BBC Bridge Companion

home video game console

The BBC Bridge Companion is an 8-bit video game console made to teach bridge. It was made by BBC Enterprises Ltd and came out in 1985 in the United Kingdom for £199.99.[1]

BBC Bridge Companion
BBC Bridge Companion with a Bridge Builder cartridge inserted
DeveloperBBC Enterprises Ltd, Unicard Ltd
ManufacturerHeber
TypeHome video game console
GenerationThird generation
Release date1985; 39 years ago (1985)
Introductory priceGB£199.99 (equivalent to £610.39 in 2019)
MediaROM cartridge
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.579 MHz
Memory2kB SRAM, 16kB VRAM, 16kB ROM
Display280×216, 8 colours
GraphicsTexas Instruments TMS9129NL
InputKeypad
Power240V AC

History

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Maths teacher Andrew Kambites wanted to make money from bridge, which he loved. He had programmed computers, so he made it into the BBC Bridge Companion.[2]

List of cartridges

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All programs for the system teach different parts of bridge.

  • Advanced Bidding
  • Advanced Defence
  • Bridge Builder
  • Club Play 1
  • Club Play 2
  • Club Play 3
  • Conventions 1
  • Duplicate 1
  • Master Play 1

References

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  1. Frank, Ian (1998). Search & Planning Under Incomplete Information: A Study Using Bridge Card Play. Springer-Verlag. p. 294. ISBN 978-3-540-76257-7.
  2. Kambites, Andrew. "Andrew Kambites". English Bridge Union. Retrieved 24 September 2021.

Other websites

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