events playing against team from all over Scotland and the UK. In addition the club runs regular classes for beginners. As well as playing in Oban, the club has started an offshoot group which plays weekly in Lochawe, drawing in players from Dalmally, Taynuilt and the surrounding areas.
“The congress takes a substantial amount of organisation. After a short break we’ll start work on the 2025 congress and we’re already thinking ahead how we might make our 50th Congress in 2026 extra special,” said David Pollard, the President of the congress organising committee.
Congress Results:
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