VERY IMPORTANT - Initially we will need some vital pre-registration details of all players; name; bbo username; email; ebu number (if you have one. (we only need this once). Please do not wait until the last minute to forward these, ideally at least a day or two would help. If you must do this on the day, give them to the TD no less than 1 hour before the start time of the event and if TD can help 'short circuit' the process he will try.
1. How to play in the FOBC Duplicate Pairs Virtual Club Tournament
- Login onto BBO in the normal way (always ensure well before the event start time that you have sufficient BB$ in your playing account)
- Under Featured Areas click Virtual Clubs
- Then click EBU-England
- Scroll down to the event where vEBU520636 is the host and it is called ''UK's FRIENDLY ONLINE BC (or FOBC) Pairs Duplicate'' or ''UK's FOBC Assisted Duplicate''
- Click on the event (not in the host column) and you will be asked to nominate your partner.
- If he/she is logged into BBO and accepts the invitation you will both be registered in the tournament and part of the line goes yellow. One of the reasons why it is important to be logged on and registered in good time prior to
the event start time
- You are now registered and need do nothing else. At the designated time you will be automatically taken to the event and your first opponents
Some advisory Notes:
- Before registration opens please check that you have sufficient $ in your BBO account - BB$3.50 for yourself or; - BB$7 if you are paying for your partner (see below how to buy BB$)
- Registration to enrol for all FOBC Duplicate events opens 2 hours before the start time
- You may chose to register anytime within this 2 hour period, then return to play if you wish (many players, for several reasons, prefer to chose this option)
- It is recommended that all players be registered and logged on, ready to play, at least 10-15 minutes before the start time of all FOBC events (please try not to leave it to less than 10 minutes before logging on)
- Finally, please ensure you are in the 'Main BBO Area' a few minutes before the start of your event. If you are not logged in and are not waiting in this area, you may not automatically be taken to the event.
- If an event starts without you, we cannot go back and restart.
2. What are BB$ and how do we buy them?
Please Note: you will be unable to access the event unless you have purchased you BB$ prior to enrolling for the event
BB$ is the online currency used by BBO. BB$1 is equivalent to 1 US Dollar or currently about 80p. You can be taken to the appropriate BBO section to purchase your BB$ by clicking this link......... purchase BB$.
You can even transfer BB$ between other BBO users if you so wish.
To learn more about BB$ choose the 'Blue BB$ Icon' usually found at the top of the page as you log on to BBO.
Please Note: BB$ should not be purchased through the BBO app as a surcharge will be applied.
3. Do I need to have a partner to play in the FOBC (DPS) Events? - .......NO!!
Not imperative but, where ever possible please try to find a partner before you register to play in one of the FOBC sessions. If this is not possible you will be able to find a partner on the Partnership Desk.
When you select the FOBC Duplicate Pairs event you need to click on the session name and you will see “ Partnership Desk” as one of the headings, you can now 'invite a partner' from the list.. If there is nobody on the list, you can add your name by clicking the blue button at the bottom of the window ''add your name'. You will need to stay on line after adding your name until the time that you accept an invite. If someone else is looking for a partner they can pair with you. The desk opens two hours before the session start time.
For all Exclusively Arranged FOBC events (we will be running other events), FOBC will run their own Stand By whereby a FOBC Member will be available to play when there is an 'odd number of entrants' which therefore guarantees that all players will get a game regardless of whether they come with a partner or alone.
4. Video Chat
Aas now been made available to FOBC by BBO and is currently being used in both the Monday evening and Wednesday morning FOBC duplicate events. This is a relatively new innovation for the BBO software and refinements are still being made. If your device allows, it is a very simple task to use this function with no downloads required, however if you do need some advice or instruction, please follow this link USING VIDEO CHAT ON FOBC DUPLICATES
5. Robots rather than a Sit-out
FOBC have decided to use Robot players in order to avoid having a sit-out if there is an odd number of pairs. Whilst our TD's are still coming to terms with the various software options and getting used to running online events, we are finding that this is bar far the best solution. Also, robots, never criticise, think forever on which card to play (at any trick and even trick 13!!!), never use bad language at the table and never sulk when the opposition get a lucky good result!!
Please Note: Robots play 2/1 style which is basically a; strong NT (15-17); 5-card Majors; Weak 2 openings in diamonds and the majors; 1C & 1D openers are 'better minor' and therefore very occasionally they could be a 3 card suit – their bids are always explained so there should not be any difficulty understanding their bids. They do play quickly, but there is no reason why you have to match their speed.
6. What happens if I get disconnected during a game?
If someone loses their connection and then logs straight back on then their seat will be reserved for them and they will be taken straight back to it automatically. If someone loses their connection and is offline for a longer period then the director would be alerted and would bring in a temporary substitute. There is a list of people on BBO who have said they are willing to be a substitute for any tournament who can be called upon for this purpose. When the original player gets back online they will be automatically taken back to their seat at the start of the next hand.
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