SiVY Bridge Participants Have Fun, Make Friends, and Win Masterpoints

2016 Youth North American Bridge Championships, Washington DC

The 24 youth players from Silicon Valley had a great time at the recent Youth North American Bridge Championships (YNABC) in Washington DC. Everyone won at least a few points – and the group won a total of over 260 masterpoints altogether. The most telling thing is, when asked if they’d like to go to next year’s YNABC, all participants said “Yes” and “Definitely Yes”!

When asked what they liked best about the event, many players mentioned meeting new people from around the country and the world and finding out how many other young people play bridge. Some also said they liked winning!

Kevin Huang and Brent Xiao had a GREAT time as they came away the winners of the Baron Barclay National Youth Open Pairs, which meant not only a pile of points but also a $2000 scholarship split between them. The pair also entered several of the other events in Washington, knocking off a top seed in the first round of the 0-1500 mini-Spingold and coming in 2nd in the B/C/D Swiss. The pair won almost 65 points at the tournament!

One group of high schoolers particularly enjoyed playing the Midnight KO events in the NABC and did well in them. Stella Wan said, “Before I went to DC, I never knew there are so many youth players around the world. I made so many new friends there. On our last night we played in the midnight zip knockout and after that…chatted until almost three in the morning, it was an amazing experience.”

When asked what they learned, some mentioned specifically bridge-related topics such as Roman Key Card, better counting technique, and methods for defending against strong club openers. But many more mentioned sportsmanship, making friends, and being a good partner.

Lucas Huang said he “learned a lot not only about bridge but also regarding the importance of friendliness and ethical behavior at the bridge table.” And Michael Zheng learned to “always keep up a positive attitude no matter what.”

Some of the kids had a chance to spend time with a youth reporter from Sports Illustrated Kids, who also kibitzed at their table. The article, featuring some of our youth, appears in their online edition.

In total over 200 youth under age 19 attended the three-day event in Washington. They came from all over the U.S. and several groups came from various parts of China. The 24 sponsored by Silicon Valley Youth (SiVY) Bridge received help with partnerships, training and mentoring, and financial support. A fundraising effort by Bridge Winners and generous donations from Silicon Valley bridge supporters helped pay for the scholarships. District 21 of the ACBL also provided financial support. Thank you to all the donors, youth players, parents, and volunteers!