Bridge Champ Review: A Modern Bridge Platform with AI, Video, and More

Bridge Champ is an online platform that lets users play contract bridge in various modes and settings. It supports multiple game formats, including traditional Rubber bridge, Duplicate (tournament-style) bridge, and team matches, with options to customize scoring rules, use bidding boxes, and display hand records. Players can join casual tables for relaxed play or participate in organized tournaments for competition. The platform also offers a MiniBridge mode (a simplified version of bridge often used for learning) for beginners. Unique to Bridge Champ is its token-based achievements and ranking systems. More about that later in this article.

Here’s an overview of the platform. You an find many more online play platforms on our Play Online page here.

Bridge Champ Links

Webpage: https://bridgechamp.com/
Youtube Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@bridge_champ

Both Web and App

Bridge Champ is both a web-based platform and a mobile app. Players can access the game via a web browser or download dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android. This cross-platform availability allows seamless play across different devices, enabling users to switch between desktop and mobile without losing progress.

Robot or Human Play

Users can play with real people or with computer AI robots. Bridge Champ’s matchmaking pairs human players of similar skill levels to ensure balanced games. When human opponents aren’t available, players can practice with advanced AI bots that simulate realistic bidding and play, trained on millions of bridge deals. The AI robots’ difficulty can be adjusted to match the user’s level, making the platform suitable for novices and experts alike. The platform is live 24/7, so individuals can play or practice at any time, with robots always available to fill in seats if needed.

And by the way, Bridge Champ does not implement a “best hand” feature popular on BBO, where the player is always dealt the strongest hand at the table. Many people, including me, dislike this feature.

A Partnership Desk?

Bridge Champ’s matchmaking system functions similarly to a “partnership desk,” pairing players with others of comparable skill levels to ensure balanced games. To sit down at a table and be matched:​

1. Log In: Access your Bridge Champ account.
2. Choose a Game Mode: Navigate to the game modes section and select your preferred format (e.g., Rubber bridge, Duplicate, or team matches).​
3. Join a Table: Opt to join an existing table or create a new one.​
4. Matchmaking Process: If you don’t have a partner, Bridge Champ’s system will automatically pair you with another player of similar skill.​
5. Start Playing: Once seated, begin your game with your matched partner.​

How does Bridge Champ know my level of play?

Bridge Champ assesses your skill level through a combination of self-assessment and performance metrics:​

1. Self-Assessment: When setting up your profile, you can select a skill level that best describes your experience, such as Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, or World Class. ​
2. Performance Metrics: The platform may also evaluate your gameplay performance over time, considering factors like win rates, participation in tournaments, and consistency in play.

Kibitz, Chat, Video Face-to-face

Bridge Champ integrates social and challenge features into gameplay. Players can kibitz (spectate) ongoing games freely, a popular aspect of bridge communities. A built-in chat system allows communication at the table. Uniquely, Bridge Champ includes an optional video chat mode that enables face-to-face interaction via webcam while playing, emulating the feel of a real-life club game. Players can also issue Challenges to friends, groups, or even bots – setting up specific matches to test skills in a fun way. Overall, Bridge Champ’s feature set covers casual play, practice against AI, competitive tournaments, and social tools, catering to all types of bridge players.

User Experience and Interface

Bridge Champ is designed with a modern and intuitive user interface. The game layout is clean and visually clear – when sitting at a table, players see a graphical bridge table with each player’s name and position, and bidding boxes for entering bids. We actually found the bidding box interface a bit clunky – however, the App version uses a more standard bidding diagram layout.

Cards are displayed with large, easy-to-read symbols, and the platform supports drag-and-drop card play, making it straightforward to follow the game’s progress. The bidding process is streamlined with prompts and notifications so that no player misses their turn or forgets whose turn it is. I like that a bid needs to be clicked twice (I often fumble) and like many other online bridge platforms, in the casual games you are provided with bid interpretations. (I use this a lot!)

The platform replicates the look and feel of in-person bridge. The integrated high-quality video conferencing feature allows players to see and talk to each other as they play, which boosts communication and social presence. This is accessible through an in-game video window that doesn’t require extra software. Bridge Champ’s interface also provides helpful controls for adjusting audio/video and includes privacy protections for those using the camera feature. The developers focus on accessibility and user feedback; updates frequently address usability issues and the app includes a feedback button for reporting UI or game issues.

Membership Options, Pricing, and Credits

Registration and basic play on Bridge Champ are free. Creating an account takes only a few minutes. Once registered, players have access to casual tables, watch games, play MiniBridge, and practice or compete with the built-in robots without payment. The platform currently offers a wide range of features to free users, including video play, deals import/export, the deal editor, and more. There is no mandatory subscription fee for individual players to enjoy standard games and tournaments.

