playing online with Bridge Base Online (BBO)
Bridge Base Online (BBO) is one of the world’s most popular platforms for playing bridge online.
Used by players across Scotland and internationally, it allows you to practise, play socially with friends, join supervised sessions and take part in competitive tournaments from anywhere.
Whether you’re completely new to online bridge or simply looking for guidance on getting started, this page will walk you through the basics.
Create your BBO account
Getting started with BBO is completely free.
You can access BBO through:
A desktop or laptop computer
A tablet
A smartphone using the BBO app
While phones can work perfectly well, many players find using a laptop or desktop computer easier, particularly when learning the platform for the first time. A larger screen and mouse generally make navigation quicker and more comfortable.
How To Create An Account
Visit www.bridgebase.com (or download the free BBO app from your mobile device’s App Store).
Follow the prompts to create a username and password.
Once registered, you’ll be able to log in and begin exploring the platform immediately.
Understanding the BBO Home Screen
Once logged in, you’ll see the main BBO dashboard where you can:
Play casually with friends
Join tournaments
Watch expert bridge
Practise hands
Chat with other players
Access teaching tables and lessons
The two areas most beginners use first are Casual (for friendly games and practice) and Competitive (for organised tournaments and club sessions).
Take a little time to click around and familiarise yourself with the layout before joining your first game.
play bridge online
Choose how you’d like to play, from relaxed games with friends, to beginner-friendly Acol sessions, through to organised Scottish Bridge competitions and tournaments.
Playing a Social Game
One of the easiest ways to begin is by arranging a relaxed social game with friends.
To create a social table:
Log into BBO
Click Casual
Select Start a Table
Choose Relaxed Game
Invite your friends using their BBO usernames
You can customise table settings and privacy preferences to control who joins your game.
Once everyone accepts their invitations, random bridge hands will appear and you can play at your own pace.
Playing at Acol Players Club
Most bridge players in Scotland learn and play the Acol system. Because of this, many Scottish players enjoy using the Acol Players Club on BBO.
The club provides:
A friendly and moderated environment
Acol-based play
Beginner-friendly online games
Organised sessions and competitions
Playing in Competitions
Once you feel comfortable using BBO, you may wish to join online club or national competitions.
To enter paid tournaments, you’ll first need to purchase BBO$ through your account.
To register for an event:
Log into BBO
Click Competitive
Select All Tournaments
Search for “SBU”
Register with your partner
Please note: Tournaments generally appear around two hours before start time. Both players must be online to register. You should return online at least five minutes before the event begins
Creating a convention card
Most Scottish players use a simple modern Acol system.
BBO allows you to create a digital convention card explaining the system you and your partner play. This helps opponents understand your methods and is often required for certain tournaments.
If you do not upload your own convention card, BBO may assume you are playing Standard American Yellow Card (SAYC), which differs from the system most Scottish players use.
To create a convention card:
Open the Convention Card section in BBO
Select New ACBL Convention Card
Enter your partner’s username
Complete your system details
Save the card
You can edit and update your card at any time.
tutorials & resources
If you prefer learning visually, there are many excellent tutorials and walkthroughs available online to help you become more confident using BBO.
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No. Anyone can create a free BBO account and begin playing.
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Yes, though many players prefer a larger screen when starting out.
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Absolutely. Many clubs, teachers and organisations run beginner-friendly online sessions.
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Don’t worry. Everyone learning BBO makes misclicks and navigational errors at first. It quickly becomes second nature with practice.
Have any questions?
Our Education team is here to support.