The Canadian Bridge Federation (CBF) has released the December 2025 issue of Bridge Canada to the public. Click here to download the PDF or click here to read it online.
While this magazine is usually exclusive to members, the Federation has made this edition available to everyone to showcase the value of joining. Neil Kimelman, the managing editor, explicitly extends a warm welcome to bridge players from “across the world” in his editorial column. This release offers a perfect opportunity to see why you should check the box for the CBF when you renew your ACBL membership.
The December issue illustrates the high quality of content members receive four times a year. This edition features comprehensive reports from the World Bridge Championships in Herning, Denmark. You can read about the dramatic journey of Team Feldman, who had to overcome an Air Canada flight attendant strike just to arrive at the Bermuda Bowl. The magazine details their adaptation to the World Bridge Federation’s new electronic bidding tablets and their battles against top teams like Switzerland and USA2.
The magazine also provides educational value for players looking to improve. The current issue includes “The ABCs of Bridge Team Games” by Mike Hargreaves, which explains the critical differences between Matchpoint and IMP strategy. Readers can also test their judgment against experts in the Canadian Bidding Contest, hosted in this issue by Hargreaves.
Membership connects you to a tradition of excellence. The CBF honours the history of the game while supporting its future. The Federation recently announced that Sandra and Doug Fraser have been elected as the 2026 inductees to the Canadian Bridge Hall of Fame. Both are ACBL Grand Life Masters who have represented Canada on the world stage.
The organization also pays tribute to historical greats. The December issue honours Bruce Douglas Gowdy, who became Life Master #269 at age 19 and won a bronze medal at the World Bridge Olympiad. It also remembers Doug Drew, the first Canadian President of the ACBL and a founding member of the CBF.
Regional excellence is highlighted as well. The Bridge on the Edge club in St. John’s, Newfoundland, recently inducted Randy Bennett, John Clouston, and Edward Power into their inaugural Hall of Fame. Bennett is a former World Champion, while Power was the first Newfoundlander to achieve the rank of Life Master.
The CBF provides playing opportunities that support local clubs and offer masterpoints. The Maple Leaf Bridge Nights take place every Friday on the RealBridge platform. This platform features built-in video and sound so you can see and speak to your partner and opponents. There are sections for 0-499er pairs and Open pairs, with entry fees ranging from $5 to $8 CAD.
For those looking for team competition, the CBF Online Team League attracts top talent from across the country. Developing players have their own dedicated space in the 0-499 IMP Pair League. This event is particularly valuable because it includes a 30-minute live review after the game. Participants can ask questions in real time and hear Canadian experts discuss the hands they just played.
The CBF has represented the interests of Canadian bridge players since 1966. Your membership dues help subsidize the teams that represent Canada at international events like the Bermuda Bowl and the Venice Cup. The Federation also supports charitable causes, including the CBF Charitable Foundation and Alzheimer’s research through “The Longest Day” fundraisers. The upcoming 2026 Celebrity Classic Online Charity Auction will allow players to bid on experiences with top bridge stars, with proceeds supporting bridge education and outreach.
Joining is affordable and easy. The annual membership fee is $25 for one year, or you can purchase a three-year membership for $65. If you are a Junior player (25 years of age and under), the cost is only $10 per year using the promo code JUNIOR.
• Can I join if I do not live in Canada? Yes. The CBF welcomes international support. The editor of Bridge Canada invites bridge players from “across the world” to consider supporting Canadian Bridge by becoming a member.
• Can I play in CBF games without being Canadian? Yes. The weekly Maple Leaf Bridge Nights are open to players from around the world. If you are not an ACBL member, you can set up a Guest Account to participate.
• How do I join? The easiest way is to check the box to include CBF dues when you renew your ACBL membership. You can also join directly by visiting the CBF website and clicking “JOIN THE CBF“.