The Credit System

• Free Play vs. Credits: Most casual games and AI practice sessions are free, but some tournaments, club games, or advanced features may require credits for entry.
• Earning Credits: Credits can be earned through gameplay achievements, participation in events, or promotional offers.
• Purchasing Credits: Players can buy credits using real money or cryptocurrency.
• Spending Credits: Used for entering premium tournaments, club-organized games, or unlocking additional platform features.
• Tournament Entry: Players who want to enter paid tournaments can either use credits earned through play or purchase credits with real money.
• Club and Federation Usage: Clubs may utilize credits for managing tournaments and structured events.
• IGNIS Token Integration: Bridge Champ incorporates the IGNIS cryptocurrency for its reward system. Some credits or achievements may be tied to IGNIS, offering potential value beyond the platform.

Bridge Champ’s monetization plans revolve around optional services and future enhancements rather than restricting normal play. The platform anticipates hosting premium tournaments or club games that may charge entry fees via a payment system in the future. This would be similar to other platforms where most content is free but certain official or special tournaments require an entry fee. As Bridge Champ grows, it is also offering services to bridge clubs and federations on a subscription or fee basis. This suggests that while the individual player experience remains free, there may be enterprise or club-level packages that come with a cost for organizations. Additionally, Bridge Champ has a built-in token economy (using the IGNIS cryptocurrency token) for game rewards. Earning tokens by playing is free for the user (“play-to-earn”), though these tokens could later be used for paid features or exchanged for other services.

Streaming and Content Sharing

Bridge Champ offers a built-in feature that allows players to stream their games directly to YouTube. This enables bridge enthusiasts, teachers, and tournament organizers to broadcast live gameplay, lessons, and competitions to a wider audience. The streaming integration makes it easier for players to share strategies, provide commentary, or host instructional content without needing third-party broadcasting software. This feature enhances the platform’s visibility within the bridge community while offering a way for players and instructors to engage with viewers in real-time.

Now if we can only get it to stream to Twitch!

Comparison with Other Online Bridge Platforms

Bridge Champ enters a field with several established online bridge platforms, each with specific differences:

• Bridge Base Online (BBO): Established platform with a large user base. Offers free and paid games, but does not include integrated video chat. Tournaments, Daily Games, ACBL Masterpoints, Best Hand.
• Funbridge: Primarily a solo bridge experience against AI, whereas Bridge Champ offers live multiplayer and AI play.
• RealBridge: Focuses on live video and voice interaction. Does not feature AI play, while Bridge Champ includes AI opponents.
• Bridge Club Live: Requires a paid subscription for access, whereas Bridge Champ allows free casual play with optional paid features.
• OKBridge: Operates on a membership model with a subscription fee, unlike Bridge Champ, which has a free-to-play model with optional “in-game” purchases.
• IntoBridge: Provides online multiplayer and play with robots. Does not integrate blockchain technology like Bridge Champ.

Where it all started

Bridge Champ was developed by Jelurida Swiss SA and officially launched in 2022. The platform was designed to incorporate blockchain technology for game records and fair play verification, ensuring transparency and security. Since its launch, Bridge Champ has undergone continuous updates and feature expansions, improving usability and gameplay. The platform has established partnerships with bridge federations and clubs to enhance community engagement and encourage adoption.

Security and Fairness Measures

• Blockchain-based game records for transparency.
• Random deal verification ensures fair play.
• AI monitoring for detecting suspicious gameplay.
• Video chat reduces collusion risks.
• Secure infrastructure with encrypted communication.
• Future ranking and matchmaking improvements.

Community and Competition

• Integrated chat, friends list, and group features.
• Regularly hosted tournaments, both free and paid.
• Club and federation integration for official events.
• Teacher-friendly tools for lessons and guided play.
• Token-based achievements and ranking systems.
• Plans for live game broadcasts and competitive leaderboards.

Summary

Bridge Champ is a modern online bridge platform offering casual and competitive play with AI integration, blockchain security, and social features like video chat. It provides free access with future monetization focused on tournaments and club services. The credit system allows players to participate in paid tournaments, while IGNIS tokens provide an additional layer of rewards. Compared to other platforms, Bridge Champ emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and community engagement, making it a growing option for bridge players worldwide.

Of course, none of this discusses the playing calibre of the robots themselves. I wasn’t able to find information on the software behind Bridge Champ.