StepBridge

Terms and Conditions — Slam Competition

Participation terms for the Slam Competition on StepBridge.

Last updated: 20 October 2026

For all information about the competition, see the Slam Competition page.

1. General

  • The Slam Competition (hereafter: the Competition) is organised by StepBridge.
  • The Competition runs in quarterly seasons: Autumn (October–December), Winter (January–March), Spring (April–June) and Summer (July–September). The first season starts on 25 October 2026 and ends on 31 December 2026.
  • Each season stands on its own: the star count starts at zero every season.
  • All StepBridge members automatically participate in the Competition.
  • StepBridge reserves the right to amend or terminate the Competition or these terms at any time if circumstances require it.
  • In cases not covered by these terms, StepBridge will decide based on reasonableness.

2. Participation

  • Participation is automatic for all StepBridge members.
  • Participation is free of charge.
  • You can opt out at any time via your profile in StepBridge.
  • After opting back in, your results count as normal again. Milestones passed during the opted-out period are not awarded retroactively.
  • Only natural persons with a personal StepBridge account may participate. Playing via shared accounts is not permitted.

3. Validity of results

  • Only tournament, QuickStep and competition boards (excluding recreational boards) count.
  • Every slam bid (a contract at the six or seven level) counts towards the Competition:
    • if the contract is made, declarer and partner both receive the full stars of the relevant category;
    • if the contract goes down, declarer and partner both receive the minus stars;
    • if the contract goes down but the unadjusted score of the bidding pair is positive (more than 50% or more than 0 IMP), the board counts for zero stars.
  • When you play with Sabi (the bridge robot) as your partner, you receive the pair's stars regardless of which of you is declarer; the robot itself does not take part.
  • Defenders win or lose nothing on a slam board of the opposing pair.
  • A double or redouble has no effect on the stars.
  • In addition:
    • Only results automatically recorded by StepBridge count.
    • Boards with a cancelled or adjusted score do not count.
    • The registered StepBridge result is binding.
    • In a tournament a result may still be revised after the board (in case of director rulings). Such adjustments have no effect on the slam result (the score at the moment of processing counts).

4. Fair play

  • Within your partnership you may cooperate as on any board, as long as no unauthorised information is exchanged.
  • Deliberately sacrificing in a slam against a making contract of the opponents is simply allowed; that is what the zero-star rule for a positive score is for.
  • However, it is not permitted to:
    • make agreements or cooperate with the opponents to grant or influence stars (for example by doubling or deliberately giving away tricks);
    • leave a board to avoid an impending down result; the usual sanctions for abandoning a table apply;
    • manipulate the play or results in any way beyond actions within your own partnership;
    • use multiple accounts or technical means to gain an advantage.
  • StepBridge may exclude boards or participants if there are indications of:
    • collusion with opponents;
    • unsporting behaviour;
    • technical or procedural misuse.
  • Decisions by StepBridge on these matters are final and not subject to appeal.

5. Stars and milestones

  • For all information on star scoring and milestones, see the Slam Competition page.
  • The star balance can drop through minus stars. Each milestone is reached at most once per season; a milestone once reached is not withdrawn.
  • At the end of a season the remaining star balance lapses.
  • No prizes are attached to the Autumn 2026 season. If StepBridge attaches a prize to a later season, this is announced before that season starts; such prizes are personal and non-transferable, and may be withdrawn if irregularities are found.

6. Force majeure and liability

  • StepBridge is not liable for technical malfunctions, connection issues, or other circumstances beyond its control that affect participation or result registration.
  • StepBridge cannot be held liable for damage or loss arising from participation in the Competition.