San Francisco native wins national title at Spring North American Bridge Championships

Mark Ralph of San Francisco, Calif., and his teammate won the Leventritt Silver Ribbon Pairs event at the Spring North American Bridge Championships (NABCs), one of the 13 championship-level events held in New Orleans, La., from March 12 to March 22.

This is Ralph’s first national title, and with the win he becomes a Grand Life Master (pictured right). This is the second national title for his teammate, Bruce Noda of Corte Madera, Calif.

The NABCs are held three times a year across the U.S. and Canada to bring together players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, with opportunities for everyone to play daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The 2015 Summer NABCs will be held in Chicago, Ill., from August 6 to August 16.

About the American Contract Bridge League

Founded in 1937, the ACBL is the largest bridge organization in the world, serving 167,000 members and 3,200 bridge clubs and sanctioning 1,100 sectional and regional tournaments annually. The ACBL’s three North American Bridge Championships each attract up to 5,000 players representing every state in the United States, Canada and about 20 other foreign countries. A challenging and rewarding card game, bridge attracts players of all ages and walks of life – from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to poker star Phil Gordon. For more information about the ACBL, visit www.acbl.org.