Important Real-Life Bridge Questions We Asked RealBridge 

Important Real-Life Bridge Questions We Asked RealBridge

Alex J Coyne © Great Bridge Links

Online bridge is alive with possibility, with the game getting fresh players and spectators on a daily basis. As the number of bridge players continues to rise amidst an international COVID-19 pandemic, clubs and groups have a lot of new things to consider.

Acceptable streaming behaviour, user data protection, and how to view and broadcast bridge streams on platforms like Twitch are just some of the popular questions that modern bridge players wonder about.

We knew just the right people to ask.

RealBridge is an online bridge platform for groups and clubs that allows video/audio feeds to be incorporated into the user-interface. Available internationally, their numbers are climbing.

Alex caught up with Shireen Mohandes from RealBridge to discuss 3 important real-life bridge questions.

  1. Acceptable Bridge Streaming Behaviour

What is acceptable as online streaming behaviour at the bridge tables, and who sets the rules?
Business meetings through Skype and Zoom have gone notoriously bad when participants, for example, forget to wear pants for a conference call.

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“It is up to clubs to set guidelines on acceptable behaviour.” says Shireen.

Up to date, she says that no serious streaming disasters have occurred.

“Early on, one or two crisp munchers were asked to empty their packets onto a plate rather than dip in and allow the rest of the players to hear the noise, which happened to be close to the mic.”

Bridge players be aware: Cameras record everything, and most microphones are extremely sensitive. It’s also easy for people to briefly mute their microphone or turn off their video when appropriate.

  1. Data Protection

What gets done with user data when bridge games are streamed or recorded online?

“We take data protection very seriously [at RealBridge].” says Shireen. “We do not capture or store player feeds.”

Data protection is certainly valued by players everywhere.

If players and clubs would like to record their games for later review or upload, the choice is left up to them. RealBridge is an increasingly regular sight on YouTube and Twitch, with easy-to-include commentary.

  1. Bridge on Twitch

What about bridge broadcasts via Twitch, YouTube, and other vibrant video platforms where games can be viewed?

Shireen says that users are encouraged to explore and use streaming software (if they would like to record or broadcast their games).

Some event organisers, including teams from France, had chosen to create Twitch programs.

First known as Justin.tv, the Twitch platform has spiked in popularity for gaming, esports, and particularly live bridge games.

RealBridge adds an extra feature for broadcasting gamers: “Our own service allows for several video commentators at the same time, at a table.”

For example, Shireen says, a match between Sweden and Denmark could easily host 3 pairs of video commentators all at once.  “The viewer just tunes into a duo.”