I was disappointed to log in to bboskill and find it not responding today. In my opinion it is a big bonus to BBO users. It is interesting to see one's own record, of course. Also it debunks players who pretend to be better or worse than they are, and gives a valuable independent way of finding the playing strengths of players - let's face it in bridge clubs and tournaments we soon know this, but online at BBO players can - and do - call themselves world class who would barely get 50% at a local duplicate. Or intermediate when they are rather strong. Both happen a lot on BBO asnd it is a weakness on the site. For this reason I think bboskill helps elevate the status of bbo, which as we all know is already a very fine bridge site. The EBU (English Bridge Union) has introduced it's NGS (National Grading Scheme) and this is having a similarly good effect on bridge in England. Thanks for reading! Peter Hall
