At the stroke of 10 o’clock, Freddy Verhuizen, chairman of IWWA (the organizing association), gives the official starting shot of the championship. “You sit every round with other players that you often don’t know or hardly understand. But that doesn’t matter. It’s all about pleasure and the sporting challenge,” says Verhuizen.
The unique thing about the BK Manillen is that new duos are formed every round. The participants registered individually and are randomly linked to other players using a computer program. “No algorithms or favoring,” the organization emphasizes. “Everyone just plays with whom the computer assigns.”
To steer the course of the match in the right direction, referees are also present. “We check whether there is a fair play and help with the correct note of the points,” says referee Marc Verbrugghe. “Some participants still need some practice in that,” he adds with a wink.
The BK Manillen in Hooglede is not only a battle for points, but especially an ode to the typical Belgian card tradition.