Customer Reviews

Jack 5.0 Computer Bridge Software

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Whether you want to compete in a virtual tournament, play random deals or generate deals that meet your criteria, Jack is a complete computer bridge program for players at all levelS. For example, in a team tournament you can start off at the B level competing against other teams in a series of matches. After the competition is completed you move up or down depending on your results. Professor Jack can analyze your play and give tips both on bidding and play. You strive to play and stay at the championship level. If you choose, plays and calls are announced by Barry Westra, a Dutch brige pro. Also, many tournaments are included with freguency charts. Jack bridge plays SAYC, 2/1 Game Force, ACOL, Precision, etc. through built in convention cards with approximately 100 conventions. You can create your own convention card. It supports network play and has fast double dummy play. Scoring can be based on match points, total points or imps. You can print out results. Jack is constantly improving the program and within the version there are no charges for upgrades. In the annual battle of computer programs Jack is the winner in most years. Customer support is terrific. I play 2/1 game force and disagreed with a bidding sequence and e-mailed Jack. Promply, I received a reply setting forth the rationale for the bidding sequence with a satisfactory explanation. I note that the Dutch Jack programmers attend the ACBL National Tournaments and are doing quite well in the events. For myself, I am presently a Bronze Life Master and constantly improving my bridge game through Jack. In tournament play, it is a constant challenge to move up in class. Highly reccommended. Started off with Bridge Barron but have switched to Jack and glad I did so. It is an incredible bridge computer program.

As a newly retired person, who has not played bridge for 40 years, I felt like a beginner. I read the book Clubs and then was referred to Bridge Barron, another computer program. In looking at reviews I found Jack 5.0 Computer Bridge Software listed as an award winner and compatible with Windows 7. I thought it was too pricey at $69 +$10 shipping, but finally decided to buy it. I have now played about 261 hands of bridge with Jack. I almost think of this software as a person. Sometimes I refuse Jack's suggestions and he leaves the building, telling me I am on my own. Sometimes I let Jack bid for me and find he gets us in trouble. When we go down, I play and replay the hand. Then I see how Jack would play it. Sometimes he doesn't do any better than I do. Last week a person in my beginner group asked me to play with the advanced group and I felt totally confidant. I have learned tons from Jack.

I own and use both Bridge Baron and Jack 5.0 . Both are excellent products but I have to give the edge to Jack for caliber of play and overall capabilities. Jack's ability to not only help with bidding but with the actual play of the hand provides an outstanding teaching tool. Highly recommended.

Jack 5.0 is recognized as the world's strongest computer bridge program. The best program is determined each year at a computer bridge championship which has been sponsored since 1997 by the American Contract Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation. Jack won first place in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, and again in 2010. Searching the internet for "world computer bridge championship" will find links to all of these tournament results and to interesting articles about the world of computer bridge.

The overall program is good. Unfortunately it uses conventions during the bidding process that the average party bridge player does not use. I am not interested in learning all of these conventions. I cannot find a way to suppress the use of them. This makes bidding very difficult and often unpredictable since your "computer partner" and your opponents use them while bidding. The program is outstanding once you get to actually playing the hands.

This was a gift to a person just learning how to play Bridge. It turned out to be the perfect software to get him, because it not only teaches him how to play but is enjoyable, too. He plays frequently and is learning each time. I can't give specifics, not having played it myself, but none of the other Bridge software I researched seemed to come close to this one. It was pricey yet completely worth it. Put it this way: my friend loves it so I do, too.

Returning to bridge after 15 years.
Jack is perfect practice tool for me,
and blows away Bridge Baron 20.

I like it. It has lots of options to customize play. I keep learning more about the program thru the hints. I think it might make a better bridge player.

We have only used Jack's bridge software for a month or so. However, my wife definitely like this software very much. It allows you to practice between actual bridge games and sharpen your bidding skills. We both expect to improve considerably in time with the use of this software.

Bought this for my Wife, who is addicted to Bridge. She is very happy and has told all her friends how great the product is. Great purchase, fast shipping, all is well.