Virtual bridge takes off in the Waikato Bays

Waikato players now have special areas in BBO to maintain their skills while enjoying the company of others in the Region. We have been working towards the concept of each of the region's bigger clubs hosting a session or two every week so there's something on offer for everyone.

We're going to leave it up to the organising clubs to set up their own sessions. While we place emphasis on the need to encourage mainly newer players to take part, we also recognise that our more experienced players would appreciate the opportunity to compete against their friends at other clubs in the region. The schedule laid out below is a first cut that, hopefully, will offer something for everyone. As we settle into it we will be making alterations and, hopefully, additions so we can offer two sessions a day.

So - our first-cut weekly schedule:

• Monday 1pm Matamata hosts Matchpoint Individuals open to newer players throughout NZ.
• Monday 7pm Te Awamutu hosts Matchpoint Pairs open to Waikato-Bays Listed players only.
• Tuesday 7pm Te Aroha hosts Matchpoint Swiss Pairs open to Junior and Intermediate players throughout NZ.
• Wednesday 7pm Rotorua hosts Matchpoint Indivduals open to Waikato-Bays Listed players only.
• Thursday 1pm Tauranga hosts Junior/Intermediate players at Matchpoint Pairs open to anywhere in NZ.
• Friday 1pm Piako hosts Matchpoint Swiss pairs open to NZ players only.
• Friday 7pm Cambridge hosts IMP Swiss Pairs open to all NZ players.
• Saturday 7pm Hamilton hosts IMP Swiss Pairs for Open and stronger Intermediate NZ players.
• Sunday 7pm Rotorua hosts Matchpoint Indivduals for Beginner and Novice NZ players.

Please click the Read More button below to ... read more ...

What to do once you're registered with BBO (please have your NZB number showing in your profile)

• Entries open two hours ahead of scheduled start time. Be sure you are on BBO before start time - either playing or in the lobby.
• Just follow these instructions and you should arrive at the right place at the right time
1. Any time within two hours of start time log in to BBO and go to HOME at the top
2. Click on Competitive
3. Click on Free Tournaments
4. In the search box at top start type "WB" - the tournament should appear
5. Click on it
6. For Pairs you must enter your partner's BBO name to get registered. If it's an Individual just your BBO name is all that is required
7. Stay on BBO or come back before start time - either kibitzing or playing or just lurking in the lobby
8. At the appointed time you will be unceremoniously whisked away and plonked in a seat at the tournament
9. You know what to do then. Have an enjoyable game
10. When it's all over you'll be able to find your results on the History tab of your side menu.

To ensure the integrity of our fields, entry to our region-wide tournaments which are run by director chameli is restricted to just the BBO names that have registered with us at nzw247@gmail.com. Get your BBO name registered and join in the fun.

For - well - anyone, really, there's a totally excellent resource on how to use BBO on the NZBridge website c/- Karen Martelletti.

Also .. check out these YouTube videos

• Filling out your Bridge Base profile
• How to add Friends, Chat and join a table on Bridge Base Online
• How to Undo & Alert in Bridge Base Online
• BBO tournament registration incl the Partnership Desk