[fred]

The latest version of the BBO web-client is now available. You will automatically pick up the latest version if you log in through the yellow "Play bridge now" link on our home page (www.bridgebase.com).

The most recent version of Flash Player (10.1) created an issue whereby some users experienced trouble when clicking on cards. That issue has been resolved with V37. We apologize to anyone who suffered as a result of this problem, but it was really beyond our control.

As usual we have fixed several other bugs, but also as usual it is entirely possible that we have introduced some new bugs. If you find any problems with V37, please let us know. You can either do so by posting to this thread:

Link to V37 comments thread

or by sending me an e-mail (fred@bridgebase.com).

New features in V37 include:

1. When a Team Match, TM, is created, the host can now specify anywhere between 0 and 8 of the players (previously all 8 players had to be specified). Those players who are specified will receive invitations to play in the TM as usual.

Seats for which no player is specified will remain empty when the TM is created. Players can apply to sit in those seats either through the list of TMs (which has changed, see 2 below) or by going to one of the tables and clicking on an empty seat. The TM host will receive a permission request when a player tries to join the TM.

The TM host can invite additional players after the TM has been created directly through the list of TMs (or through the TD Control). This is the only manner through which members using the BBO Windows client can participate in these new types of TMs.

2. In the list of TMs, each TM now contains semi-graphical representations of the tables. There is now a Pending/Running switch at the top of the list of TMs. Make sure to set this switch to Pending in order to try playing in a TM that is looking for players as described above.

3. User profiles now include information about when the user ID in question was created and how many times that user ID has logged in. This should help those who prefer to play with experienced members to identify suitable partners and opponents. It should also help everyone to know when a member is new (so that everyone will know to be especially nice, helpful, welcoming, and patient toward such members!).

4. There have been some layout changes in the profile popups.

5. There is now a "Refresh" button in the list of results when you play or kibitz at a table in the Main Bridge Club (or any other club).

6. If you right-click on a member, there is a new "Select category" command in the menu that appears. If you select that command, a window will appear through which you can define your own categories for BBO members and assign the member you right-clicked on to one of these categories.

A category is defined by specifying a name and a color. Users who you assign to a given category will have their IDs appear in the color of that category. Once you start using this feature you will be able to sort the lists of friends, hosts, and stars according to category (or according to name or location as usual).

This facility is powerful, but it is intended mainly for experienced users.

7. There is a new checkbox in the "Advanced" tab of the Deal Source dialog box "Randomly rotate generated deals 180 degrees". If that checkbox is checked, the effect will be the same as with "Switcheroo" in the Windows client: approximately half the generated deals will be rotated by 180 degrees.

This is especially useful for Bidding Tables (also known as "Partnership Bidding Tables" in the Windows client) as it easily facilitates both players practicing as both the opening bidder and the responder.

8. The Edit Profile dialog now has a "Show profile" button that allows you to look at your own profile. Click your own user ID as it appears in the very top right in order to edit your profile.

9. Everything will look bigger for members with high screen resolution settings.

We hope you enjoy V37. Please keep the feedback and suggestions coming!

Fred Gitelman
Bridge Base Inc.
www.bridgebase.com