In this update - First practice tourney, event basics:

In many ways, this NABC Online Individual format is the fairest bridge tournament most of us have seen. Each table consists of a single human player, sitting South, and three robot players sitting in the other three seats. In other words, each player in this individual, like in all robot tournaments on BBO, will have identical partner and opponents.

A fair number of readers are probably already familiar with the BBO robots and tournaments featuring them. Over the next few weeks, we'll try to share some strategies and insights we've gleaned about the tournament format in general, and in particular, tips on handling robots.

 

It should be clear the only way for each player to really experience, or learn about these tournaments are to play them first hand, and to that end there are a lot of practice offerings on BBO, whether specific to this event or not. Practice x 3 - that's the way to Carnegie Hall. Turns out it is also the way to bridge supremacy!

 

We are starting our practice tournaments this weekend. The first practice tourney is going to be a very basic one to ease players in. 2 day event, 12 boards a day, all players welcome. Your scores for all 24 boards (over 2 days) are weighted equally for the overall leaderboard. Both tournaments are free and neither count towards your weekly free tourney limit. This is your chance to dip your toes into robot tourneys and start practicing!

 

To enter - on both tourney days, login to BBO, click on Competitive -> Free Tournament and you'll find the NABC Practice Tournament. Play your 12 boards and come back the next day for more.

 

Stay tuned for more information in the coming days. Feedback, comments, questions welcome in the BBO forums.

 

May the Robot Force be with you!