Bridge is a widely preferred game of cards existing in many variations
like Contract Bridge, Rubber Bridge, Duplicate Bridge, Auction Bridge
etc. Some of these have been derived from the older forms of Bridge and
other similar card games to make it more interesting and universally
appealing.
The basics about various forms of Bridge
Contract Bridge was the first popular form of Bridge that emerged in
USA in the 1920’s. It became the prevalent form in Bridge tournaments,
championships and club games. Rubber Bridge was in fact the crude form
of this game and was a mode of informal social entertainment played by
four players.
Duplicate Bridge is a more logical game since different set of players
play on the same deals. This game requires minimum eight players who
could be categorized into pairs or teams of four. The scoring pattern is
quite different in this game.
Auction Bridge is played with greater stress on overtricks so that it
becomes mandatory to bid high for winning the contract. Auction Bridge
was the previous form of Contract Bridge before which, the tradition of
bidding was not a part of Bridge and it was played as Straight Bridge or
Whist.
Rules and formats of playing different forms of Bridge
In the original Bridge, the dealer has to either name a trump or pass
the suit, letting his partner choose trumps. The dealer’s partner
becomes the dummy. Before the first trick, any of the opponents needs to
double following which the dealer’s side must redouble.
Duplicate Bridge - This basic format has been modified with
Duplicate Bridge in which the same cards are played in more tables than
one. It is played on a set of duplicate boards with a pack of cards for
each board.
Every board bears a unique number and four pockets with North, East,
South and West mentioned on them that contain cards for the four
players. There are also marks on each board for identifying the dealer
and determining the vulnerability of a team.
Rubber Bridge - Four players face each-other in two fixed
partnerships in North, East, South and West positions. The game is
played clockwise, with the cards shuffled by the player in the dealer’s
left and cut by one on his right. An auction is held for determining the
declarer. Then the game proceeds with bidding and redoubling.
Honeymoon Bridge - It is a two-player form of Bridge and exists
in several versions with varying rules.
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