Editor's note: Dale is one of BBO’s most dedicated ACBL players. Starting with 9737 points last year, he has already earned more than 1400 ACBL online points in 2025, through his regular play in ACBL Daylong games and other ACBL-sanctioned games in ACBL World.
I have always found bridge to be what I describe as an aesthetically pleasing game; particularly in play and defense there are positions that arise that almost seem magical in their ability to compress tricks or make tricks appear where it hardly seems possible.
I started playing bridge in the late 1960's and largely stopped in the mid 1980's as various parts of life took priority, though I continued to follow the game through the ACBL Bulletin and The Bridge World magazine.
In 2021 I found myself in need of diversion and thought to start playing again on a regular basis; but with the nearest bridge club a forty-five minute drive away, COVID, and a lack of familiarity with local players, that proved difficult.
I found BBO and began playing again almost exclusively in robot games. While the robot levels of play, bidding, and defense are not particularly strong interesting hands still appear. I can play when I want, especially appealing since I am not a morning person and local games are a bit early for my tastes.
Additionally I have begun working with a couple of partners in online discussions at practice tables which has proved especially useful.
I also appreciate the opportunity to kibitz the various events that BBO makes available.
