What is Bridge?

Bridge is a card game in which you and a partner bid for tricks and trump suits for a particular hand. Bridge bidding is quite complex. Some of the basics are covered in this guide, but it is nearly impossible to cover every possible situation in bridge bidding.

Bidding for tricks starts at the 1 level, and goes to the 7 level. For each hand, a minimum of 6 base tricks, plus the number of tricks bid must be taken. Bidding can either be in a particular suit, or can be made in notrump. If a contract is agreed upon by you and your partner in notrump, there is no trump suit for that contract.

There are several different mechanisms for bidding. Many game experts have written books about particular bidding conventions that are used to come to an amiable contract between you and your partner. Books by Charles Goren and William Root are very popular with most players, and should be looked for at your local bookstore. Recently, another system has popped up, called the Standard American Yellow Card, which is becoming very popular in bridge circles.

Bridge is based on technical bidding theory, and a lot of common sense. Understanding your partner's bidding conventions is crucial to your survival in bridge circles. This guide will help describe some of the conventions used, and a little bit about game play. I am always looking for people to add information. If you add information to this, I will add your name to the credits section for all to see. Not that that means much, but this is free, so take what you can.

The last thing to remember: Always have a good time. Playing bridge can become very frustrating, so keeping a good attitude is important for all to enjoy the game. Getting bad cards? Just remember the other night when things were going your way. That will keep things in perspective, and keep the game happy.