To access Bridgebase Online (BBO), go to https://www.bridgebase.com. You will need to create a logon ID (free), a password of your choice. Remember your screen name/logon ID, because you or your team leader will need it to set up matches.
Here is an instructional video on how to play a hand on BBO. (The play is weak, but it explains the basic mechanics.)
Here is a video demonstrating play against robots.
Note that the Alert feature on BBO differs from face-to-face methods. BBO bids are self-alerting. When you are about to make a bid that should be alerted, you enter a description of your bid on a line in the bidding box before you submit the bid. That description is visible to your opponents but not to your partner.
Help information is available here.
BBO common abbreviations are described here.
In on-line games, there is no “UNDO” of bids and plays. If you are prone to clicking the wrong bid or play, there is an option in your profile that forces you to confirm all bids and plays. You can virtually eliminate (physical) mistakes by turning that feature ON.
If you want to play, but your favorite partner is unavailable (or unwilling to play with you again), you can register your name under ‘Partnerships’. Nothing automatic will happen, but if you’re looking for someone to invite to play, that would be a good place to start.
Results from the Virtual Club should (eventually) show up on Live for Clubs!
There are several things that you should be aware of when playing on-line. The pace of play is a bit ‘brisker’ than at the club. While there remains a social aspect, it usually occurs after the hands in the current round are concluded. And we expect that if you can claim (or concede) the rest of the tricks, you will do so promptly to keep the game moving. There is a “Claim” button on the screen when you are playing or defending a hand.
Additionally, players ‘self-Alert’ their artificial bids. Unlike the Club, where you Alert your partner’s bids, on-line we Alert our own bids and calls. You do this by entering the meaning of Alertable bids on the line provided when it is your turn to call; then hit the Alert button before actually entering the call you are making (bid, pass, double, or redouble). YOUR PARTNER WILL NOT SEE YOUR ALERTS. When you receive an Alert from an opponent, they are NOT CHEATING… remember, their partner cannot see their information to you.
Chatting at the table is permitted (there is a message button available at the bottom of your screen), but anything you say to the Table is public information and can be seen by all parties. You are able to communicate privately with either or both opponents, but not privately to your partner.
And (fortunately for the game Director) there is no Bridgemate upon which you can enter or approve wrong results. All results are recorded automatically, so you don’t have to worry with checking the accuracy of the final results.
The Valley Forge Bridge Club has an excellent FAQ here.
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