The System of Bidding in Bridge

Bridge bidding systems help you determine the strength of your hand.

Bridge bidding systems establish common guidelines so partners can quickly identify the best winnable game. There's no single bidding system to learn. In fact, many people develop their own systems, much like siblings sometimes share a secret language.

Paint a Picture

Think of a bidding system as a way to paint a picture of the cards you hold in your hand. Sometimes you can paint a realistic picture. Other times your portrait will appear impressionistic. Most bridge players enjoy the communication challenges of the bidding auction.

Conventions

Bidding "conventions" form the language for a bidding system. Sometimes the language asks for, or demands, a response. Other conventions tell you about the strength or weakness of a player's hand.

American Standard

Start exploring bidding systems by learning the American Standard system, widely recognized by American players. Its conventions recommend bidding guidelines based on a point-count system to identify the strength of your hand.

Practice

Computer games allow you to practice the conventions you want to master and can help you feel confident in your bidding. When you play with a partner, define mutual guidelines about bidding responses before you play.

References

• American Contract Bridge League: How to Play Bridge

Resources

• Better Bridge: What's Standard?
• Better Bridge: General Approach--Grant Basic