Canadian Rookie-Master Games

Rookie-Master Games (Spring & Fall)

The Canadian Rookie-Master Games are two national club events: the Helen Shields game in spring and the Erin Berry game in fall. Each event pairs newer duplicate bridge players with experienced partners, giving rookies a friendly introduction to tournament-style play while clubs across Canada play the same deals.

2026 Games

Clubs can host either or both Rookie-Master games. Registration with the CBF is required.

HS
April 13, 2026 $4 / table

Helen Shields Rookie-Master Game

In memory of Helen Shields of Thunder Bay, past President of the Canadian Bridge Federation, who was deeply committed to teaching and introducing new players to duplicate bridge.

Date
Monday, April 13, 2026
Time
Can be played at any time
Fee
$4 per table, remitted to the CBF
Download Flyer Apply
EB
October 13, 2026 $4 / table

Erin Berry Rookie-Master Game

In memory of Erin Berry, a gifted student and bridge player whose life was tragically cut short at age 16. This event honours her passion for bridge and youth development.

The Life of Erin Berry Erin Berry Memorial Fund
Date
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time
Can be played at any time
Fee
$4 per table, remitted to the CBF
Download Flyer Apply

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least one player must be a Rookie — fewer than 100 masterpoints.
  • A Rookie is intended to be fairly new to duplicate bridge.
  • Players with lapsed ACBL membership or unreported masterpoints may not meet the intended definition of a Rookie.
  • Club managers/directors may refuse entry if the partnership does not include a true Rookie.

Information & Game Rules

History of the Rookie-Master Games

The first Canadian Rookie-Master Game was held in 1982, with five clubs participating. In 1995, the event was renamed the Helen Shields Canadian Rookie-Master Game in memory of former CBF Director and President Helen Shields of Thunder Bay. That same year, a second annual event—the Canadian Fall Rookie-Master Game—was added.

In 1998, the fall event was renamed the Erin Berry Canadian Rookie-Master Game in memory of promising junior player Erin Berry, who was tragically killed in a car accident.

How the Rookie Definition Has Changed

Originally, a Rookie was defined as a player with fewer than five masterpoints. In the late 1980s, the limit increased to 20 masterpoints. Beginning with the 2006 Erin Berry Rookie-Master Game, the limit increased to 50 masterpoints, and in May 2019 it increased to the current limit of fewer than 100 masterpoints.

Purpose

These games introduce developing players to tournament-style bridge in a welcoming club setting, while honouring Helen Shields and Erin Berry and their contributions to Canadian bridge.

Conventions

Only ACBL Yellow Card conventions are permitted. This keeps the game friendly, clear and appropriate for newer players.

Seating

Rookies sit South and West. Masters sit North and East.

Reporting & Fees

Use your normal ACBLscore process. The additional $4 per table fee is remitted directly to the CBF.

Remit fees to: Canadian Bridge Federation, PO Box 24142, Evergreen RPO, Calgary, AB T2Y 0J9 E-transfer: treasurer@cbf.ca

Hand Analysis

After each Rookie-Master game, participants receive expert analysis of the hands played during the session.

Winners

View the full history of Rookie-Master Game winners by year, including top Canadian, Zone and Club results.

View Past Winners