Duplicate bridge is the most common type of bridge game that is played at clubs, tournaments and other competitive events. Its name comes from the fact that each deal (board in duplicate bridge jargon) is duplicated (i.e. played) at multiple tables. After the play of the boards has been completed each pair receives a certain number of “match points” per board, based on how high they scored compared the other pairs who played the same board. The total number of match points earned by a pair determines their placement at the end of the game.
For your first game of duplicate bridge you will probably want to choose a partner whom you know and with whom you feel comfortable playing. You will also need to find a bridge club in your area (a number of clubs in the Atlanta area are listed on the Links page of this site). When you arrive at the club find the person selling entries. The cost will be typically around $10 per person, but college and other students will often have a reduced rate. The entry you are given shows your pair number, the number of the table where you will sit first and the direction (East-West or North-South). Do not be afraid to introduce yourself as a newcomer. More experienced players will help you navigate through the event.
The Convention Card
Before you play, ACBL rules require you and your partner to fill out a convention card. The card shows the conventions that you use along with your general approach to bidding, and is intended primarily for the benefit of your opponents. Filling out a card, however, has the added advantage of helping you and your partner to get your bidding and carding understandings straight. A few helpful tips:
- Don't worry about the details the first time you fill out a convention card. Just complete the sections that you understand. As you gain experience, you will better understand what information must be entered in each section of the card.
- Don't worry about an opponent with a complex card. They will “Alert” you when they make an unusual bid and are required to explain that bid if you ask for an explanation.
- Bids shown in blue require an Announcement. For example, when your partner bids 1NT, you announce to your opponents the point range you have agreed upon for that bid. Most pairs use 15–17 or 16–18. Some have more unusual methods.
The Georgia Tech Bridge Club has adopted an extension of Standard American Yellow Card (SAYC) as its recommended bidding system. Detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the corresponding convention card can be found here.
Bidding Boxes
Most games now use bidding boxes filled with cards designating every possible call. If you are not familiar with them, ask the director or one of your opponents at the first table to show you how to use them. In short, instead of verbally stating your bid, you place a card with the bid you want to make on the table. This allows the players to see the complete auction at any time and eliminates the need for a review of the auction. The procedure also reduces the noise level.
Shuffle, Deal and Play
The director will place duplicate boards with cards on the table. The cards may be pre-shuffled. If not, shuffle the cards and put one hand in each slot of the duplicate boards. When all the players at the table are ready to play the first board, pick up your hand, noting from the board instructions who is dealer. Also note who is vulnerable (marked as red) and who is non-vulnerable. Being vulnerable means you get higher game/slam bonuses but also higher penalties for not making your contract.
After the auction is over, the play of the cards begins. At your turn, play your card by placing it in front of you face up. Do not mix your cards with those of other players. When each trick is complete, place each card face down in front of you on the table, pointing the card toward your partner if you win the trick, and toward the opponents if you lose the trick. As declarer, you will tell your partner which card to play instead of pulling the dummy yourself. The dummy doesn't ask to see your partners hand or walk around the table for a peek. Since the hands remain intact, there is opportunity later to look at them. Also remember to make your opening lead face down to prevent leads out of turn. Many players will make their lead while asking their partner, Do you have any questions? Partner may answer negatively or may then ask for an explanation of an opponent's bid.
When the deal is complete and the result agreed upon, the North player will enter the result on a score sheet later used by the director to determine overall winners. You will want to record your own scores on the reverse side of a convention card. Some clubs have scoring machines which connect to a computer to speed up scoring.
Keeping Your Private Score
The convention card contains the board numbers and vulnerability and spaces for you to record the result of each deal. There is also space to estimate your points and record the final result for each board. Nowadays scoring is computerized in most clubs, and the director may print out the scores for each player at the end of the game.
Move for the Next Round
You will play two to four boards at each table and a total of 20–28 for the entire session. To keep the game going smoothly, each round is timed. You are allowed an average of about 7 ½ minutes for each board, so you will want to learn to use your time wisely. When you have finished all of your boards at a given table, the director will call the round and direct the movement of the boards and players. Generally, North-South pairs remain stationary while East-West pairs move to the next higher table.
The Director
The director is the official who conducts the game. Duplicate bridge is a sport and sports have rules to ensure that the game is fair for everyone. You are not expected to memorize the entire Laws of Duplicate Bridge. However, do not hesitate to politely call the director to your table if you think a rule has been broken. Never be intimidated when the director is called because you may have broken a rule. Director calls are just another learning experience. A good director will present the ruling in a manner that doesn't embarrass or offend anyone, and club directors are usually more lenient than tournament directors, especially with new players. So do not worry, and accept the director's rulings with grace. All players violate a rule on occasion.
Final Result
In a duplicate pairs event, the winner is not the pair who scored the most because they had the best hands. Results from each hand are compared with others, and you get match points for scoring better than other pairs who played the same cards as you. Usually you will gain 1 match point for every pair that you beat, and ½ match point for every pair that you tie.
The winners are the pair with the most match points. There are also team events with a similar scoring method. In an ACBL event, you are rewarded with “master points” if you are one of the top several pairs for that event. Your master point total is a measure of your bridge skills and experience.