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What you need to play RealBridge online

A working, broadband connection, that allows video and audio feed. RealBridge requires about 0.5 MB/s speed for the video and audio feed, which is well within most internet link speed these days. Note that RealBridge does not require a webcam to run - you can play without video or even audio, although this will offer a reduced playing experience. If you want to do this, better to play with a partner who does have video and audio, so they can announce your system at the start of each round. Also note that there is a messaging text facility in RealBridge that can be used. RealBridge can be played on most PC’s, Laptops, Android tablets and smart phones or iPads/iPhones, with reasonably up-to-date software. If you are playing on an Apple MacBook or iMac device use Google Chrome or Firefox as your browser rather than Safari. (On iPad there is no choice - only Safari).

Test your camera and audio if not done, or unsure if they work. Generally speaking, if you use any other video link software, it should be fine. This can be done in advance by clicking on the following link https://play.realbridge.online/camera.html Ensure you are signed out of sites (such as Zoom) that access your camera. If you don't have fast broadband, ask your kids/significant other to come off the online video games for the session. Alternatively, you can check your video and audio on the way into the game, when you go to login on the RealBridge website.

Joining a RealBridge game 

You can enter the session via one of two routes. Either through a session link emailed to you before the game, or HBC members and registered visitors can access the session link through the HBC website. On the day of the game, about 15 min before the game starts, click on the flashing 'More info' on the calendar entry. That takes you to a HBC website page with the link to the RealBridge game. Click on the link to enter the session. Note that there is a different link for each session.

When you are ready to join the session, enter your FULL name and SBU number as your ID number. Click/tap Login. This will take you to a Lobby, where you will be able to see a list of other players either also in the lobby or seated at a Table. Look at the tables to see if your partner has already arrived and join them by clicking on the opposite seat. If they have not arrived, find empty seats (E/W or N/S) click on one and wait for your partner to join you.

Game play 

Rather than self-alerting, players will be alerting and announcing their partner’s calls, speaking to announce, clicking the ‘Alert’ button to alert. Jump bids will see an automatic 'Stop' card played. The next person cannot bid until this disappears. Undos are only allowed on the bidding, not in the play. You can claim by clicking the claim button and then selecting the number of tricks you are claiming for. The opponents are then asked to accept your claim. If they reject your claim, then all cards are visible and the claimer has to play his tricks.

As there are no robots, if there are an odd number of pairs the movement may require a sit out. The TD may move you or ask you to move to make up a full table. Once seated you can see and talk to other members at that table or chat by text if you have no microphone. If unsure about anything, a tab can be clicked to call the Director. The TD will appear in the top left corner of your screen. Detailed playing instructions can be viewed on the RealBridge website https://realbridge.club/player-guide.html

At the end of the round 

Your scores for the boards played and your rank so far, appear. You can click on each board to look and discuss if you want to, by clicking on the small three line symbol at the top left of the screen. If you finish before others, your score will be updated as results come in. Once all scores are in, you will (suddenly!) be taken to the next round, new opponents arrive and a new hand appears.

At the end of the session 

When you finish the last hand, you will go to a screen where all scores are displayed with hand numbers below. As with each round, scores are updated as tables finish. At the end of the session you can remain at the table for as long as you wish to review scores and/or chat to your final opponents. To remove yourself from the platform click ‘leave’ to return to the lobby then close the browser window (there is no logout as such). Results and hand info are uploaded to the website in the usual way, so you can view your hands, review your play and see how others did, shortly after the session finishes.

IMPORTANT - Technical problems and dealing with them 

If you have a technical problem such as the screen freezes or audio/video signals deteriorate, try the following, in order:

1. Click the circular symbol to the far right of your name (refresh button).
2. Leave the Table, then rejoin it.
3. Refresh your browser (circular symbol at top of screen or F5 on keypad)
4. If none of the above work, click the leave button to exit RealBridge, check you still have internet and then rejoin by clicking on the session link. If your internet is off, switch off your home router and switch it back on again.
5. If you have continued problems with freezing or very jerky video, this is caused by a poor broadband Internet connection. You should switch off the video in RealBridge and play with just audio, by clicking the camera icon to the left of your name. Consider upgrading your broadband or switching to a different Internet provider for a longer term solution.

Table etiquette for online play 

We remind you that similar etiquette applies playing online bridge as table bridge. In particular, we ask you to:

1. Announce your system at the start of each round, e.g. Basic ACOL, Weak no trump, Stayman, major suites transfers, weak 2s, splinters, Gerber asking.
2. Remain courteous at all times, especially if opponents are having technical difficulties.
3. Do not make comments, hand signals or make faces that could be construed as passing unauthorised information during bidding and playing. If you wouldn't do it at table bridge, don't do it online. If you are concerned this has happened then, as with table bridge, call the director.
4. There is a countdown clock on the screen to show you how much time you have left for each hand. Use this as a guide. The director will only move you onto a new game if there has been a major problem.
5. If you and your bridge partner live together, then playing in different rooms is how most pairs avoid inadvertently passing unauthorised information during play. As rounds are played at the same time by all tables, inter-round chat is allowable, but not during bidding or play. Other couples take the opportunity to play their online bridge with a different, non-resident, partner.
6. There is no facility for self-kibitzing on RealBridge. Please don't try to invent one!
7. Enjoy the bridge and meeting up with your bridge pals, albeit online!