“Just Declare” is a sub-section of Bridge Base Online (Available at this link). If you haven’t played it yet, it places you in the spot of declarer every time, playing a pre-selected bid. It’s a great way to practice or run through a quick game when you have a few minutes – and it could also serve to be a great teaching tool for anyone who is still getting used to the plays, conventions and terms in bridge.

Here are a few reasons why it’s worth checking out.

Bids Are Pre-Selected

There are a lot of bridge programs (and lessons) out there which will teach you the ins and outs of bidding. Just Declare is great for times when you feel you want to focus on everything else. When used right, I’m convinced it can help to improve your overall play.

It’s especially great for anyone who wants to exercise their capacity to look at their hand and be able to think, “But what if I did this?” The trick-centric focus also makes it a great option for students – who can see certain standard moves of bridge at a glance, where their “aha-moment” might come faster than if they were just kibitzing a game they weren’t involved in playing.

There’s a Leader Board

Look to the right, and you’ll see a scoreboard of top players. It’s a great touch that emphasises the almost Arcade-like feel that Just Declare has.

It’s a Rapid-Speed Game

Just Declare gives you a unique and fast format which means you can play a few rounds while you take the bus, or fire it up while you’re waiting for the bath to run. There’s no need to wait for a bridge partner and it’s what you’d get if you threw together Solitaire, video poker and bridge.

Poker is to video poker what Just Declare is to bridge… well, almost. It has a puzzle-feel about it, and as a teaching tool, it’s another way to get bridge students to run through a few games so the cards to play in each situation start to come more naturally during an actual game.

No Installation Needed

Just Declare is right there at any time and at any point. Need to show a random stranger who has never heard of bridge the ropes of the game? Nervous before a big tournament and want to ease your nerves? Stuck in traffic? Open up Just Declare and play.

It’s easy to access, and I’ve found it a great way to show uninitiated players the game with a simple format, which a few people have mentioned they find “less overwhelming” of an introduction as first-timers who didn’t know bridge a few minutes before.