The auction
The dealer calls first and the auction proceeds clockwise. A bid names a level (1-7) and a strain — clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades or no trump, ranked in that order — promising to take six plus the level tricks. Every bid must outrank the last: higher level, or the same level in a higher strain. Passing never removes you from the auction. Three consecutive passes after a bid end it; four opening passes throw the hand in for a redeal.
- Double - available over an opponent's bid; multiplies the eventual score both ways.
- Redouble - available to the doubled side; multiplies it again.
- Any later bid cancels a standing double or redouble.
- The final bid becomes the contract; the member of the winning side who FIRST named its strain becomes the declarer.
The declarer and the dummy
The player left of the declarer makes the opening lead. The declarer's partner then spreads their hand face up — the dummy — and takes no further part: the declarer chooses every card for both hands, in proper turn order. Standard trick rules apply: follow suit if you can; the highest trump, otherwise the highest card of the led suit, wins the trick and its winner leads next.
Scoring below the line
| Strain | Undoubled | Doubled | Redoubled |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♣ / ♦ | 20 | 40 | 80 |
| ♥ / ♠ | 30 | 60 | 120 |
| NT | 40 first, 30 after | 80 first, 60 after | 160 first, 120 after |
When a team's below-line total reaches 100, they win the game: a line is drawn, unfinished part-scores stop counting toward the next game (they still count in the final total), and the winning team becomes vulnerable.
Scoring above the line
| Item | NV | V |
|---|---|---|
| Overtrick, undoubled | trick value | trick value |
| Overtrick, doubled | 100 | 200 |
| Overtrick, redoubled | 200 | 400 |
| Undertrick, undoubled | 50 each | 100 each |
| Undertrick, doubled | 100 then 200 | 200 then 300 |
| Undertrick, redoubled | 200 then 400 | 400 then 600 |
| Small slam made (bid of 6) | 500 | 750 |
| Grand slam made (bid of 7) | 1000 | 1500 |
Honors score for whichever side holds them, win or lose: four of the top five trumps (A K Q J 10) in one hand = 100, all five = 150, and four aces in one hand at no trump = 150. There is no separate bonus for making a doubled contract in this implementation.
The rubber
- First team to two games wins the rubber: 700 bonus points for 2-0, 500 for 2-1.
- The match is one rubber. Add everything — above and below the line — and the higher grand total wins; a tie goes to the team with more games.
- The deal rotates clockwise every hand, including thrown-in hands.
Frequently asked questions
Who becomes declarer if my partner bid the suit first?
Your partner — even if you made the final, higher bid. The declarer is always the member of the winning side who mentioned the contract strain first.
Do overtricks help me win a game?
No. Only the tricks you BID score below the line; overtricks go above the line. Making twelve tricks in 2♠ scores 60 below — bidding 4♠ and making it scores 120 and the game. Bidding accurately is the whole art.
What does vulnerability change?
After winning one game a team is vulnerable: undertrick penalties roughly double, and slam bonuses rise. It makes the second game tenser than the first.
What is a part-score?
A made contract worth less than 100 below the line — say 2♥ for 60. Part-scores accumulate toward the 100-point game across hands, until either team wins the game and the line is drawn.
Can the defenders score below the line?
Only by declaring in a later hand. When a contract fails, the defenders' undertrick points all go ABOVE the line — they help win the rubber's total but never build toward a game.
What happens if everyone passes?
Four passes with no bid throw the hand in: no score, the deal moves left, and a fresh hand is dealt.
Is the bidding here a full convention system?
The computer players bid a simplified Standard American — enough for sensible everyday auctions, with no Stayman, transfers or other conventions. Perfect for learning; simpler than tournament bridge by design.
Related rulebooks
- Whist rules - classic tricks, rotating trump, first to 7
- Spades rules - bid your tricks - team up against the ai
- Oh Hell! rules - bid your tricks exactly - no more, no less
Last reviewed 2026-08-13 · play Bridge online free