Sectionals are local tournaments that pay only Silver points.
Regionals are much larger tournaments that pay Gold points for 1st place and Red points for all other places.
Nationals are held 3 times a year in large cities and pay Platinum, Gold and Red points.

ACBL Tournaments Procedures and Jargon

Pigmented points are different for different types of competition:
Black - Typically on club games, but occasionally a club offers silver etc.
Silver - Pigment won at Sectionals
Red - Pigment won at Regionals
Gold - 1st Place at Regionals, Nationals
Platinum - Pigment only won at Nationals in National Events

Gold Rush Pairs - Players who are on their way to becoming life master (in a rush to get gold points!).
Silver Lining Tournament - When a tournament awards only silver and black points.

Virtual games are at Bridge Base Online.  Go to the Helpful Links page for more information about Bridge Base Online.