Wonder Tables
by Mike Yuen on
October 15th, 2011
In these Championships, The Dutch Bridge Federation will introduce to the bridge world a new technology.
It is a card reader mounted on top of the screen. As each card is played, the machine read and transmitted the information to the main computer. While viewers at home everywhere can follow the table action, card by card on the computer. The score is then automatically updated at the end of each deal.
Time taken to play the cards is also kept on each player. In effect we have a time clock on bridge, much like the time clock on cheese! No more he said, she said.
Six tables in the three events are equipped with this new card reader. Three teams will be picked as guinea pigs each match.
On display are some interesting card tables from the USA dated 1932.
Card dealing table
1st photo-A table that deal cards randomly around the table.
- bidding keys at side of table
2nd. photo-A table that used bidding boxes/keys that were set at the edge. Once bidding is over, the contract, lead and dummy is directed in the middle of the table.
Table with score card in pockets
3rd. photo-A table with score cards, trump indicator and hocks for hand bags.
These tables and much more are from The Dutch Bridge Museum in Leerdam. WWW.bridgemuseum.com
Tables we are using these championships
4th photo-One of the many tables equipped with the card reader that will be used in these championships.
Table with card reader, bidding keys and 2 way glass screen
5th photo-The table of the future. The screen is made with reversible two way glass, during the auction it is a solid screen. After the lead is made, with a switch you can see your opponents. Another feature is the bidding buttons set in the table. You click on the bid you want, much like a keyboard. No need for bidding boxes at all!
Amazing!