[Bbradley62]

Having been a BBO member for over 5 years, I've played a lot of free robodupes (but almost never more than 2 in a day, because I think it's rude to hog the limited number of available slots). Recently, I've also been playing a fair number of $0.25 robodupes. To my surprise, I score noticeably better on the $0.25 ones than on the free ones (both IMP and MP scoring methods). Has anyone else noticed a similar (or contradictory) pattern? I guess my conclusion is that the free games are frequented by a core of regulars, stronger than the $0.25 population, who know the trick to getting into the small free games.

Maybe BBO should randomize the start times of the free games and see if that allows more different players to get in.

[1eyedjack]

Bbradley62, on 2015-February-21, 14:05, said:

... the trick to getting into the small free games.

Yes, what is that trick? Just curious, not seriously interested in playing. But whenever I see them in the lists they are always filled up with 10.

[Bbradley62]

From another recent thread:

Bbradley62, on 2015-January-20, 15:57, said:

Povratnik, on 2015-January-20, 15:40, said:

Robot duplicate IMP, ran by BBO

Ten tables IMP tournament; at every table, one human and three bots. I have a very strong impression that tourney shows up in my list only AFTER it's filled. Are there anything I can do to make myself a chance to register?

Matchpoint [free robodupe] tournaments are 25 minutes after every hour, and IMP tourneys are at :45. Registration opens exactly 5 minutes prior to each tournament. Beginning 6 minutes prior to tournament time, get a list of the free tournaments, and refresh the list every few seconds until the one you want appears on the list. Register quickly, as they fill in less than a minute (sometimes in 15 seconds).

One regular, who apparently has this routine down to a science, has played 201 free robodupes in the past month. I've suggested several times that there should be a limit imposed, but BBO apparently doesn't think it's worthwhile.

[babalu1997]

1eyedjack, on 2015-February-21, 15:00, said:

Yes, what is that trick? Just curious, not seriously interested in playing. But whenever I see them in the lists they are always filled up with 10.

there are a couple of tricks, like passing out a hand that does not give you a desirable contract.

if for example, you need 2 diamonds to win, and the bot bids an inverted 2 diamonds, just pass it.

[barmar]

babalu1997, on 2015-March-02, 10:29, said:

there are a couple of tricks, like passing out a hand that does not give you a desirable contract.

if for example, you need 2 diamonds to win, and the bot bids an inverted 2 diamonds, just pass it.

That's how to win Bridge Bingo. What does it have to do with getting an entry into a free tourney?