Bridge Rules

Contract bridge is a trick-taking card game for four players in two competing partnerships. A popular mind sport, it demands strategic thinking, deduction, and partner communication. Social bridge is played worldwide, while its competitive format, duplicate bridge, is used in tournaments. The game has two phases: auction and play. In the auction, partnerships bid for a contract—a commitment to win a specific number of tricks with a chosen trump suit or no trump. The winning side must fulfill this contract, while defenders try to stop them. Understanding the fundamental bridge rules is key to the game’s depth. This guide explains the standard rules, from setup to scoring, which apply universally. Bridge is a leading example among the world’s top mind sports disciplines.

The Basics of the Game

Bridge requires four players in two fixed partnerships: North-South versus East-West. A standard 52-card deck is used, with each player receiving 13 cards. The goal is to score points by making contracts. Cards in each suit rank from Ace (high) to 2 (low). For bidding, suits are ranked: Clubs (lowest), Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades. Hearts and Spades are major suits; Clubs and Diamonds are minor suits. Notrump (NT) is the highest-ranking strain.

The Auction (Bidding)

After the deal, the auction proceeds clockwise from the dealer to determine the contract, which sets the trump suit (or notrump) and the number of tricks the winning bidders must take. Partners use calls to describe their hands. A bid combines a number (1-7) and a strain (a suit or Notrump). The number represents “odd tricks” to be won beyond the first six (the “book”). A “1 Spade” bid is a contract to win seven tricks (6+1). Each subsequent bid must be higher, meaning more tricks or the same number in a higher-ranking strain. The free bridge bidding trainer on this site provides a useful environment for practicing this sequence. Other calls are available:

• Pass: A player can pass instead of bidding. Three consecutive passes end the auction, making the last bid the contract. If all four players pass, the hand is “passed out” with no score.
• Double: An opponent can double the last bid, increasing the points for making or defeating the contract.
• Redouble: The bidding side can redouble a doubled contract, further increasing both the potential bonus and the penalty.

After three consecutive passes, the auction ends. The final bid is the contract. The player on the bidding team who first named the contract’s strain is the declarer; their partner is the dummy. The opponents become the defenders.

The Play of the Hand

After the auction, play begins. The declaring side tries to win the tricks specified in the contract, while defenders try to defeat it. The declarer manages the play for their side. After the opening lead, the dummy’s 13 cards are placed face-up on the table. The declarer plays cards from both their own hand and the dummy’s. The defender to the declarer’s left makes the opening lead. A trick consists of one card from each player in order. Players must follow suit if possible. If unable, a player may trump or discard. A trick is won by the highest card of the suit led, unless a trump is played, in which case the highest trump wins. The winner of a trick leads to the next. Deciding which card to play is the essence of bridge strategy.

Scoring in Contract Bridge

Scoring rewards declarers for making contracts and penalizes failure. Defenders score only when the contract is defeated. Points are given for tricks won, bonuses for certain contract levels, and penalties for undertricks. When a contract is made, the declarer’s side scores points for each trick won at or above the contract level.

Strain	Points per Trick (Undoubled)	Points per Trick (Doubled)
Clubs or Diamonds (Minors)	20	40
Hearts or Spades (Majors)	30	60
Notrump	40 for the first trick, 30 for subsequent	80 for the first trick, 60 for subsequent

A key objective is bidding a “game” contract, where trick points total 100 or more (e.g., 3NT, 4 Hearts/Spades, 5 Clubs/Diamonds), which earns a large bonus. Contracts below game level are “part-scores” with a smaller bonus. Larger bonuses are awarded for slams: a small slam for 12 tricks or a grand slam for all 13. If the declarer fails, defenders score for each “undertrick.” Penalties are higher if the contract was doubled or if the declaring side was “vulnerable”—a condition that raises both bonuses and penalties.

Duplicate vs. Rubber Bridge

Bridge has two main formats. Rubber bridge is the traditional form where random deals are played until one partnership wins two games to complete a “rubber.” Luck of the deal is a major factor. Duplicate bridge is the competitive format where the same pre-dealt hands are played at multiple tables. A pair’s score is based on comparison with others who played the same cards. This method minimizes luck and makes bridge a test of skill.

Etiquette and Fair Play

Competitive bridge is governed by the Laws of Duplicate Bridge, from the World Bridge Federation (WBF). These rules ensure fairness. A core principle is that partners convey information only through calls and plays; secret signals are forbidden. All bidding systems must be disclosed to opponents. Conventional bids with special meanings must be “Alerted” so opponents understand them. New players can find guidance on rules and conduct from organizations like the American Contract Bridge League.

Frequently Asked Questions