Version 4.5.7 of BBO introduces the usual array of minor features and bugfixes, as well as a new Convention Card facility. Please drop us a line at support@bridgebase.com if you need help.

Small things

• BBO will reconnect if it finds itself disconnected from the server. No more "Internal error 3001." If you've never seen this message, Good For You, and forget we mentioned it.
• There is a new option to notify you of a friend's login via a chat message instead of those quaint "bubbles". We're not completely bubble-free yet but we're getting there. You can access the new option by clicking the Friends/Enemies button in your profile (left click your username or press F10 to get to your profile).
• The IMP/MP result for the just-played board will be displayed in parends alongside the running table score (Main Bridge Club tables)
• We've simplified the process of printing out an entire session log (hands, bidding, play). Click the oversized "Open Bridge Movie on Your Computer" button that appears on the first BBO screen (BEFORE you log in). Open a BBO log file. When the "scoreboard" appears click the Print button near the right of the toolbar. Answer "YES" to "Export to text file?"
• The option to display "big cards" has been greatly improved. In order to try this you must:
  1. Make sure your BBO program is set to "wide mode". You must have at least 1024x768 screen resolution for "wide mode". After you log in, click the big black "View" button. If the menu contains an option for "Wide screen", make sure this option is checked.
  2. Go to a table and click the Options button on the toolbar (it looks like a yellow gear). A window will appear. Make sure "Pictures of cards" and "Big deal" are checked. Then check "Big" (in the "Deck" area). Then click the OK button.
  The "big cards" look MUCH nicer now. I think a lot of people will like this option now - please give it a try! Note that this option is only enabled if BBO is in both "wide" and "big deal" mode. You need to have at least 1024x768 screen resolution for this to be possible.

Brave new feature (Scary new thing)

BBO now supports something we call a 'Full Disclosure' convention card. The idea is this: you use FD to describe your system, and it automatically pops up explanations for the table when a bid is made. Actually, it does this before a bid is made as well, so you can choose the bid that fits your hand.

Before we go any further: you can use the original convention card system if you wish. Click the CONV button as usual -- a new menu will pop up -- and select "Show old style convention card window."

FD is an enhancement, not a replacement for the Convention Cards we've all learned to simultaneously love and loathe.

Creating an FD card takes a lot of effort and patience. An FD card attempts to assign meanings to sequences. It is simple in principle but there are a lot of possible sequences.

We have created -- with the invaluable help of several volunteers whose names will be familiar to many of you -- stock FD cards for SAYC, French Std, WJ2005, ACOL, BBOITA, Goren and BBO Advanced. We have defined several conventions that can be grafted onto these cards. We are pleased with what we have, but are sure that these cards will need to evolve (and they will).

To use an existing FD card while sitting at a table: click the CONV button. Select 'Work Convention Card'. Click OPEN. Select (say) SAYC. Click "USE Selected card". Close the FD window. Your bids will now be alerted and explained automatically to the opponents and to partner as they are made. We understand that this may offend some purists (who have never played in an Individual, presumably). FD has options to control whether you will see your Partner's explanations.

Creating an FD card is not yet for the faint of heart. We'll have to settle (for now) for this hint. Open a card: click the menu Settings and select Editor. After you save it, it will be visible in the list of FD cards.

And while you're here

BBO is a work in progress. These changes are for you, and we welcome feedback at support@bridgebase.com. I offer our thanks for your support, patience and feedback over the years.

Fred, Sheri, Uday. You can reach us at our @bridgebase.com email addresses.