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11º FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DA FIGUEIRA

Casino da Figueira

20 a 24 de Outubro

2004

The Figueira International was first "Coimbra´s", with an organization by a local club. We directed the event in magnificent venues  but the lack of open spaces and the search for "something bigger" were good reasons for the Casino da Figueira to take charge of this event, and the organization became a joint venture from the Casino and the Club. The truly spectacular Big Room of the Casino became the stage of this festival, taking place since then in the third weekend of October. Since the first edition we have been leaders of the directing team, and it is one of the tournaments that give us more pleasure to do, for a number of reasons.

The teams event takes place in three sessions, Wednesday and Thursday, and the pairs in the next three days. For those that take part in both events the Casino offers THREE magnificent meals. The hotels are very good and for all prices: Mercure (****), Ibis (***), Wellington (**),  Apartamento Atlântico (***). Check the program, or consult the Casino directly (Sónia Almeida, Casino da Figueira, +351-233408400). The Mercure hotel should be booked as soon as possible, because there will be a convention in the city, at the same time (the anniversary of the national automobile club, with a show of old vintage cars).

The prize list has steadily increased. The general ranking has as major prizes 2500, 2000 and 1500 euros in the pairs event. In total we give away around 22000 euros and this makes the Figueira International one of the top portuguese events.

Furthermore, the Casino da Figueira offers every year exclusive cristal trophies, created by national designers. Two years ago we had the "Clubs", then the "Diamonds", and this year it will be the "Hearts" trophy.

What else to say? The Casino spaces have been totally revamped, and are now much more modernized and functional. The results pop out 5 minuts after the last hand is played, hands are pre-duplicated, hand records available for all, we are usually over 100 pairs, are we have free entries in the Casino rooms during the event. All the local players support and play enthusiastically in this event, as well as the top national ones, many spanish pairs and a good number of other european players come to Figueira to play and enjoy the nice climate and the neighbourhood to the beach and the mountains. If you stay in the Mercure hotel, you are a road apart from one of the best beaches of Europe!

We think these are good reasons to make the trip to Portugal. I will see you in Figueira...

The Chief TD

Rui Marques

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