Bridge Gets a Modern Twist with BridgeWar™, Free to Play Online

ACBL introduces a new, fast-paced game for the next generation of card players

HORN LAKE, Miss., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 100 years, contract bridge has captivated players around the world, from family living rooms to retirement communities and tournament halls. Today, the American Contract Bridge League is introducing that tradition to a new audience with the release of BridgeWar™, a free online game that fuses the strategic gameplay of bridge with the fast-paced simplicity of war.

Available now at bridgewar.com, BridgeWar is powered by SharkBridge and designed as a modern gateway to bridge. Players create a free account and compete against computer opponents, climbing the leaderboard as they improve.

How BridgeWar works

1. Like bridge, the table features two sets of partnerships, and a traditional 52-card deck is used.
2. BridgeWar players control North and South against a computer-controlled East-West pair. The user is the "Attacker," while the computer is the "Defender."
3. In the first round, the Defender plays a card to "strike first." Players follow clockwise with the goal to play with the highest card of the same suit. Once all four have played, a "trick" is created. The player with the highest card of the initiated suit wins the trick.
4. The player who wins the trick is the next to "strike first."
5. The side that wins the most tricks — at least seven — wins the "war."

"BridgeWar was created as a stepping stone for people to learn and play contract bridge," said Bronia Jenkins, the creator of BridgeWar and executive director of the ACBL. "Tricks and trump suits are taught first to beginner bridge players, as they're the foundation of the game. Bridge is one of the best card games ever invented, but we recognize that the game requires a learning curve and large time commitment. By combining the fundamentals of bridge with the swift action of war, we found a way to teach strategy while keeping the game fun and fast. I am confident BridgeWar will build curiosity among players and encourage them to step further into the exciting world of contract bridge."

BridgeWar can also be played in person with four players and a standard deck of cards. Full rules and instructions are available at bridgewar.com.

About the American Contract Bridge League
Founded in 1937, the American Contract Bridge League is the largest bridge organization in the world, serving 130,000 members and 2,000 bridge clubs and sanctioning 1,100 sectional and regional tournaments annually. The ACBL's three North American Bridge Championships each attract up to 4,000 players from all around the world. A challenging and rewarding card game, bridge draws players of all ages and walks of life – from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to Jeopardy champion James Holzhauer. For more information about the ACBL, visit acbl.org.

For more information, contact:
Christina Babu
Obsidian Public Relations
Phone: 901-289-7633
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Contract Bridge League