The European Bridge League and World Bridge Federation host many competitions, online and in-person, in which bridge players from many countries are welcome to play.  Standards of play are generally (in Irish terms) from Area Master upwards, with some competitions being more restricted.  

Major championships are contested by representative teams from each country (or "NBO" - National Bridge Organisations).  Teams representing Ireland in these championships are decided through trials.  Open competitions take place in parallel with these tournaments and separately, both online and in-person - look for the term "Transnational" in championship names or descriptions.

To play in EBL or WBF open events, you must be registered with EBL / WBF as a player.  You can do this directly yourself.

If you wish to play in Irish trials for representative competitions, your EBL/WBF registration must show that you are affiliated to Ireland.  If you were born in Ireland (North or South) and reside permanently in Ireland (North or South), you can do this yourself.  If you were born outside Ireland or currently reside outside Ireland but wish to represent Ireland, please contact IBU about your registration as we will be obliged to submit additional documentation in relation to your Irish affiliation and eligibility. 

Before attempting registration, first check whether you are already registered with EBL/WBF!  Click >here< to go to the European Bridge League "People Finder" (or go to the European Bridge League website and look under People > People Finder).  Enter your surname, or check through Irish players that are registered in case of mis-spelling.

The registration process has a number of steps.

• First, you will complete and submit a simple form with some basic personal and contact details, which include your registration number in Ireland (your NBID for RoI players, your membership number prefixed by "9" for NI players).
• Once the registration form is accepted, you will receive an email confirming this; and you will also be asked to sign two "commitment forms" relating to (inter alia) your willingness to abide by the rules and ethics of the game.
• A head-and-shoulders picture is required so that players you meet in competition will know they are facing the correct opposition!
• Finally, you should verify that you are in compliance with the WBF Eligibility Criteria and the WBF/WADA anti-doping regulations.

Once fully registered, you can enter EBL and WBF competitions.  You and your partner will be obliged to submit system cards in advance, so it is useful to have one prepared and kept up to date at all times.  

Online competitions are currently mostly on RealBridge.  Keep an eye out in particular for Women's competitions, as organisers of these are very active!  In-person tournaments are held alongside major international tournaments and at other times - best found by checking the EBL website directly.