~Bridge Champion With Omar Sharif

Card playing simulation by OXFORD SOFTWORKS

Reviewed By Lu Richardson.

Of all the bridge simulations I have seen this is the best one by 
far.  For one thing, the graphics are gorgeous.  You feel you are 
really playing at a baize covered table and with very posh cards.   
The sound, too, is perfect - only, Omar saying smugly "That was well 
played" every time you draw a card can get on your nerves...

No problem; pass the old mouse over the top of the screen and you 
get a neat little bar from which you can pull down no end of menus 
to make your life easier.  You can cut off the sound, for instance.  
And take back silly moves.  Things like that.  The whole game is 
easily managed with the mouse.

Right at the outset you can choose the level you wish to play at 
(beginner to advanced) and the system of bidding, ACOL being what 
English people are most used to.  If you have no idea what I am 
talking about, again, no problem.  There is a tutorial to tell you 
all you need to know about bridge.

You can also leave all the players to the computer and just watch;
but the usual thing is that you are South.  Bidding is made very 
simple by letting you choose from the possibilities and those only.  
If you happen to be Dummy, you are given the option of playing your 
partner's hand.  When you are playing, and you have no idea what to 
do next, you just click on Play Hint and the problem is solved for 
you.

Which is all fine and dandy, only at times my computer partner does 
the most idiotic things imaginable and I find myself trying to win 
impossible contracts or losing perfectly winnable ones.  Well, I 
guess that's how it is in real life, but I expected better from a 
computer - if you hear me scream, it's because I am crying to Heaven 
to witness a particularly silly move from North.

If you are already a bridge player, don't hesitate to invest on this 
game; it really is brilliant and you'll enjoy playing it.  If you 
have always wanted to know what all the fuss was about, this is the 
best way to find out - the computer is endlessly patient and won't 
call you names if you make a mess of it, nor will it take offence if 
you get frustrated and start swearing.  Loudly.


This Article Copyright 1995 of Lu Richardson.
Written for Cheet Sheets Magazine.