How to play Contract Bridge

Objective

Bid a contract and take enough tricks to make it, or defend to defeat the contract.

Setup

1. 1

   Partners sit opposite. Deal all 52 cards, 13 to each player.

2. 2

   Use the suit order clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades, then no-trump.

How play works

1. 1

   Auction clockwise until three passes follow a bid. The winning side names the contract level and strain.

2. 2

   The opening leader plays, dummy is exposed, and declarer controls both declarer and dummy hands.

3. 3

   Follow suit if able. The highest card of the led suit wins unless trumped.

Scoring and winning

1. 1

   Contract, overtrick, undertrick, game, slam, and vulnerability bonuses use the standard duplicate or rubber table.

2. 2

   A board ends after 13 tricks.

Rules to settle before play

1. 1

   Bridge bidding systems are partnership agreements and should be disclosed.

2. 2

   Beginners can use a simple natural system before learning conventions.