VuGraph
Encyclopedia
Vugraph is a method of displaying the bidding and play of bridge
hands on a screen for viewing by an audience. The basis of the current computer-generated display was originally developed by Fred Gitelman
for the American Contract Bridge League
in 1991 under a grant from the estate of Peter Pender. Then known as PenderGraph, the software program was first used at the 1991 Summer North American Bridge Championships
at Las Vegas. The program was substantially revised in 1993 to work under the Microsoft Windows operating system. Archived Vugraph data can be found from various databases and the most complete collection of bridge data is the Vugraph Project.
reported on its use in his Contract Bridge column in the New York Times:
Contract bridge
Contract bridge, usually known simply as bridge, is a trick-taking card game using a standard deck of 52 playing cards played by four players in two competing partnerships with partners sitting opposite each other around a small table...
hands on a screen for viewing by an audience. The basis of the current computer-generated display was originally developed by Fred Gitelman
Fred Gitelman
Fred Gitelman is a leading American bridge player, as well as the founder and manager of , a bridge playing site....
for the American Contract Bridge League
American Contract Bridge League
The American Contract Bridge League is the largest contract bridge organization in North America. It promotes the game of bridge in the United States, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada, and is a member of the World Bridge Federation...
in 1991 under a grant from the estate of Peter Pender. Then known as PenderGraph, the software program was first used at the 1991 Summer North American Bridge Championships
North American Bridge Championships
North American Bridge Championships are three annual bridge conventions sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League . The "Spring", "Summer", and "Fall" NABCs are usually scheduled in March, July, and November for about eleven days. They comprise both championship and side contests of...
at Las Vegas. The program was substantially revised in 1993 to work under the Microsoft Windows operating system. Archived Vugraph data can be found from various databases and the most complete collection of bridge data is the Vugraph Project.
History
The term and practice date back at least to 1959, when Albert H. MoreheadAlbert Hodges Morehead
Albert Hodges Morehead, Jr. was a writer for The New York Times, a bridge player, a lexicographer, and an author and editor of reference works.-Early years:...
reported on its use in his Contract Bridge column in the New York Times: