Essential bridge links

Bridge continues to be popular! I've assembled some bridge resources for you to enjoy.

FREE bridge games and demos:
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Easy Bridge - This game is rather old, but it is free and functional. Mark reports that the computer bids "crazy" about 25% of the time. I would say that it does not respond well to preemptive bidding. If you pass low point hands it seems to get to it's contracts okay. Only plays rubber bridge, or single hands (part-game, game, non-trump, slam). Great for non-trump play and slam bidding practice.

Wbridge5 - This game apparently won the ABCL 2008 computer bridge tournament, and it's free (!). It's written by a French programmer, but although a little more "stark" that Easy Bridge, it's apparently much more powerful.

Bridge Baron - This program is $64.95, and is a very polished and professional package. It has a suppliment book available for purchase, and you can also purchase ABCL tournaments from past years to play against, just as if you were a participant - you get the same duplicate deals, and it shows you how you would have faired against competition in the event. It is slick, and in it's 19th version appears to have everything but the kitchen sink included. The free demo is worth checking out. As of 12/7/08 there is apparently a $5 discount available at Amazon.

Online Play
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Bridge Base Online (BBO) - This free site is apparently part-owned by Bill Gates. It's been around a while, and has a slick interface, unlimited free play (with registration), and plenty of (free) tournaments to join. It is registered with the ACBL, meaning you can play in tournaments to get Master Points. There is generally a small fee to play in ACBL events. You can rent ($3/month) "robot players" to play against, or take empty seats if you wish. Excellent site, although somewhat minimalistic, and the help screens are worthless. You'd have to play at a bridge club or be quite well-read to understand all the screens.

Bridge Info
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Northeast PA Bridge (nepab.com) - Home page of NEPA bridge. Nice page detailing what's happening in the area. Also has details of the March 2009 Steamtown tournament...

ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) - This site is the granddaddy of the bridge world. Has a lot of useful information here. Necessary to have a membership to accumulate Master Points in tournaments. Home of the official rules of bridge.