Computer Bridge

[Tim Tessin]

We are currently developing a suite of computer bridge programs. Our first
program is a bridge "mediator". It is designed to work over BSD4.2 network
and allows connection to the internet as well as locally. It is screen based
and as you may presume allows 4 persons to play bridge with the computer
mediating the dealing, bidding, and play as well as keeping score (rubber).
It still needs work to allow gracefull start up and quitting and some form
of broadcast table talk. When this is all finished I will probably post
to the net.

I know that several people have mentioned that they have a computer program
to deal hands. I would be interested in dealing strategies. I tried several
and a few of them seemed to be "strange". Statistically they checked out
but they just didn't "feel" right. The ones that seemed strange used an
ordered list of cards picked at random. The one I am using now actually
randomly shuffles a list of cards. Any similar experiences would be helpful.

We are also beginning design on a program which will participate in a game.
(Sometimes getting that 4th can be a bitch!). We are considering several
design/implementation strategies. Using a rule based inference engine
for bidding seems to be a natural but so far we are just kicking things
around.

We would be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience
with programs that play one or more positions in a bridge game. I know
there are programs for DOS and such. I would be interested to see how
some of the other programs are implemented.

Thanx Tim ucbvax!styx!tjt t...@lll-tis-b.ARPA