He was the first Norwegian awarded the chess title of International Master, which he received in 1952.

Barda won the Norwegian Chess Championship six times, 1930 (still with the name Olsen), 1947, 1948, 1952, 1953, and 1957.

[1] Barda authored the Norwegian instruction manual "Sjakk!

This was the best Norwegian result in that contest until Ivar Bern won the 17th championship in 2006.

With black against 1.e4 Barda played several variations of the Sicilian Defence (1...c5), but occasionally played 1...d6 (the Pirc Defense) or 1...e5 allowing the Ruy Lopez.