What it is.  Round robin bridge members have the same partner for the year-long tournament.  Each two-member team plays other teams - round and round ("the round robin"). At the end of the year, prize money is awarded to the top teams.

How it works.  At the beginning of each tournament year, funds are collected for the year-end luncheon and awards.  A team rotation list is also prepared and distributed.  It lists which teams play one another each month (each foursome agrees on the date and time) as well as the three times during the year when a team serves as hosts.  The games are held at the home of a member of the host team; the host team is also responsible for submitting the score to the designated third party (who keeps the rankings confidential heightening the suspense).

Calendar.  The tournament begins in August/September and the different foursomes play monthly.  In January, all the teams get together for lunch and bridge.  Final scores are submitted in April, and the award luncheon is in early May.  At this final luncheon, teams play bridge for fun, rotating, and each member brings an inexpensive wrapped gift (highest score chooses first) so everyone goes home with a gift.

Participation.  New members are welcome but they must sign up before the tournament begins in August/September.  And although this a social activity (four people getting to know one another better in a home setting) and teams may have different levels of experience (good cards are needed to score high and that depends on how the cards deal out), prize money is involved so it is better to join with a partner whose skill level is known and with whom you are comfortable playing as a team.  However, if you do not have a partner, the group will try to find one for you.