Hello District 20 Bridge Players,

I recently returned home after spending 16 days in Philadelphia. There were some very warm and humid days, but I really enjoyed revisiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. I was very pleased to learn that there were almost 9,500 tables of bridge. What a great turnout! 

I went to the partnership desk one day to find a partner for a team game. I chose a lovely lady from New York who announced prior to playing that she needed 2.98 gold points to become a Life Master. She had 650 masterpoints and really wanted to make Life Master before leaving for home the next day. Fortunately, we came in third in our team bracket and received 5.67 gold points. It was the highlight of my trip to see the joy on her face after reaching her goal. Our team took Janice’s photo and submitted it to the Daily Bulletin where she was featured on page 8 the following day. 

The ACBL Board of Directors discussed a number of important topics during our meetings held July 21–July 24. Here is a copy of the Summer National Board Report, which covers all of the items we discussed in Philadelphia. Some of the items I would like to highlight are:

• The ACBL is financially sound. 
• Guest memberships are free forever. If a member obtains over 20 masterpoints and wants to continue to keep track of their points, the member must join with a full membership. The first year will be at a discounted price.
• Our membership numbers are continuing to decline. There are currently 121,000 members. We are looking at many possibilities to increase membership. Please share any ideas you may have with me and I will pass them along.
• There have been major changes approved for the Code of Disciplinary Regulations. Please read this section of the Board Report, which includes the description on how club managers may allow those under suspension to participate in certain face-to-face games.
• The ACBL would like to experiment with a new model for the 2028 Fall NABC. There would be events specifically for 0-750 NLM players, 0-3000 players, 0-6000 players, and open event players. The NABC would be held in a smaller venue, and preregistration would be required. All events would be at least two days. This is in the planning stage now, and more details will be forthcoming soon.
• We are investigating having a new Titanium (name may change) masterpoint, which would be equivalent to a gold masterpoint, but would only be given at NABCs in the limited NABC events.
• Entry Express is working much better, and we would like to expand it for use at regionals in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned.
• There are numerous governance tasks being undertaken since our Board has been reduced to 13 members. We are looking for ways to streamline our work and preparing an in-depth Board Resource Manual to lessen research time. 

If you have any questions or comments after reading the Summer National Board Report, please contact me at jackiezayac@gmail.com. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Seaside at the end of September. I hope I will see you at the Fall NABC in San Francisco, too.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Jackie Z