Grand Slam Bridge

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Grand Slam Bridge
Developer Cybron
Publisher Electronic Arts
Platform IBM [1]
ReleaseSeptember 1986 [2]

Grand Slam Bridge is a 1986 video game developed by Cybron and distributed by Electronic Arts. [3] [4] A sequel, Grand Slam Bridge II , was released in 1992.

Contents

Gameplay

Grand Slam Bridge offers a digital adaptation of the classic card game, designed for both seasoned players and those looking to refine their skills. The game replicates the feel of bridge with mechanics like pre-emptive bidding and weak jump overcalls, adhering closely to the rules of traditional play. Players can choose between contract bridge, duplicate bridge, or solitaire duplicate tournaments. The Practice Mode allows users to view all four hands face-up and experiment with bidding strategies, while the Options Mode caters to advanced players by enabling customization of bidding conventions and sequence settings. Whether playing solo or with up to three friends, the game accommodates any configuration by letting the computer fill in for missing players. Grand Slam Bridge includes a "Replay Hand" feature for trial-and-error learning and supports printing hands for offline review. The interface presents a top-down view of the table with North, South, East, and West positions, hidden cards, and a visible dummy. The game includes realistic card-shuffling and dealing sounds. While it does not teach bridge from scratch, the game assumes familiarity and encourages beginners to consult external primers. [5]

Development

A package compatible with Macintosh, Atari ST and Commodore Omega machines was in development at one point to be released in late 1986. [6]

Tim Cain was a programmer on the game. [7]

Reception

Computer Entertainer said "If you are a Bridge player and yearn to play the game when no one is around, or you'd like to lear the game without doing it in front of other people, this game is for you". [5]

Chicago Tribune awarded Grand Slam Bridge the best card game of 1986. [8]

References

  1. ↑ "Entertainment". Family Computing . May 1987. p. 50. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Bits and Pieces". Computer Entertainer . September 1986. p. 1. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  3. ↑ Hume, Brit (August 16, 1992). "Kid-tested computer games sneak in a little education". The Daily Herald . p. 32. Archived from the original on October 18, 2025. Retrieved October 18, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ Warner, Jack (June 5, 1987). "A few games you can take quite seriously". The Miami Herald . p. 29. Archived from the original on October 18, 2025. Retrieved October 18, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  5. 1 2 "Critically Speaking IBM Compatible". Computer Entertainer . October 1986. p. 6. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Bridge by computer mastered". The Buffalo News . November 16, 1986. p. 109. Archived from the original on October 18, 2025. Retrieved October 18, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ "My First Professional Game". YouTube . May 22, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  8. ↑ Kosek, Steven (December 26, 1986). "The best products of a better year for home computing". Chicago Tribune . p. 181. Archived from the original on October 18, 2025. Retrieved October 18, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
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