Basics of the Game of Bridge

1. Objective of the Game

The goal is to win as many tricks as possible for your partnership based on the contract you bid. The partnership that scores the most points over several hands wins.

2. Setup and Terminology

• Players: Four players, forming two partnerships.
• Partnerships: Teams: North-South and East-West.
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
• Card Rankings: A (highest) to 2 (lowest).
• Suits: Spades (♠), Hearts (♥), Diamonds (♦), and Clubs (♣).
• Trump Suit: A designated suit that outranks others in that hand.

3. Phases of Play

A. The Bidding (Auction)

Players take turns bidding, indicating how many tricks they believe they can win and in which suit (or no-trump). The highest bid becomes the contract.

High Card Points in Bridge - Click here to explain.

Recommended required points to each playing level - click here.

Example 3 of bidding to the right level - click here.

B. The Play

1. The player to the left of the declarer makes the opening lead.
2. The dummy (declarer’s partner) places all cards face-up on the table.
3. The declarer plays both their own hand and the dummy’s hand.
4. Players must follow suit if possible.
5. The highest card in the led suit wins unless a trump suit is played.
6. The winner of the trick leads the next one.
1. Respond to one Club.
2. Respond to one Diamond.
3. Respond to one Heart.
4. Respond to one Spade.
5. Respond to one NT.
6. Respond to Stayman.
7. Respond to Jacoby Transfer.
8. Respond to Blackwood
9. Rule of 20

C. Scoring

If the declarer makes the contract, they score points. If not, the opponents score penalty points. Bonus points are awarded for high-level contracts.

D. Bidding levels

Click here to review the required points to match the best bidding level.

Click here to try your knowledge on Bidding ladders.

4. Key Strategies

• Communication: Use bidding to share information with your partner.
• Counting: Keep track of played high cards.
• Defense: Lead strategically to defeat the contract.

5. Example of Play

Example scenario:

• North-South bid 3 No-Trump, meaning they need to win 9 tricks without a trump suit.
• The opening lead is made, and tricks are played.
• If the declarer wins 9 or more tricks, they score; otherwise, opponents get points.

Bridge is a game of deep strategy and partnership coordination, making it one of the most engaging and intellectual card games in the world! 🎴♠️♥️♣️♦️

The 3 Most Common Conventions for Playing Bridge - Click here

Stayman, Jacoby Transfer, and Blackwood Conventions.

Below are QR codes to test your knowledge.

Use your cell phone camera to scan the QR code.