Computer Programs Championship

Computer programs that play bridge will compete for the title of World Computer-Bridge Champion

The 7th annual World Computer-Bridge Championship will start tomorrow, June 22, at these European Championships. In 1997 the American Contract Bridge Leaugue established an annual computer-bridge championship to be held at an important international bridge event. The first European Open Championship is a major happening in bridge and, by mutual agreement of the ACBL and the EBL, the 2003 computer-bridge championship is being held in Menton with the support of both organizations. In past years the championship has been held at ACBL North American Championships and World Bridge Federation World Championships.

Al Levy, ACBL president, originized this event in 1997 at the suggestion of New York Times bridge editor, Alan Truscott, and has been the coordinator ever since. Gary Blaiss, ACBL administrator, will be this year's Director and arbitrator. Hopefully there won't be any Director calls! Computers can't lead out of turn or revoke...and don't regoginize hesitations.

Nine computer-bridge software developers from around the world are coming to Menton to enter their programs in this year's championship, including Hans Kuijf, developer of JACK, the current title holder. There are nine programs entered are:
Blue Chip Bridge, UK; Bridge Baron, USA; Jack, The Netherlands; Meadowlark Bridge, USA; Micro Bridge, Japan; Oxford Bridge, UK; Q-Plus Bridge, Germany; Sabrina, France; and WBridge5, France.

The games will be held from June 22-27, at the Bridge Club of Menton, a short distance from the Palasi de l'Europe. Kibitzers are welcome. Information on the history of this event and the conditions of contest can be found at www.ny-bridge.com/allevy/Menton/

In recognition that bridge is a wonderful game for youngsters, helping to develop their logical and analytical mental skills, discipline and ethics, the ACBL Educational Foundation is funding a software giveaway...giving away, to at least 150 youngsters from around the world, software including many of the best bridge-playing software programs, as well as Bridge Master 2000. To be eligible to receive a free software program you must be under 26 years old and be a member of a recognized bridge organization. Register by going to www.ny-bridge.com/allevy/Menton/

International star, Zia Mahmood, will be one of many players watching some of the action. A few years ago Zia was pitted against seven computer programs in an Individual format. Zia finished first...but the programs are improving rapidly.