7 Essential Things To Know About The Columbia Bridge Club In SC: Schedule, Fees, And New Player Guide For 2025
The Columbia Bridge Club (CBC) in Columbia, South Carolina, remains a cornerstone of the state's duplicate bridge community, offering a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. As of December 2025, the club continues its long-standing tradition of hosting American Contract Bridge League (ACBL)-sanctioned games and providing educational opportunities for those new to the game or looking to improve their skills. This comprehensive guide provides the most current information on their location, 2025 schedule, membership fees, and what you need to know before walking through the door at their dedicated facility.
Founded with a charter in 1957, the CBC has evolved into a dedicated non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) focused on promoting the intellectual and social benefits of duplicate bridge. Whether you are a seasoned Life Master or a curious beginner, the club's commitment to competitive, yet courteous, play makes it the premier destination for bridge enthusiasts in the Midlands region.
CBC at a Glance: Location, Fees, and Contact Information
The Columbia Bridge Club operates out of a dedicated facility, providing a consistent and professional venue for all its games and events. Knowing the essential logistical details is the first step to joining the community.
- Official Name: Columbia Bridge Club (CBC)
- Primary Activity: Duplicate Bridge (ACBL-Sanctioned)
- Physical Address: 77 Brighton Hill Road, Columbia, SC 29223
- Founded/Chartered: 1957
- Non-Profit Status: Tax-exempt since June 1956
- Annual Membership Dues: $20 per person (as of 2025)
- Key Personnel (Director/Contact): Michael Bitonti (Head Director), Kathy Kimmerling (Contact)
- Regional ACBL Connection: Velma Pruitt (Region 6 ACBL member)
The club maintains a "Zero Tolerance" policy, ensuring that all players adhere to a standard of courteous behavior, which helps to maintain a positive and focused playing environment.
The Lowdown on Membership and Game Fees
The Columbia Bridge Club is notably accessible, offering one of the most affordable entry points to organized bridge in the region.
Annual Dues:
The annual membership fee is exceptionally low at $20 per person. This fee provides access to the club's community and the right to vote at membership meetings, provided the member has participated in at least 10 club games in the prior 12 months.
Game Fees:
While the exact fee for a standard regular club game (e.g., a Monday morning session) is not explicitly listed in the latest snippets, the club does publish entry fees for special events, which gives an indication of the cost structure. For the Columbia Fall In-House Sectional in October 2025, the entry fees were listed as:
- Friday Session: $20.00 per pair/session
- Saturday Session: $22.00 per pair/session
- Sunday Session: (Fee not specified in the snippet)
It is best practice to always confirm the current game fee for a standard session (which is typically lower than a Sectional event) by contacting the club directly or checking the online calendar.
Current 2025 Game Schedule and Educational Opportunities
The CBC is committed to providing a robust schedule of ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. These games allow players to earn masterpoints and track their progress within the national bridge community. The club's schedule is dynamic, so checking their official BridgeWebs calendar is always recommended for the most current times and special events.
Weekly Game Structure
A key feature of the CBC's weekly schedule is its blend of instruction and play. The typical structure includes a lesson period followed by the main game. For instance, a confirmed entry for a week in late 2025 shows:
- Monday: 10:00 AM Mini Lesson, followed by the 10:30 AM Game.
This "Mini Lesson" format is ideal for players who want a quick, focused review of a specific topic before applying it in a competitive game environment. The club also promotes the game of duplicate bridge and provides a range of opportunities for players of all levels to join in the play.
Major Tournaments and Special Events in 2025
The club hosts larger, multi-day tournaments that attract players from across South Carolina and beyond. These events are crucial for serious players looking to accumulate a significant number of masterpoints.
A major event on the 2025 calendar is the Columbia Fall In-House Sectional, scheduled for October 3-5, 2025. These sectional tournaments offer enhanced masterpoint awards (80% masterpoint award for this event) and are a highlight of the club's competitive year.
Resources for New and Developing Bridge Players
The Columbia Bridge Club understands that the game of bridge, particularly duplicate bridge, can be intimidating for newcomers. They have structured their offerings to support the growth of new talent.
The Importance of a Certified Director
All games at the CBC are run by a paid, certified director. This is a critical component of ACBL-sanctioned play. The director is responsible for:
- Ensuring adherence to the Laws of Duplicate Bridge.
- Making rulings on irregularities and disputes.
- Maintaining the pace and fairness of the game.
The current Head Director, Michael Bitonti, serves as a key resource for players seeking clarification on rules or looking to resolve an issue during a game.
Bridge Lessons and Training Programs
Beyond the regular "Mini Lesson" offered before select games, the club’s website indicates that they offer a range of lessons, which at times have included extensive programs like a 10-week course. These lessons are designed to move players from beginner to intermediate levels, covering fundamental concepts, bidding systems, and defensive play. Prospective students should check the club's calendar for the most up-to-date schedule of ongoing classes and the availability of bridge teachers.
The CBC actively seeks duplicate bridge players and encourages anyone interested to fill out a registration form on their website. For those looking to get involved in the broader bridge scene in the region, the club is a key part of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) District 7, which covers North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and parts of Tennessee.
The Columbia Bridge Club provides an outstanding, organized, and affordable venue for playing duplicate bridge in the South Carolina Midlands. With a low annual due of $20, a dedicated facility at 77 Brighton Hill Road, and a commitment to both competitive play and education, the CBC is the definitive place to enjoy the game in Columbia.
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