The html version of BBO has just been updated and and it comes with a major architecture change. The mobile apps were also upgraded and Version 5.6.0 should be available in the appstores soon.
In order to help expand the site and accommodate more players, all playing options available in the Casual menu have been moved to a second BBO server.
What does this mean?
- Every time you click on Casual you will be smoothly moved to another server. You will notice a “connecting…” pop-up on your screen every time you switch between Casual and the rest of the site.
- When this happens, you won’t have to login again. You will be able to continue to use the site as you would normally do.
- You might notice some unusual things, as detailed below. Consider the CASUAL button an entry point allowing you to switch between BBO sites. If something’s strange, click CASUAL and see if that fixes.
- If you are seeing the new Casual server (fewer people online in the People panel), but your friends cannot reach you:
- make sure you are all using the latest version of BBO.
– For web, visit www.bridgebase.com and click Play Bridge Now.
– For mobile, the latest app version should be version 5.6. - make sure you all clicked the Casual button before setting up your table or inviting each other to a set game.
- make sure you are all using the latest version of BBO.
This is a work in progress, that required deep architectural changes to the site. You might notice unusual behaviours, such as:
- When you are playing in the Casual area, you will not see players connected to the main BBO server, and vice versa. This means someone playing an ACBL tournament for example will not see in the list of online players his friend who is playing in the Main Bridge Club.
- When you are playing in the Casual area you will not be automatically taken to your tournament, if you are registered for an upcoming game. So if you register for a Speedball and want to play a few hands in Main Club until it starts, you might miss your game. Remember to switch back to the Competitive area with a few minutes before your tournament is scheduled to start.
- If you are trying to start a set game with your friends, ask them to click the Casual button before sending them invitations to join your table. If you are in Casual and they are on the main BBO site, they will not receive your invitations.
BBO’s technical team worked hard to provide an immediate solution to the massive influx of new bridge players who needed a new home. We are aware there are improvements to be made, and we continue to focus on providing a seamless experience to our users.
Meanwhile we thank you for your understanding and we’ll do our best to complete the two BBO servers integration as fast as possible.
Visit www.bridgebase.com and click Login/Register to give it a try. And remember, you can use your favorite device to log in — the html version is compatible with mobile devices too.
As always, you can reach us at support@bridgebase.com with comments, suggestions, bug reports.