Bermuda?s bridge community is busy gearing up for its annual Regional Bridge Tournament, which gets underway this Saturday at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. The designation ?regional? refers to the geographic zone administered by the American Contract Bridge League, which also incorporates Canada and Bermuda.

The week-long tournament, now in its 46th year, is one of the longest-established tournaments in the zone.

Tournament chairperson Lynanne Bolton said approximately 250 visitors are booked to arrive on the Island for this year?s event.

They will join an estimated 100 local bridge players, who always look forward to the opportunity of playing against top North American players.

For this year?s tournament, organisers are offering a comprehensive programme of bridge events every morning, afternoon and evening.

The week culminates with a prize giving and farewell dinner dance on Saturday, January 29, at which David Ezekiel will officiate. All in all, there is a great bridge week shaping up.