Bridge Base Online Instructions

 

With the closure of our local clubs, many of us are now playing bridge on our computers, tablets, and cell phones with Bridge Base Online (BBO). Here is some information that will help you get started.

 

There are slightly different user interfaces depending on whether you are using a desk computer, a laptop, a tablet, or a cell phone. The functionality should be the same on each device, but some of the buttons are located in different spots on the screen.

 

1. Sign-up steps

 

a) Logging on

 

If you want to play on BBO, but have not in the past, these steps will get you started:

First, click on the BBO website: bridgebase.com

 

b) Registering

 

Once on their site, notice a red rectangle that says Login/Register. If you’re already registered, login. If not, click on the rectangle and you will next see a screen where you can register. Halfway down the middle of the next page click on the button that says: Become a member (free!). It is free to join and to play some types of bridge tournaments on BBO.

 

On the next screen you will need to make up a BBO user name for yourself as well as a password. You then provide your real name and ACBL number (which they keep private). Your ACBL number will automatically be associated with your BBO user name when you play in any BBO game.

 

You will assess your own skill level by checking a box and then select your country from the alphabetical list. You need to check the box to accept their terms of service and then you’ll be able to click on the button to Register.

 

Once you are registered, you’ll be able to play bridge in BBO common areas and participate in free tournaments. 

 

While BBO has many options for playing bridge for free, you do have to pay an entry fee for events in which black masterpoints are awarded. For those who wish to earn points, you will need to create an account with your credit card.

 

c) Creating an account

 

Once you are registered, click on the Account button and follow the steps in the instructions. You are buying BBO$ with your real dollars, which are charged to your credit card. Some short BBO tournaments cost as little as $1.25, others are somewhat more. The special games designed to benefit local clubs are $5 (see #3 below). You can always add more to your account by clicking the BB$ button. And there is an option for automatically refilling the account.

 

2. Important details about playing on BBO

 

a) How and where to fill out a convention card (CC)

 

On some interfaces, you click on the Account button in the right margin, then the Convention Cards button at the top of the smaller window that opens up. On other interfaces, you click on My BBO, then click on Convention Cards.

 

You can have as many convention cards as you like, specifying different partners for different cards. There are several stock cards or you can create your own CC. The CC editor allows you to alter any bid. Make sure that you enter your partner’s BBO name so that this card will automatically load when you sit down to play with that partner.

 

b) How to announce NT ranges and how the self-alerts work

 

On BBO the alert system works backwards from what you are used to. On BBO you alert your own bid and describe the meaning. Only the opponents will see your alert, not your partner. You can use this to alert bids or announce NT ranges.

 

First, you must type your explanation into the alert box, then select your bid. A bubble screen will automatically pop up on your opponents’ screens containing your explanation. Similarly, the opponents’ alerts will automatically pop up on your screen. If you do not understand an opponent’s bid, you can click on the bid in question to ask for more information. Give them a few moments to type in the response to the question. It should pop up on your screen in bubble form.

 

c) How director calls work

 

The director call button is in different places on the various interfaces.  However, once you have located it you can call the director by clicking on it. You may be able to add a brief basic description in the request, such as "I think West fell asleep". The TD (tournament director) for the event will come to your table and chat with the table "How can I help"?  Generally, you converse privately with TD and explain your concern.  TD will take whatever action is needed.

d) How to invite your regular partner

 

To register for a tournament, click on “Competitive” and select the type of tourney you're looking for, such as "ACBL Masterpoint Tournaments". From there, you pick the desired tournament and enter your partner's BBO user name. Both you and your partner must be logged on to BBO to form your partnership. There is an option box you can click to "pay for partner" should you choose to do so.

 

You can typically register for a tournament up to two hours before it begins. You can then log out for a while, but both you and your partner must log back on a few minutes before the start of the tournament. When the tournament begins, the first board will appear on your screen.

 

e) Communication during the game

 

The chat button near the bottom of the screen allows you to send comments to your partner, everyone at your table, or everyone currently logged on to BBO. You cannot chat with your partner during a hand.

 

f) Time limits

 

There is a rigid time limit for your table to complete all the boards of the current round (typically 3 boards per round). If one board does not get completed before the time runs out, one of two things will happen. If at least 8 tricks have been played, robots will complete the hand and their result becomes your result. If less than 8 tricks have been played, both partnerships will be given average scores.

 

3. Support Your Club ACBL Black Point Game

 

For some BBO tournaments, entry fees will be split with local clubs, with the majority of the fees being returned to the local clubs. At present, these are held daily at 10 AM, 5 PM, and 7:30 PM EDT. On some interfaces, you click on ACBL World, then look for the gray box labeled “Support Your Club ACBL Black Points”. Then pick the game you desire. There is a hard limit on the number of pairs who can enter this game and they fill up fast. You and your partner should be among the first to sign up, two hours before the event begins.

 

4. Additional information

 

Here is a good video from Youth Worldbridge that shows BBO sign-up steps and some of useful features on BBO:

http://youth.worldbridge.org/how-to-use-bridgebase-online/

 

Also, ACBL has a complete description of the BBO options and how to use them: https://www.acbl.org/bbotutorials/

 

Credit: The information above comes from Barbara Hudson and Wayne Stuart in Raleigh, NC, and from Chris Moll of the Triangle Bridge Club in Durham, NC. Bob Schulman combined and edited their material to provide this information for new BBO players.