[barmar]

A new version of the BBO Web client has been released tonight. The main change is an overhaul of our Masterpoint awards symbols (the numbers next to names that people always ask what they mean).

• The award symbols displayed prominently in the winners' nameplates have been redesigned, and we got rid of the circles around them.
  
• The Royal award symbols (AKQJ) were given out to the top 100 (approximately 1%) of all players. These levels have become almost impossible to attain as player numbers have skyrocketed. Therefore, we have decided to increase the number of Royals in BBO - the top 250 players will now receive a Royal award. (This is still less than 0.5% of all competitive players, so we may have to further tweak Royal awards in the future.)
  
  • A #1 ranked player
    
  • K #2-30
    
  • Q #31-100
    
  • J #101-250
  
  
• We have also introduced a new elite rank. After the Royals, come the Masters of BBO! Players who attain 1000 masterpoints will now receive differentiating awards every 100 masterpoints and be known collectively as BBO Masters. 10 = 1000-1099 masterpoints, 11 = 1100-1199, and so on.
  
• Players with ranks 2 through 9 who cross the halfway mark of the next rank's requirements will see a "+" sign next to their symbol to indicate progress. For example:
  
  • 2 1-3 MP
    
  • 2+ 3.01-4.99 MP
    
  • 3 5+ MP

The other change is the addition of a new mini game called "Just Play Bridge" for those who want to, well, just play bridge. This is a no-frills infinite stream of bridge hands, scored Total Points style. You play with Basic Robots, which are provided free for this purpose. "Just Play Bridge" can be accessed in the "Solitaire Bridge" area on your left.

If you have any questions, send email to support@bridgebase.com or post them in the BBO Support Forum.