There is a wide range of software that will allow you play bridge against your computer and / or play on line. There are all kinds of software designed to teach and help you improve your game. A number of sites offer such software but one of the most comprehensive sites is the Baron Barclay Bridge Supply store. When buying software, be sure to check the following:

• What kinds of computers will the software run on? Many of the programs available will not run on a Mac (except under Windows emulation) and most will not run on mobile devices such as tablets or smart phones.
• If you buy from the US, be sure to factor in the fact that you will have to pay shipping, duties and taxes. If the option is available, it is always best to download the software which will not only help you avoid shipping, taxes and duty but it will also let you start using it right away.

There are two excellent pieces of software that you can use to practice at home or while travelling. You can play against the computer and the programs will give you hints to help you with both bidding and play.

Jack

Jack 5.0 is $84.95 (Can). It can only be run on a Windows based computer.

Bridge Baron

Bridge Baron 23 is $69.95 (Can) and it is available for both Windows and Macintosh.

There are also mobile versions of Bridge Baron for Apple phones and tablets, Android devices, etc. These versions are less capable than Bridge Baron 23 but they cost only $19.99 (US). Find out more at the Bridge Baron web site.

How to purchase

You can purchase a CD version of either Bridge Baron or Jack at Vince Oddy's bridge books, games and supplies.

You can also download Bridge Baron 23 at Great Game Products. (Unfortunately Jack cannot be downloaded.)

After the session, go to the results on this web site and download a "PBN" (Portable Bridge Notation) file which you can import as a "tournament" into either Jack or Bridge Baron to see how you might have bid or played each hand better.To get the PBN file go to the Results page for the session you want to analyze. At the top of the Results page for the session are the various display options. Click on the "Hands" button and then enter your e-mail address to have the web site send you a copy of the "Hands" (PBN) file.

When you receive the e-mail, save the attachment to your desktop.

Importing into Bridge Baron

1. On the main screen, click on the "Library" button.
2. On the popup menu that appears, click on "Retrieve deal from Library file."
3. On the "Open" dialog box which appears, select "PBN files" in the "Files of type" field.
4. Navigate to your desktop to locate the attachment to the e-mail that was sent to you.
5. Select the file you want to import and then click the "Open" button.
6. Click on the board you want to analyze and then click OK. All of the cards for that board together with the vulnerability and dealer detail will be loaded.
7. Play the hand just as if you were at Waynes World!

Importing into Jack