How to Play Bridge Card Game?

Bridge, also known as Contract Bridge is a trick-taking card played between four players. It utilises a standard deck of 52 cards. It is a popular online family card game played by millions of players online. It is widely played in clubs & tournaments and is especially among senior audiences.

Moreover, the game is governed by World Bridge Federation at an international level, with multiple governing bodies at a regional level. While Contract Bridge is the most played version of the card game, there are several variations available like Duplicate Bridge and Rubber Bridge.

If you are also interested in learning how to play Bridge card game online? You’re in luck! In this article, we will highlight the gameplay and rules of the Contract Bridge game.

Rules & Gameplay of Contract Bridge Game

While the Contract Bridge game online is known for its daunting rules, it is actually pretty easy to learn. The online betting card game has a lot to offer for players looking for a tough mental challenge and competitive gameplay.

Contract Bridge Rules

The game starts with each player getting 13 cards. The game is played with teams of two sitting across from each other. One player is the declarer, while the other is the defender. The declarer decides the” Trump” for the game and each team decides how many tricks they can take-

• The player to the declarer’s right starts the game by playing a card. Other players must follow suit. They can also play a trump card if they don’t have any card of that particular suit.
• The highest card wins the trick. If no trumps are played, the highest card of the suit wins.
• After the first hand, the dummy reveals their cards on the table and the declarer decides the move for this trick. The defenders keep their cards hidden.
• The winner of each trick opens the next one until all the cards are finished.
• If the team wins the expected number of tricks, they win points based on their bids.

Common Contract Bridge Game Terms

While playing Bridge, it is important to familiarise yourself with common card game terms that will help you in mastering the game-

Dummy

After the first trick, the declarer’s partner reveals their cards in front of everyone. The declarer will play their and their partner’s hand for the remainder of the game.

Honor Cards

Face cards are typically known as Honor cards in the Bridge family card game. Each Honor Card has a specific value assigned by the players-

• ACE: 4
• KING: 3
• QUEEN: 2
• JACK: 1

Trump Suits

The typical order of the trumps in the game is as follows-

• Spades (Highest)
• Hearts
• Diamonds
• Clubs (Lowest)

However, in any Bridge game, the declarer can change the trump suit according to their liking. For instance, if the Diamonds is decided as the Trump, the ranking is as follows-

• Diamonds (Highest)
• Spades
• Hearts
• Clubs (Lowest)

Bid

A promise or bet each team makes at the beginning of the game about how many tricks they will take.

Tricks

The trick is a mini-round in the game where each player plays a card. The winner of the trick starts the next one.

Opening Lead

It is the first trick in the game that always starts with the player left of the declarer.

Defenders

The two players on the opposite team are known as defenders.

These are the common terms and lingo of the Contract Bridge popular card games for real money. While it is important to understand the common terms, a player must also be familiar with the bidding system to master Bridge.

Contract Bridge Bidding

Bidding in Bridge is complicated as you have to coordinate with your partner to win tricks. The key is to communicate with the partner and properly assess how strong your hand is.

• Bidding with a suit can be used to communicate how many cards of a particular suit your partner has.
• Advanced players use preemptive bids to guide their partner’s moves.
• Bidding goes for several rounds, or until everyone passes.

Final Words

Bridge is a social card game that is played in teams of two. While most people are repulsed by the complex rules and gameplay, once you get familiarised with the rules and regulations, it is actually quite simple. Moreover, with the rise in Bridge Game Development, there are a plethora of Contract Bridge online games in the market that offer immersive and engaging gaming experiences. If you are looking for a fun card game to play and win real money, you should definitely give Bridge a chance.