You can play bridge online, of course. On Bridge Training but also on Bridge Base Online, Realbridge, Funbridge, Intobridge etc. However: premium bridge happens in real life. At clubs, then in competitions against players at your level: I promise you friends, challenge and travel!
Play your first real pairs tournament
You arrive at the club, you register with the organizer by paying a few euros (usually between 2 and 8€, sometimes more in big cities). Tell them you're a beginner, it's better. If you came with a partner, they'll tell you where to sit for the first round. If not, they'll try to find one for you. Tables are numbered, for example they might say: "you are at table 6 North-South".
You'll take your seat (there's often a "North" sign on the wall for orientation). Your first opponents will arrive - smile and say hello, they're nice people. The organizer will place between 2 and 4 numbered plastic boards with cards on the table.
You'll play the first deal, often enter the results using a device (a "Bridgemate") that will transmit them directly to the server for the overall scoring. Then you play the second one, and so on until all deals are played.
And when you're done... what happens then?
In the most classic movement, used when no other indication is given by the organizer, East-West move up one table and table 6 is the last. You have just played East-West at table 6. Where do you go?
Section quizWhen the tournament is over (count about 3.5 hours, you usually play around 25 deals, 7 minutes 30 per deal), you get the results and you can have a drink with everyone.
How are the results calculated?
Each deal is played multiple times. For each one, pairs are ranked according to their score and the result is expressed as a percentage. Did you get the best result? You score 100% (the "top"). Did you get the worst? You score 0% (the "zero"). And most often, you score something in between, around 50% (the "average").
At the end of the tournament, pairs are ranked according to their average percentage across all deals. Winners usually have between 60 and 70%. The last ones between 30 and 40%. At my first tournament, I scored... 25%! So don't be afraid, you'll get beaten up at first, like everyone, and gradually, you'll improve.
On the same deal, the scores of three North-South pairs are -50 (so East-West scored 50), -100 and +110. How is the pair at -50 ranked among these three North-South pairs?
Section quizAn opponent admits they might not have played in turn and offers to cancel the trick themselves. What is the correct approach?
Section quizIt's your turn to play. You will play as in a pairs tournament, so trying to make as many tricks as possible to get ahead of the others!