Customer Reviews

Great Games Bridge Baron 20 [Old Version]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The strongest computer bridge program is determined each year at the annual World Computer Bridge Championship, which has been sponsored since 1997 by the American Contract Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation. In the 2008 and 2009 championships, the Bridge Baron program did not reach the semi-finals. Bridge Baron has won only the first of these ACBL/WBF events, back in 1997. The best computer bridge program today is Jack, which seven times won first place in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2010. In the 2010 championship, Jack defeated the second place finisher WBridge5 by a wide margin of 150 to 120 in the final match. Searching the internet for "world computer bridge championship" will produce links to all of these tournament results and to interesting articles about the world of computer bridge.

I have enjoyed all the various versions of Bridge Baron over the years, and it continues to be the best Bridge software on the market. I appreciate the options to learn conventions or to simply to play hands (individually prepared or from past tournaments). There are other options as well, but these are the ones I use. Bridge Baron 20 allows the player to REPLAY hands in the tournaments, too, which is a new feature -- and I love it. In addition to regular Bridge groups each week, I play in a fairly new group of players once a week, and we set up the first 12 hands using games played from Bridge Baron (print them out and set up the hands) to practice conventions and learn how to better play the cards. The only problem with this program is that it is so addicting!

For someone who has few acquaintences nearby who play, Bridge Baron 20 has been a godsend. I also got their basic conventions disc. Togethter they are incredibly helpful, fun, and instructive. Also, once I got familiar with what they offer it got easier and easier. One can set the level of play or lessons at whatever level is desired.

This program was recommeded by an Bridge Instructor on a recent cruise. I enjoy using the program for bidding, response and playing skill improvement.

The CD came without any instructions and it has been a challenge to find my way around inside it. It has good graphics and the computer player does very well. The "hint" feature is good.

I am glad to purchased it and enjoy using it.

I have played Bridge Baron for the past 15-yrs, upgrading to a newer revision with each purchase of a new computer. Bridge Baron 20 is totally compatible with Windows 7. It still allows the player to customize the skill level played-against, and whether the player wants to play vs the computer program, or on-line. When I lay-off playing Bridge Baron for any length of time, I find that my play in live sessions around town suffers. If a player can beat, or just stay even with the Bridge Baron program, he/she is ready to play just about anywhere!

I have a MacBook Pro and Baron 20 does run on the MAC. The best Bridge program "JACK" does not run on the MAC. When I first installed Baron 20 I had some problems and left a message at Customer Service for Baron but they never replied, so I had to figure out my problem. The Baron 20 instructions and Help are pathetic and minimal, so again I have had to do my own trial and error. Many of the entries to program Bridge Conventions in Baron 20 do not allow sufficient customizing to set-up for your individual bidding techniques. That said, Baron 20 is still the best English program for a MAC.

Bridge Baron 20 is too advanced for a beginner but as I learn more about the product I think I will be able to handle it. Something simpler would be a good start.Bridge Baron 20On the box it said includes: Demo of "Introduction to Bridge Play & learn with Pat Harrington. It was not included but would have been helpful for newbies.

Bridge Baron 20 is top rate for learning and practicing Bridge. Two short comings: A. Instructions are not clear unless you know how to use the software previously, and B. For Mac OS users the Play and Learn is not able to run on Mac OS which a shame. This software does everything imaginable for Bridge at all levels. If one wants a single purchase for a nearly lifetime of Bridge this is it.

When my laptop gave up the ghost, I decided to replace it with an Apple. My old bridge program won't run on the Apple so I bought this product. Works fine on the Apple. Only three stars for two reasons. I thought it was a little too expensive at $50 plus. The second reason is that you can't play contract bridge with it, which is what I prefer. I does seem to be good practice for someone who is interested in honing their skills at duplicate style of play. Overall, I would say that I am disappointed at the inability to play a contract style game.

Many conventions are listed to practice and learn but BB20 does not allow user to play the entire hand. i encountered a glitch when i attempted to save generated hands so that i could play the entire hand. i called tech support who NEVER answer the phone although the recorded message says "open daily from 9am - 5pm". I wrote a detailed "step by step" process and sent it to tech support..process that i used to save generated hands and try to play them. this is the second day and i have had no response. i furthermore called Great Game Products who defended tech support and said they would have them contact me. i'm still waiting. i encountered this problem on both mac os10 and windows xp.