ACBL Clubhouse Help
What is the ACBL Clubhouse?
The ACBL Clubhouse powered by BBO is a bridge club with special online games where you can earn ACBL black masterpoints. These games are perfect for newcomers and less experienced players who want to enjoy playing bridge as part of a friendly, inclusive community.
What kind of games make up the ACBL Clubhouse?
ACBL Clubhouse games are limited games, which means there’s a limited number of masterpoints a participant can have. For example, in a 0-20 game, only players with a maximum of 20 masterpoints can join.
The Clubhouse features limited games with 18 boards or 12 boards. Some offer exciting twists such as rewarding players who score 50% or more, or allowing you to register without a partner, and you get matched with a partner after the game starts.
- 12-Board Individual Games:
- 12 boards, 2 boards each round
- You do not need a partner to join.
- Preferential entry fee for new players:
- Free ACBL Clubhouse 0-20 daily at 2pm ET
- 3 BB$ entry fee for players up to 300 ACBL Masterpoints
- 12 and 18-Board Pair Games:
- You need a partner to join. Partnership desk available
- Some of the games allow registering with a robot as a partner
- Preferential prices for new players:
- 3 BB$ entry fee on the short games (12 boards) for players up to 300 ACBL Masterpoints
Some of the 12 board games offer a BB$ reward if players score above 50%. You’ll know they offer a reward if they’re called "ACBL Clubhouse Reward". Some of the 12-board pair games have a discounted entry fee. The 18 board games offer more masterpoints.
Who can play in ACBL Clubhouse games?
ACBL members with fewer masterpoints than the game’s limit can participate. For example, players with fewer than 200 masterpoints can play in a 199er game. You’ll know the limit as it will be mentioned in the game’s title.
Is there a schedule for ACBL Clubhouse games?
Yes, you can see when ACBL Clubhouse games are available daily throughout the day by checking the schedule here.
How much are entry fees?
18-board games are typically 6 BB$ (equivalent to 6 USD).
12-board games are either 5 BB$ (equivalent to 5 USD), if they offer a BB$ prize to the top half finishers, or 3 BB$ if they are regular short pairs.
Fees may be lower for shorter or promotional games. Special events may have an additional charge.
You'll need BB$ (the BBO in-game currency) to pay entry fees. Click here to add funds to your BBO account.
Do I need to be an ACBL member?
Yes. We need to know your ACBL number to report any points you win to the ACBL, and to verify your eligibility for games with masterpoint limits.
Click here to add your ACBL number to your BBO account. If you get stuck, click here for a short video tutorial.
What kind of masterpoints are awarded?
Regular Games:
Regular games award Black Masterpoints.
Special Events:
During special events, such as Stardust Week, you can earn different types of points, including Silver, Red, or Gold Masterpoints. Click here for ACBL's Online Special Events Schedule.
Where can I see my masterpoints?
For Pair Games:
Immediately after each pair game, the results are uploaded to the ACBL's Live For Clubs page. You can check there to see how many points you have won shortly after the game ends.
For Individual Games (e.g., ACBL Clubhouse Individuals):
For ACBL Clubhouse Indies, your points are sent to the ACBL at the beginning of the following month. For example, any points you win in August will be reflected in your ACBL account at the start of September.
Do I need a partner? / How do I find one?
Playing Without a Partner (Individual Games):
Some games are "Individual," meaning you don't need a partner to join. In this format, you'll be paired with a new partner each round, which is a great way to meet and play with different people.
Playing with a Partner (Pair Games):
Most games are "Pairs," where you need a partner to play. If you don’t have a partner, don’t worry! There’s a Partnership Desk available for all pair games, making it easy to find someone to play with.
How to Use the Partnership Desk:
- Click the "Partnership Desk" button for the game you want to join.
- You can either add your name to the list or invite someone who’s already on the list to be your partner.
- To increase your chances of being paired up when the game starts, check the box at the bottom of the Partnership Desk that says, "Match me with someone at start," before adding your name.
Playing with a Robot Partner:
Some games allow you to register with a bridge-playing robot. If you’re comfortable with our friendly and well behaved bridge robots, look for games with "robot" in the title.
What are ACBL Clubhouse Reward games?
ACBL Clubhouse Reward games are 12-board games which, on top of the ACBL Masterpoint awards, offer a BB$ reward to players who manage to score 50% or more. They are a great way to practice with a defined goal: "Can I beat 50%"?
What are ACBL Clubhouse individual games?
Individual games allow you to register without a partner. When the game starts, you will be matched with a partner, and at the beginning of each round you get new partner and new opponents. It's a fantastic way to meet new people while playing online bridge. If you meet someone you like, add them as a friend. Think of it as speed dating for bridge!
What are the You & Robot pair games?
Some of the ACBL Clubhouse games are called "You & Robot". This means that every table is formed of two players, each paired with a robot partner. They are typically offered during special promos awarding pigmented masterpoints. There is no cost for the advanced robot, you just pay your own entry fee.
I have another question!
Please contact us at acbl@bridgebase.com with any questions you may have.