- How many tricks does a bid promise in bridge?
- Six more than the number you say. One heart is a promise of seven tricks with hearts as trump, and seven no-trump is all thirteen. The first six tricks are called the book.
- How do you count points in a bridge hand?
- The usual count gives 4 for an ace, 3 for a king, 2 for a queen and 1 for a jack, so the whole deck holds 40. A hand with 12 or 13 points is normally enough to open the bidding, and a partnership with about 25 between them can usually make game.
- What is the dummy?
- The declarer's partner. Once the opening lead has been made, dummy lays their whole hand face up on the table, and declarer plays both hands from then on. Dummy takes no part in the play.
- Which suits rank highest in bridge?
- Clubs are lowest, then diamonds, hearts and spades, with no-trump above them all. In the auction, a bid at the same level must be in a higher denomination: one spade outranks one heart, and two clubs outranks both.
- Which contracts make game?
- Any contract worth 100 points in a single deal: three no-trump, four hearts or four spades, and five clubs or five diamonds. Minor suits need eleven tricks, which is why players look for no-trump or a major first.
- What are a small slam and a grand slam?
- A small slam is a contract for twelve tricks, at the six level. A grand slam is all thirteen, at the seven level. Both carry large bonuses when they are made.
- What do double and redouble mean?
- A double says you expect the opponents' contract to fail, and raises the score for making it or going down. The side that was doubled may redouble to raise it again. Either way, the auction goes on.
- Can you talk to your partner in bridge?
- Only through your bids and the cards you play. The meaning of your bids is agreed in a bidding system, and the opponents are entitled to know what your agreements are.