Instead of stacking phones in the middle of the table and banning people from using them for the rest of the night, why not incorporate smartphones (and BBO) into your next party or event? If this sounds like a great idea, here are some tips to host your first party that’s powered by BBO.

Why Do It?

Getting out your smartphones for a bridge game at a physical event or party might seem a little odd at first – but it’s not a strange concept if you’ve ever seen your average LAN-party, where everyone brings their own PC with an installation of the chosen game.

Here are a few good reasons to do it:

• Physical card decks are eliminated from play. Great for some players who struggle to hold their cards, and also great if you just can’t find a card deck.
• Any instances of cheating can be ruled out.
• Scoring is instantaneously taken care of by the system.
• Players can by physically present – or miles away for any players who are logging in remotely.

The whole point? Blending interaction with technology: Traditionalists who want to get together for a card game are happy, and anyone who prefers online play can be kept happy too.

1. Devices At the Ready

Before the game, everyone should have a device ready for Bridge Base. The HTML version is available at www.bridgebase.com (Click Login/Register to log in) and it’s compatible with any device. If you prefer apps on your smartphone, you can download the IOS and Android versions from the appstore.

2. Set Up Wi-Fi

Most phones can be set up as a Wi-Fi hotspot so that everyone can connect to nearby internet access. (Just look under Settings>Internet for your device: It should be somewhere around there.) Be sure to give everyone the password they need in order to connect, usually available in the same part of your device settings where it says Tethering/Hotspot Settings.

3. Get a Room!

Next, you’ll have to find or create a room to join. This is done through clicking on Casual and then finding the option called Start A Table. Make sure that everyone accepts the invitation to the room in order to join. As a last-minute thought, make sure there are replacement partners on call just in case anyone can’t make it to the game in person or online.

4. Comfortable Seating

Players can be sitting across from each other like a traditional bridge game – or each take opposite couches. When you’re playing online, you’re usually focusing on the cards in front of you, so seating arrangements matter less. (Although of course, ensure that actual screens, whether PC or smartphone, are hidden from view – and don’t reflect off anything like a mirror in the room!)

5. Any Other Things

What happens from here is up to you: Your BBO bridge party can be formal or casual, take place during the day or evening and be combined with a special theme (or not). That’s what’s great about it.

Options like music, snacks and a dress code are all either optional or up to you.

Ready to host a bridge party? Let us know how yours went!