Bridge Master
Software
For years, I have searched in vain for bridge computer software that I could
recommend. Well, I found a bridge program that I think is so terrific, I have purchased a
supply for resale. If you own an IBM-compatible computer running Windows, this
bridge-teaching software will greatly improve your declarer play. If you don't own a
computer, this instructional program is a good reason to buy one.Bridge Master is an educational tool designed to improve your declarer play, but it's also challenging and exciting bridge fun. The format is like the bridge columns in the newspapers, except, instead of playing the hand out in your head, you actually play the hand, card by card against world-class opposition. You don't do any bidding. You don't do any defending. You just try to make the stated contract.
Each deal presents you with an auction, an opening lead, and puts you in the declarer's seat. The deals are not random, but a carefully structured series of superb lesson hands that progressively develop your skills from beginner to expert. Bridge Master is a tough taskmaster who rewards you for proper planning and precise execution but never lets you get away with carelessness. The program moves your opponent's cards around to show you the error of anything but the very best technique. At any time, you can read a detailed analysis of what is best and why. You can play each hand as often as you like and each time you do, your opponents may defend differently.
I have the program on hand and the price is $60. You get a total of 180 hands, 36 each of 5 levels of difficulty. Within each level the hands are rated from easy to hard. Level 1 hands take you from beginner to intermediate. Level 2 hands take you from intermediate to advanced-intermediate. Level 3 hands range from advanced-intermediate to advanced. Level 4 and Level 5 hands consistently humbled this rusty expert.
The program presents you with a series of instructional deals to play. If you take the correct line of play you will always make your contract. If you make any mistake as declarer, the program will defend perfectly and defeat your contract. Each deal is accompanied by an animated bridge movie that will explain the correct line of play as well as the thinking process that leads to the solution. As you read through the bridge movie, images on your screen will reflect the bridge content in the text. For example, if the text reads, "if trumps break 4-1...", a large hand diagram will display the 4-1 break. There is no need to cross out cards or write down end positions. The bridge movie always displays whatever bridge illustration you need in order to understand the explanation.
The user interface has been designed to make using the program as simple and pleasant as possible. Everything is "over-sized" to accommodate those with vision problems. The user has a wide range of color choices. In addition there are several options for customizing how Bridge Master will display bridge deals and contains a facility for teaching new players to count the hand.
Bridge Master remembers how you played each deal and what your results were. In this way you can track your progress and go back and review deals that gave you trouble. It also remembers your color preferences and display options. If more than one person uses the program, their results and preferences are remembered separately.
Bridge Master comes with thorough documentation and contains extensive online help. You will find the program so easy to use that documentation is almost unnecessary.
Bridge Master for Windows comes with 180 lesson deals, 36 on each of 5 levels of difficulty. When you have finished with the deals that come with Bridge Master, hundreds of additional deals are available on all skill levels.
