OREANDA-NEWS. NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) and the Japan Contract Bridge League announced today that the 20th NEC Bridge Festival for contract bridge (bridge), an international tournament hosted by the Japan Contract Bridge League and sponsored by NEC, is being held from February 10-15 at the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center.

This is Japan's largest bridge playing event and the country's only international competition for bridge, one of the world's most popular card games, with an estimated following of over one hundred million players. Approximately 1,800 participants are expected to attend the tournament, which NEC has been supporting since it was first held in 1995.

In addition to the main event, the NEC Cup, a variety of programs are being offered, including a beginners' competition and free bridge classes. The NEC Cup is highly regarded internationally, and games will be broadcast live over the Internet daily.

Please see below for an outline of the event:

NEC Cup
Schedule: Tuesday, February 10 through Sunday, February 15
Place: Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center, 4th floor
Target: Approximately 240 people will take part in the NEC Cup, comprising 47 teams from 12 countries and regions, including last year's world champion
(18 international teams, 29 Japanese teams)
   
Free Bridge Classes
Schedule: Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14
Place: Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center, 5th floor, 503
Target: Open to all ages

With bridge becoming more popular across a wide demographic, this event offers an opportunity for comprehensive exposure to an intriguing, strategic game.