The Ladder is a monthly pairs competition with two divisions for members only (there are no hosts). September will be a standard Mitchell/Howell qualifying round, from which the top 10 pairs will form division 1 and the remaining pairs will form division 2. September qualifying scores will not count towards the final Ladder results.

There are 10 monthly rounds (October to July) and a pair's top eight scores determine their final position. Up to two substitutes are permitted, however a 3% penalty will be incurred each time (e.g. 60% would be cut to 57%). By the end of the Ladder, each pair's total must include at least six scores from the original partnership before any substitute scores can be included.

After each month, all pairs are ranked by accumulated points, and the leading 10 pairs will then form division 1 the following month. Any pairs unable to play will be replaced by the top pairs in division 2.

The following points will be awarded each month:

Division 1 – 20pts for 1st place, down 2pts per place, to 2pts for 10th place.

Division 2 – 12pts for 1st place, down 1pt per place, to 1pt for 12th place. Subsequent pairs receive no points.

Bonus points will also be awarded, after any substitute deductions, for the following scores:

65% - 69.99%              1pt

70% - 74.99%              2pts

75% and above            3pts

In the event of a tie, the pair with the best % average will be declared the winner.

In the NGS competition the pair performing best, relative to their rating, score 10pts which reduces by 1pt per place to 1pt for 10th place. Subsequent pairs receive no points. The top eight scores determine final results.

Holders:

2024 / 2025: Craig Cooper & John Gibbons / NGS winners: Jean & Paul Fishleigh

2023 / 2024: Phil Jones & Stefan Syplywczak