Playing bridge online against others
Players from around the world can play against each other online, keep abreast of the latest conventions, find out what’s happening in the bridge world, and connect with suitable partners.One can also kibitz (observe and comment) with famous experts because bridge players from novices to experts all enjoy playing online. Here are some tempting options:
- Bridge Base Online: Bridge Base Online (BBO) is a free online service through which more than 100,000 people (including many new players) from all over the world play bridge. BBO offers possibilities of playing 24/7 with your own partner or choosing a partner. It also has a number of internal clubs, such as the BIL (Beginner-Intermediate Lounge). It offers tournaments at all levels, and American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) masterpoints can be won in certain events. You can also match wits or kibitz some of the game’s top players.
BBO regularly produces live broadcasts of major tournaments, including trials for the United States team and the World Championships. You can learn a lot by watching the world’s best players in action.
- Great Bridge Links: This site offers links to dozens of other sites where you can play against, either through ACBL online clubs or other independent online clubs. It also offers links to a wide selection of bridge apps for both playing and studying bridge.
- MSN Bridge Games: MSN is a free online service that offers the possibility to play many different games, including bridge. MSN is a portal to BBO that offers casual, low-pressure play with other bridge players.
- OKbridge: OKbridge bills itself as the original Internet bridge club. For a fee of $100 a year, OKbridge offers the possibility of playing 24/7 with your own foursome, playing with a partner of your own choice, or just digging up a partner if you don’t have one. The graphics are top notch.
- Swan Games: You can join Swan Games, a friendly club with duplicate games, free lessons, and tournaments for all levels. It has an easy-to-use interface for 24/7 play with people around the world. You can also use individual chat boxes for managing private conversations. (Note: This club is Windows-compatible only.)
Playing bridge online interactively
Can’t find someone to play against? There are several websites that feature computerized partners who won't talk back or argue with you. These sites also offer expert advice, so you might pick up some pointers in the process. Here are some sites you should check out.- Arkadium: Arkadium is a site where you can team up with a computerized partner and pit your bridge skills against two in-game opponents.
- Vu-Bridge: Vu-Bridge offers interactive bridge hands that combine expert instruction with actual play experience. For pennies a day, you receive email deals to play interactively with expert commentary.
- Fun Bridge by GOTO Games: This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad. You can practice with help available or play hands in a tournament.
- Bridge Baron: This app is based on the best-selling computer game Bridge Baron.
Finding bridge information
You can locate plenty of bridge-related info by doing an online search. For example, you’ll be amazed by what you’ll find just by typing “bridge for beginners” into a search engine! In addition, the following websites have links and useful information for all kinds of bridge players:- The American Contract Bridge League: This fabulous website has loads of information for new players. Joining the ACBL is a very good idea. It's an excellent source of information for current events in the bridge community, bridge clubs all over the United States, and new conventions and techniques. Membership is $49 per year or $117 for three years (North American rates as of July 2021). A junior/college student (25 years and younger) membership is $5 per year.
The Bridge Bulletin is the official monthly publication for members of the ACBL. The magazine includes a special section for new players as well as sections for intermediate and advanced players. Also, the ACBL's Bridge Terminology website section is very helpful.
- The Bridge World: The Bridge World, the popular offline publication, puts a sampling of its content online. Here you find a brief introduction to the game, bridge practice hands, and puzzles for intermediate-level players.
Be sure to check out the Bridge Dictionary section at this website. Have you ever wondered what an Alcatraz Coup is? Check it out in this section so you don’t wind up in jail!