A NEW EUROPEAN EVENT IN A PRESTIGIOUS VENUE, THE FIRST TEAMS WINTER GAMES IN MONACO, OPENED TO EVERYBODY, FROM 5 TO 11 FEBRUARY 2016
Why a new European championship ?
The European Bridge League (EBL) organizes a Teams Championship in the even numbered years, with only one team per country. Pierre Zimmermann had the idea, inspired by the US model, for another championship where teams from all over the world could play, with totally free team rosters (mixed, ladies, seniors, open , transnationals). The project has been unanimously approved by the EBL.
Why Monaco and why February ?
The organization of the last four editions of the Cavendish, of some World championships and of the yearly International Teams Tournament of Monaco has proven that the Monaco Bridge Fed (FMB) and its President, Jean-Charles Allavena, had the know-how to organize great events at a world level. There was a slot in an overloaded international agenda, the month of February.
Monaco sees more than 300 sunny days per year, and even better, the average for February is 20 sunny days with very mild climate. The city, the hotels, the many bars and restaurants, the fascinating shops and the casinos make Monaco an incredible destination.
Which events, where and when ?
The Zimmermann Cup is a great teams event, with a phase of qualification Swiss formula, from 5 to 7 February 2016, followed for the first 16 by a KO phase with long matches (3 * 20 boards), from 8 to 11 February. The prize fund will be around 110 000 Euros.
The teams which are not qualified for the KO phase will play the Trophy « board a match » of the Monaco Bridge Fed, from 8 to 11 February (two days of qualification, then Final A for the first and Final B for the others). The prize fund will be around 40 000 Euros.
A special point : it will be allowed to play only this second event.
Except on February 5, when we start at 12.00 and play until 21.00, we will finish every evening between 19.30 and 20.00, which guarantees free evenings and nice dinners.
All the events will be played at the Fairmont, a 4****L hotel, just 500 meters from the well known Place du Casino, seen in so many movies.
The Prize list
The global prize fund for the Zimmermann Cup is 110 000 Euros, with a first prize of 35 000 Euros and cash prizes for the sixteen teams playing the KO phase (see details on our website)
The global prize fund for the FMB BAM Trophy is 40 000 Euros (see details on our website too).
Special prizes will be distributed to the first teams with only Ladies, Seniors, Juniors, Regional (Monaco, Côte d’Azur, Ligurie), as long as at least 4 teams compete within that category.
In addition, EBL will award Master Points for each event.
How to register ?
It may be done either on the website des Winter Games or on the EBL website
Entry fees :
Zimmermann Cup + FMB BAM Trophy
1250 Euros per team (Friday 5 to Thursday 11)
Ladies teams : 750
Euros Juniors teams : 500 Euros
FMB BAM Trophy only
500 Euros per team (Monday 8 to Thursday 11)
The Hôtel Fairmont at incredible rates
This wonderful 4****L hotel, just over the sea, with its casino, bars, lounge, restaurants, spa and swimming-pool, has proposed outstanding conditions for the players, with rooms and continental breakfast from 195 Euros (single) or 225 Euros (double). Just look at the usual rates to check how attractive these rates are.
How to reach Monaco ?
By plane : Airport Nice Côte d’Azur, direct flights from many international airports, then Nice -Monaco, by bus, taxi, train or helicopter. By train : Monaco Gare, or by car.
In order to know all: www.wintergames.bridgemonaco.com
and our Facebook page European Winter Games
In order to register : www.wintergames.bridgemonaco.com/registration-2016
In order to book the hotel : www.wintergames.bridgemonaco.com/accomodation-2016
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December 15, 2015
Fédération Monégasque de Bridge