Bridge Base Online Launched
The journey begins with the launch of Bridge Base Online (BBO), providing a new platform for bridge players to connect and compete online.
Nearly 25 years ago, on April 23, 2001, BBO was born, led by two bridge enthusiasts. It all started with Fred Gitelman, who initially launched BBO as a downloadable Windows client. It was originally designed for ACBL players and offered online multiplayer bridge rooms for practice and play.
In the early 2000s, Fred was already a well-respected figure in the bridge world. Fun fact: he was personally selected by Bill Gates as his bridge coach! In the photo here, you can see Fred on the left, Bill in the middle, and Sharon Osberg of San Francisco back to the camera.
As BBO grew, Uday Ivatury joined the team to support Gitelman, eventually becoming CEO in 2007. Known as the technological mastermind behind much of BBO’s infrastructure, Ivatury helped transition BBO into a web-based application, expanding accessibility for Linux and macOS users and, later, mobile devices.
Year after year, BBO continued to evolve, introducing new features and innovations that cemented its reputation as a strategic tool for bridge leagues and players looking to improve their game. That was just the beginning, as BBO is now starting a new phase in its evolution!