F.A.Q.

1 : Do we play with robots? Am I playing against the computer or against real players?

You play with robots that use not only their artificial intelligence but also hundreds of millions of human decisions previously made by real players. In mind games, robots have their limits and none is able to replace the finesse of a human decision. For this reason we adopted the opposite concept: the robots are assisted by humans.
When the software has to make a decision, it searches the database for a human decision that most closely matches the situation it is facing. In fact, over the last thirty years, we have accumulated hundreds of millions of deals in our database. Thus, a loyal player might see an opponent play a card that he himself played years before. Playing this way is the best means of seriously evaluating your performance, because none of your robotic opponents can exchange information without your knowledge.

2 : How is it possible that on the same board, robots at other tables may bid or lead differently?

The robot takes into account human decisions (see question 1) made by players who played the board in a position other than South. In a competition, you can have two players who bid differently with the same cards.
This concept, specific to our site, better reflects real life, unlike sites whose robots always play the same cards... and therefore do not allow human diversity to be appreciated.

3 : How can I review the boards? How can I check the scoring? I am declarer and it is the opponent who is playing!?

In case of doubt, you can check the score breakdown and the progress of the board, bid by bid and trick by trick, by clicking in the white results table.

4 : I would like to know my partner’s system as well as my opponents’ system. Where can I find explanations about that?

Have you checked the comments on the bids? You need to click on the bidding card placed on the table in order to understand the bidding convention.

5 : May I choose my convention?

Since the robot takes human decisions into account (see question 1), and in order to remain consistent, we have chosen one single convention: five-card major, 1NT 15-17 HCP, 2NT 20-21 HCP, 2♦ game forcing, 2♣ semi-forcing, weak 2♥ and 2♠, Stayman, Blackwood 30-41, Cue-bid, Relay, Texas major and minor.

6 : Does the robot always make the best possible decision? Is your site designed to teach people how to play?

Our site is not intended for teaching. The robot’s decisions are not necessarily the best. In addition, they may be based on human decisions, whether good or bad (see question 1). We invite you to look at the results from the other tables to see both good and bad strategies. The best way to improve is to practice!

7 : Is there a way to replay a board? How can I improve my card play?

It is just like in a real competition: once a card is played, it is played.

8 : The bidding box and the cards are too small. What can I do?

Try adjusting your display to the proper size by using zoom mode (on many PCs, the key combination Ctrl + or Ctrl -) or the Zoom option in your browser menu. After each adjustment, you will need to refresh the page.

9 : The game goes too fast, I do not have time to think. The machine plays for me. Can the games be slowed down?

Take all the time you need to play and use the comfort option settings (this is a white arrow on a red background, at the top left of the playing mat).

10 : How can I see the previous trick? Where are the won tricks?

Click on the back of the trick to view its contents.

11 : Malfunction

When you have a technical or display problem, you can, as on most websites, try refreshing the site’s home page. To do so, on most browsers, simply click on the round arrow symbol usually located at the top of the page, on the same line as the website address. Otherwise, try clearing your browser history, and do not use a favorite or bookmark that points to an older version of our site. Delete cookies if necessary.