A recent thread on Reddit asked about the topic of dating and bridge – where can they meet other bridge players? The good news is that bridge partners (and opponents) have been getting hitched for decades.
One of the best places to meet players who are in love with the same game is BBO, but when you’re hoping to hook up, there are ways to do it safely – and users are urged to stick to the rules and basic common sense, even when there might be sparks flying about the card table.
Here’s a brief guide to dating and online bridge.
- BBO is Not a Dating Site (But You Can Meet People)
It’s fine when two bridge players happen to meet through BBO and decide to see where things go, but there are certain behaviors that might cross the rules.
Anything that’s more than just playing bridge, is best done in private – and since administrators have access to chats on request, this means risque discussions should be kept off the BBO servers. Consenting adults are welcome to do what they please, but preferably elsewhere once things get heated.
BBO is not a dating site, but you can use it to meet people.
- Verified Players (& Profiles)
Catfishing is a real danger, and it’s a real danger when you’re vulnerable (heh.) and looking for love on the internet. Always keep this in mind.
Not everyone that you speak to might be who they claim – and it’s up to you to make sure you’re speaking to a consenting adult who really are what’s described on their profile.
As a separate point, spammers that find their way to BBO (or anywhere else) should be reported before they have a chance to do any real damage.
- No Means Nope
While it should be obvious, no should always be taken to mean no.
Whether it means no to a date, no to advances or no to a Saturday bridge game. If someone meant maybe, they surely would have said it.
Going into dating at all, this should be one of the first priorities. And if a user isn’t taking no for an answer, there’s always the appropriate channels to report users.
- Stay Safe
Always stay safe when arranging conversations or meetings with a bridge player you’ve learned to like. There are many success stories of online meetings, but many disasters – and worldwide case files, too.