Introduction to Bridge Bidding
Bridge bidding is the communication system used by partners in contract bridge to exchange information about their hands before the actual card play begins. <br> Effective bidding allows partners to find their best contract (the number of tricks they commit to winning) and determines whether the final contract will be played in a suit (♠, ♥, ♦, ♣) or in no-trump (NT). <br> Mastering basic bidding concepts is crucial as it forms the foundation of successful bridge play and partnership communication.
Core Bidding Principles
Point Count System
- High Card Points (HCP): Ace = 4, King = 3, Queen = 2, Jack = 1
- Distribution Points: Add for void (3), singleton (2), doubleton (1)
- Total Points = HCP + Distribution Points
Bidding Levels
- Level 1: Commit to win 7 tricks (1♣ = 7 tricks in clubs)
- Level 2: Commit to win 8 tricks
- Each subsequent level adds one more required trick
- Level 7 (grand slam): Commit to win all 13 tricks
Bidding Hierarchy (lowest to highest)
- Clubs (♣) → Diamonds (♦) → Hearts (♥) → Spades (♠) → No Trump (NT)
- Example: 1♠ outranks 1♥, but 2♣ outranks 1NT
Opening Bids Reference Table
| Hand Strength | Point Range | Recommended Bid |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 12-14 HCP | Open at 1-level in appropriate suit |
| Intermediate | 15-17 HCP | Open 1NT with balanced hand |
| Strong | 18-19 HCP | Open 1-suit, then jump-rebid |
| Very Strong | 20-21 HCP | Open 2NT with balanced hand |
| Game Force | 22+ HCP | Open 2♣ (artificial strong bid) |
Five-Card Major System Basics
First Bid Guidelines
- 5+ spades: Open 1♠
- 5+ hearts: Open 1♥
- No 5-card major but 3+ diamonds: Open 1♦
- Neither of above but 3+ clubs: Open 1♣
- Balanced hand with 15-17 HCP: Open 1NT
Responding to Partner’s Opening Bid
| Your Points | Partner Opens 1-Suit | Partner Opens 1NT (15-17) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | Pass or minimal response | Pass |
| 6-9 | Simple response at lowest level | Response showing suit preference |
| 10-12 | Jump response or 1NT | Invitational bid (2NT) |
| 13+ | Jump to game or create forcing auction | 3NT or investigate slam |
Basic Conventions
Stayman Convention
- Respond 2♣ to partner’s 1NT opening to ask for 4-card major
- Opener rebids:
- 2♥ = 4+ hearts
- 2♠ = 4+ spades (and not 4 hearts)
- 2♦ = no 4-card major
Jacoby Transfer
- After partner’s 1NT opening:
- Bid 2♦ to show 5+ hearts (transfer to hearts)
- Bid 2♥ to show 5+ spades (transfer to spades)
- Opener must accept transfer by bidding the next higher suit
Blackwood Convention
- 4NT asks for aces
- Responses:
- 5♣ = 0 or 4 aces
- 5♦ = 1 ace
- 5♥ = 2 aces
- 5♠ = 3 aces
Step-by-Step Opening Bid Decision Process
- Count points (HCP + distribution points)
- Evaluate distribution (balanced vs. unbalanced)
- If 22+ points: Open 2♣ (strong artificial bid)
- If balanced with 15-17 points: Open 1NT
- If balanced with 20-21 points: Open 2NT
- If unbalanced with 12-21 points:
- Open 1♠ with 5+ spades
- Open 1♥ with 5+ hearts
- Open 1♦ with 3+ diamonds (no 5-card major)
- Open 1♣ with 3+ clubs (no 5-card major or diamonds)
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Partner opens, opponent overcalls | Use negative doubles for competing |
| Uncertain whether to invite game | Look for extra distribution points |
| Balanced hand but no stopper in opponent’s suit | Avoid NT bids, prefer suit contracts |
| Choosing between two 4-card suits to respond | Bid up the line (cheaper suit first) |
| Strong hand but no clear direction | Make forcing bids to keep auction open |
Competitive Bidding Essentials
Overcalls
- Simple overcall: 8-16 points with a good 5+ card suit
- 1NT overcall: 15-18 points with stopper in opponent’s suit
- Jump overcall: Preemptive, showing long suit with limited strength
Doubles
- Takeout double: Shows opening hand strength with shortness in opponent’s suit
- Negative double: After partner opens and opponent overcalls, shows unbid majors
- Penalty double: Suggests defensive strength, usually late in auction
Best Practices for Beginners
- Count your points accurately before each bid
- Listen to the auction – each bid contains information
- Don’t overbid weak hands or underbid strong hands
- When uncertain, prefer major suits over minor suits
- Use conventions consistently with your partner
- Remember that bidding is a partnership language – discuss meanings after the game
- Keep track of passed hands – they limit possibilities
- Count your losers as well as your winners when evaluating hands
Resources for Further Learning
Books:
- “Bridge Basics” by Audrey Grant
- “25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know” by Barbara Seagram
- “The Complete Book of ACOL” by Bernard Magee
Online Resources:
- American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) website
- Bridge Base Online for practice games
- Learn Bridge Online (LearnBridgeOnline.com)
Bridge Apps:
- Bridge Master
- Bridge Baron
- Fun Bridge
Remember that consistent practice with a regular partner is the best way to improve your bridge bidding skills. This cheatsheet provides only the fundamentals – bridge bidding is a rich system with many variations and advanced concepts to explore as you progress.