What Are Ranked Games?

Bringing Bridge into the Digital Era

Bridge’s transition into the digital age has been gradual, but with platforms like IntoBridge, we’re witnessing a revolution in how this traditional game is played. Today, we’re learning about Ranked Games on IntoBridge – what is it and what makes it such a compelling option for bridge enthusiasts of all levels?

Understanding Ranked Games

Ranked Games is a game format on IntoBridge, a platform specifically designed for online bridge play. This format has quickly gained popularity among players for its unique blend of traditional bridge with modern technological advancements.

The Concept

In Ranked Games, you play a single board with an AI partner and two AI opponents or … robots. Your performance on this board is then compared to how another human played the same hand. Depending on the outcome, you could either win, lose, or draw, with your rating changing accordingly.

The Appeal

One of the things that sets Ranked Games apart is its flexibility and adaptability to players’ schedules. You can start a game whenever you wish and pause it if needed. This flexibility makes it ideal for people with varying schedules who still want to enjoy a game of bridge.

Key Features of Ranked Games

Ranked Games System

The system starts with everyone at the 7 of Diamonds rank, progressing through various ranks and subranks. The highest achievable rank is the Ace of Spades. Players earn or lose IntoBridge Points (IBPs) based on their game outcomes, which determines their rank.

New Additions

IntoBridge constantly updates Ranked Games with new features:

Win or Go Home: A feature that doubles your IBPs if you win but counts a draw as a loss.
Rematch: Allows you to replay against a previous opponent.
Dynamic Leaderboards: Including leaderboards by country and among friends.

Meet Lia: The New Bridge Robot on IntoBridge

In more exciting news from IntoBridge, a brand-new bridge robot named Lia joined the platform in October 2023. Developed by Luc Bellicaud, a member of the IntoBridge team and World U31 Teams champion, Lia represents a significant leap forward in AI for bridge. While Lia is still in its beta version, it’s already showing immense potential. This AI is designed to explain its bids with clarity and understands various bridge conventions, although it’s still ironing out some playful quirks. For now, Lia is available on the Casual tables as an alternative to the existing robot, Ben, giving players a unique opportunity to test and enjoy this new AI’s capabilities. As the team continues to refine Lia, they invite players to experience the fun and challenge of playing alongside or against this innovative bridge companion.

When you play Ranked Games, you are able to choose your preferred robot. Simply click on the three-bar menu at the top left of the screen and select Preferences. From there, you can select Ben or Lia. For those of you who wonder about bidding systems and conventions click here for a copy of Lia’s Convention Card (as of Nov 19 2023).

The Competitive Edge

Ranked Games bring out the competitive spirit in players. During the Beta season, we saw intense competition among top players, with Steve Weinstein securing the first position. The format ensures that you’re matched with opponents of similar skill, offering a balanced and fair competitive environment.

The Social Aspect

Beyond the competitive element, Ranked Games foster a sense of community. Players can follow and learn from others, like Gavin Wolpert, who records gameplay on IntoBridge’s Youtube, or Pete Hollands, who streams his games.

Practical Tips for Ranked Games Newcomers

If you’re new to Ranked Games, here are some suggestions to get you started:

Start at Your Own Pace: Don’t rush into playing high-stakes games. Begin with casual games to understand the mechanics. There are lots of options.
Watch and Learn: Follow experienced players’ streams or videos (see links below). It’s a great way to learn strategies and tricks.
Use the Features: Experiment with the ‘Win or Go Home’ and ‘Rematch’ features. They can add an exciting twist to your games
Embrace Technology: Take time to familiarize yourself with the platform. Use tutorials and help guides.
Stay Open to Learning: Every game is a learning opportunity. Embrace both victories and defeats as chances to grow.
Engage with the Community: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or share your experiences on forums or social media.

Seasonal Games

Ranked Games in the IntoBridge platform are seasonal. This structure is a key aspect of how the platform keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging for its users. Here are some details about the seasonal nature of Ranked Games:

Defined Seasons: Each season of Ranked Games has a specific duration, generally lasting between 2 to 3 months. At the end of a season, the rankings and accomplishments of that period are finalized.
Seasonal Resets: With the conclusion of each season, there’s usually a reset. This means players start the new season with a clean slate, or in some cases, they might start from a standardized rank, like the 7 of Diamonds rank mentioned in one of the updates. This reset allows all players to begin anew, striving for the top positions on the leaderboard.
Seasonal Updates and Features: Each new season often brings updates or new features to the gameplay. For example, the addition of features like ‘Win or Go Home’ and ‘Rematch’ enhance the gaming experience and keep the platform evolving.
Competitive Dynamics: The seasonal structure fosters a competitive environment where players are motivated to achieve the highest ranks before the season ends. This creates a dynamic and exciting competitive atmosphere.
Community Engagement: Seasons also create opportunities for community events, such as special streams by prominent players or community challenges. This helps in building a stronger, more engaged community around the game.
Continuous Improvement: Feedback gathered during a season is often used to make improvements and adjustments for the subsequent seasons, ensuring that the platform stays responsive to its users’ needs and preferences.

The Future of Ranked Games

IntoBridge is committed to continually improving the Ranked Games experience. With feedback from players, new features and updates are regularly introduced to enhance gameplay.

What’s Next?

Achievements Board: A forthcoming feature where players can showcase their successes from current and previous seasons.
Continued Improvements: Expect ongoing updates and refinements to the platform based on user feedback. Click here to read about recently released new features.

Final Thoughts

Ranked Games on IntoBridge maintains the essence of the traditional game while integrating it with the benefits of digital technology. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there’s something in Ranked Games for everyone. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey and see where Ranked Games can take you? Remember, every hand you play is a step towards mastering this timeless game in its new, digital avatar. Let the games begin!

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What are Ranked Games and why you will want play them