Bridgemate Control Software 5 (BCS 5) is the intended successor to BCS 4. It is currently available as a preview version for developers of scoring programs and for clubs who are interested in using this version. This article explains where to download BCS 5, how its licence and updates work, and how it exchanges data with scoring programs.
Introduction
BCS 5 runs on Windows only and requires Windows 10 or later.
From a single instance of the program, BCS 5 supports:
- Bridgemate 2
- Bridgemate 3
- Bridgemate app
Bridgemate Pro is no longer supported in BCS 5.
Download
The installer is approximately 400 MB and can be downloaded here:
Preview licence and updates
BCS 5 is currently a preview version. The licence is valid for 6 months after the release date of the version you have installed.
BCS 5 checks for updates in the background. Each update comes with its own licence, which is again valid for 6 months after the release date of that update. By keeping BCS 5 up to date, you automatically keep your licence valid during the preview period.
Data exchange with scoring programs
BCS 5 offers two methods for exchanging data with scoring programs.
.bws files
BCS 5 supports .bws files of the Access 2000-2002 type. MS Access '97 .bws files, as used by ACBL Score and some other scoring programs, are no longer supported.
Bridgemate Data Connector
The Bridgemate Data Connector exchanges data in JSON format, either over HTTP (on the same computer or within a local area network) or over named pipes on the same computer.
The Bridgemate Data Connector is the recommended method. It offers greater functionality than .bws files and will be supported for the years to come.
Client code
Client code for the Bridgemate Data Connector is available for several programming languages on the BridgeSystems GitHub page:
- C# (.NET Standard 2.0) – already in use with the Dutch scoring program Bridge-It and the US program RSVP Bridge.
- PHP, Python and Java – available, but there is no practical experience with these clients yet.
See also
Download Bridgemate developer's guide (.bws version)
Bridgemate Data Connector on GitHub
Update history
31-10-2026: Article published