All local clubs being closed for an indeterminate period, players are looking for alternatives. Online bridge playing is one of these.
BBO (Bridge Base Online) offers a variety of different games, some which allow you to win ACBL masterpoints. You can play by yourself or with your partner, against robots or other human players. BBO has just added a game designed to help your local clubs. Here’s an excerpt from their announcement:
“Starting Thursday, March 19, daily at 5 p.m. Eastern time, ACBL members can play with any other ACBL member in a specially created game on BBO and earn black masterpoints®. When you play in one of these games, the majority of your table fees will be given back to your club. This way, you can help to support your club while also having the opportunity to win black masterpoints. “
Unfortunately, the first game was limited to 300 persons and was quickly swamped. They are now considering adding a 7:30 pm Eastern (4:30 pm our time) game.
Another thing you can do on BBO is set up a table and invite 3 friends. It’s free and you can play as long as you want.
Tournaments are being cancelled: The Victoria Spring Sectional, and Vancouver Regional, scheduled for April have both been cancelled.
The ACBL District 19 Board will be meeting online on April 21 and hope to be in a position to make a decision about the 2020 Penticton Regional at that time. Members are advised not to make nonrefundable deposits on accommodation or transportation.
We will strive to keep Unit 431 members updated with any relevant news concerning bridge. Check our site regularly.