Basics
From Contract Bridge
Contents |
[edit] Scoring
Points are scored either below the line or above the line. Below the line points are scored only for the value of a contract which is made. Overtricks, undertricks, and any other bonus all go above the line. Additionally, only tricks past the first six count for scoring.
[edit] Rubber Bridge Scoring
Trick points (below the line if bid):
- Minor suit (♣ and ♦) tricks - 20 each
- Major suit (♥ and ♠) tricks - 30 each
- Notrump tricks - 40 for the first, 30 thereafter
Undertricks (always above the line):
- 50 points per trick if not vulnerable (100 if vulnerable)
- 100/200/200/300/... if doubled and not vulnerable
- 200/300/300/300/... if doubled and vulnerable
- Redoubling doubles the value
Bonuses (always above the line):
- Making a (re)doubled contract - 50 (100)
- Rubber in 2 (3) games - 700 (500)
- Small slam - 500 (750 if vulnerable)
- Grand slam - 1000 (1500 if vulnerable)
[edit] Point Count
A simple point count system can be used to evaluate hand strength.
[edit] High Card Points
- Aces - 4 points
- Kings - 3 points
- Queens - 2 points
- Jacks - 1 point
[edit] Distributional Points
There are two methods for counting distributional points which are almost identical. One may count either long suits or short suits. To count long suits,
- Long suits - 1 point for each card past the fourth
Alternately, to count short suits, use the following:
- Voids - 3 points
- Singletons - 2 points
- Doubletons - 1 point
There is debate about when distribution points should be counted. If a fit is found, they should certainly be counted. In notrump contracts, they should probably not be counted (particularly for notrump openings).
[edit] Points Required
- 4 of a suit, 3NT - 26 points
- 5 of a suit - 29 points
- 6 of a suit, 6NT - 33 points
- 7 of a suit, 7NT - 37 points
Note that for highly distributional hands, it is often less useful to count points and more useful to count trumps, quick tricks, and losers.
