Editor's note: Pat Vande Sompel is one of BBO’s top performers in ACBL Robot Duplicate games. Last year she had 10 points, and this year she finished at the top of the ACBL Robot Duplicate 5–20 point race on BBO by earning an impressive 34.48 points!
I decided to learn to play bridge when I retired to keep my mind active. At first, I played with some very patient friends who taught me the basics as we played. Eventually, I joined the local bridge club, took some lessons, and started playing duplicate bridge.
Playing online was our salvation during Covid. Playing online with the bots allowed me to practice my game and also offered an alternative when I couldn't make it to the club. I find that I'm more risk-taking when I play with the bots, seeing what works and what doesn't. This has further supplemented my learning. And besides, I don't have to worry about letting my partner down if I make a mistake, it's just a robot… right?
It is great.