Some bridge playing accessories (like bidding boxes) are a given, but there are still a few bridge-related accessories that you might not know you need – especially if you’re doing most of your playing online.
Here are a few items that aren’t necessities for your next bridge game, but might still be nice to keep around if you play on BBO.
1. A Power Bank
Don’t let a lack of battery life affect our game. Instead, invest in a portable powerbank that keeps its charge. (The average one can charge a phone to full several times without needing a charge itself.)
These are great for camping, traveling, living with power outages and saving your bridge game when you aren’t near a charging point but don’t want to leave the table.
2. A Smart TV or Screen
A smart TV might seem like a huge expense, but the same could be said about the regular old tube TV when it was first released and it still took off.
It can be a worthwhile expense for a family, household or bridge club (and everyone can club in for some of these situations).
Why would you want a smart TV and how does it matter to bridge?
On-screen information can be transmitted from phones and computers to smart TV’s directly.
If you can’t see your game on a smaller screen, hook up your phone to your TV.
3. A USB-Powered Fan
Bridge games are played in many different climates. If you’re playing a game on a hot day, you’ll realize the use of USB-powered fans. Many of them plug in (or charge from USB) and fit right on your desk. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference this can make!
4. Compression Socks
Traveling to a game or need to sit in one place for a while? Invest in compression socks. They’re recommended for post-surgical care and some medical conditions to prevent clotting, and they can help to improve your circulation if you’re at risk.
Even if you aren’t aware of any medical conditions, any activity that involves staying in one place can mean you’re in danger of blood clotting or circulation issues.
It’s one of the last things people think about when it comes to online gaming, but it can be vitally important.
5. A Coffee Maker
Many bridge players love a cup of good coffee. A coffee maker is always something useful to have around no matter what blend you might prefer or when during the day you choose to drink it.
The great thing about coffee makers is that they are available in every possible form, from the simple French press through to a full-on Caffeine Drink Summoning Machine.
6. Touch Screen Gloves
Touch screens don’t respond well to gloves, but at the same time, hands don’t respond well to cold. (Personally, my knuckles start swelling up the moment temperatures start to drop.)
This gets in the way of a lot, including bridge games.
Touch screen-friendly gloves are available, and while they generally aren’t the thickest of gloves, they can warm the hands up a little – and your touch screen will still respond to them.
Where this isn’t an option, sometimes a stylus can be.
7. A Laptop Fan Platform
It appears to be the general consensus that keeping a laptop on your lap isn’t the best thing for the computer or the person doing it. Inevitably, it makes the computer warm up due to use – and sometimes enough to cause damage. An overheating laptop can be risky.
Laptop fan platforms help to keep your laptop cooled down: Newer models are even fancier, and contain added bells, whistles, lights and USB ports.