A place to learn how things work?

[Rickysa]

I've kibitized a good bit, but don't feel comfortable sitting down at a table due to being unsure how the "controls" work...

 

Is there a "sample table" or the like where folks could just practice the ins and outs of how the software works?

 

Aside...as a novice/beginner, I have enough concerns over making an idiot of myself without having to worry about how things work! :)

[inquiry]

I've kibitized a good bit, but don't feel comfortable sitting down at a table due to being unsure how the "controls" work...

 

Is there a "sample table" or the like where folks could just practice the ins and outs of how the software works?

 

Aside...as a novice/beginner, I have enough concerns over making an idiot of myself without having to worry about how things work! :)

Hi..

 

I would suggest four solutions to your concerns, all of these work.

 

First press the RED HELP button located on the lower right hand side of the software. That will take you to a nice interactive webpage where you can read all aobut how the software works, by clicking the graphics displayed or using the menus.

 

Second, join BIL and attend their help desk sessions. These are designed for new members such as yourself.

 

Third, rent some GIB robots (or show up on the first day of the month when they might be free) and open a table with three robots (use help to find out how to do this). Then play against the robots....

 

Fourth, and best, post in this thread a time you would like to log on and learn the software and ask for a volunteer to help you. Someone will respond for sure, if they can match the time you are going to be online, and walk you though it. They will open perahps a teaching table, and show you the in's and out's of the software. There are a LOT OF VERY friendly and helpful people in this forum.

[pigpenz]

I think I lurked for about a year before i ever sat at a table, but finally the urge will hit you its pretty easy and before you know it youll be an expert like the rest of us :)

[Rickysa]

Ben,

 

Thanks so much for the timely reply!

 

I've joined the BIL (they are kind to let in a novice :) ) and that is where I've been kibitzing...the suggestion of the robots is great!! That's my plan for this afternoon! (anybody want to join me??)

 

And the idea of someone coming along and walking me through it is great! I'm online at work....shhhhhhh don't tell anybody :P (9-5 est), so if anybody want's to keep a newbie from making a complete fool out of themselves (before the cards are even dealt :wub: ) let me know!

 

Again, many thanks

 

Rick

[Sigi_BC84]

I think I lurked for about a year before i ever sat at a table, but finally the urge will hit you its pretty easy and before you know it youll be an expert like the rest of us :)

You lurked for one entire year before starting to play yourself?? You must be a really shy person :-).

 

I encourage all beginners to just sit at a table with a free seat and come forward with the info that you are a total n00b and need some assistance. Don't do it with an "experts only" table though :-).

 

At normal social tables this will be okay, or people will tell you that they don't have the nerve, in which case you'll simply go to another table. For that matter you will find out soon enough that quite a few people don't care a lot about proper manners (there is a lot of bailing in middle of hands, rudeness etc.), so one absolutely should not bar oneself from playing because others might be offended from ignorance about how the software works. There are worse sins than that on BBO.

 

For that matter, you will have understood how everything works after about 30 minutes and 3-5 questions to opps anyway.

 

--Sigi