What Are Friend Challenges?
Friend Challenges let you go head-to-head against another player on the exact same set of 10 bridge puzzles. You both solve them independently, earn stars on each puzzle, and the player with more total stars wins. It is the most direct way to test your skills against someone else on BridgeDummy.
You can challenge a specific friend by username, or jump into the matchmaking queue to face a random opponent. Either way, the format is the same: 10 puzzles, a mix of lead and bidding problems, and 24 hours to finish once the challenge begins.
How to Start a Challenge
Open the Challenges page from the navigation. To challenge a friend, search for their username and send the invite. They will have 24 hours to accept before the challenge expires. If you prefer a random opponent, tap the random match button and you will be paired with the next available player in the queue.
Each challenge costs 10 diamonds to create, and your opponent also pays 10 diamonds when they accept. If your opponent declines or the challenge expires, your diamonds are refunded automatically. Think of it as a small buy-in that keeps matches competitive.
Solving Puzzles and Earning Stars
Once a challenge is active, both players see the same 10 puzzles drawn from a balanced mix of categories: lead (matchpoints and IMPs) and bidding (matchpoints and IMPs). Each puzzle earns you 1 to 5 stars based on how well you play.
You have 24 hours from the moment the challenge is accepted to complete all 10 puzzles. Your opponent may see how many puzzles you have finished, but your answers stay hidden until the challenge is over.
How Scoring and Results Work
When both players finish (or the 24-hour timer runs out), the challenge is finalized. The player with the higher total star count wins. If both players have the same number of stars, the result is a tie.
After the challenge ends, you can review a detailed breakdown showing how each player performed on every puzzle. This side-by-side comparison is a great way to spot where you lost ground and where you outplayed your opponent.
Challenge ELO and Leaderboards
Every completed challenge updates your challenge ELO rating. All players start at 1500 ELO, and your rating shifts after each match based on the result and your opponent's strength. Beating a higher-rated player earns you a bigger ELO boost, while losing to a lower-rated one costs more.
The top players are featured on the challenge ELO leaderboard, visible to everyone. Climbing this ladder is one of the most rewarding long-term goals on BridgeDummy, and it gives you a clear measure of how you stack up against the community.
Why Challenges Make You Better
Practicing solo is valuable, but competing against a real opponent adds a layer of motivation that is hard to replicate. When you know someone else is solving the same hands, you push yourself to think more carefully about each decision.
BridgeDummy tracks your challenge history so you can review past matches anytime. Over time, you will see patterns in your play and notice which puzzle types give you the most trouble. Use that insight to focus your training and come back stronger for the next challenge.