Contract Bridge

1925

Card game

Essentially a variation on the much older game of whist, which led to bridge and auction bridge, the modern game of contract bridge resulted from rule refinements set down by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt in 1925. It is a card game played between four people divided into two teams. Play consists in a bidding phase followed by a phase in which the hands are played in an attempt to win "tricks". The height of its popularity, both as a pastime and competitively, was between the 1930s and the 1960s.

Probable score

Ratings & Reviews

Sort by

Sort By

mattorama12

Rated 07/03/18

97th

100

It's unfortunate that I rarely get to play this game, but it's truly perfect. Developing a bidding strategy with a long-term bridge partner is one of the finer enjoyments in life.

Rated 07/03/18

djross

Rated 25/01/18

95th

100

Given that my father's uncle was Charles Goren, I have a personal connection to the game. It certainly requires the effort to learn the systems of hand evaluation, partner communication and card play. This acquisition of knowledge and skills must be done collaboratively, which is what makes it so eminently sociable, but this is perhaps what also led to its decline in popularity once the television became the hearth of the lounge room. For this reason it's hard to see it making a comeback, sadly.

Rated 25/01/18

Hyperion+

Rated 11/03/20

86th

I learned how to play from watching Signor Emanuel Ravelli and The Professor, which is probably why I'm not very good.

Rated 11/03/20

Jimmy Suede

Rated 23/02/18

96th

100

I grew up playing bridge with my family, and to date it is my favorite card game. Great blend of strategy and chance. Other "strategy" card games usually feel watered down. Even the "dummy" aspect, which some people complain about because they have to sit out a hand, I find brilliant. Unfortunately, few play it any more in this electronic age because it takes a decent commitment to learn the bidding system(s).