ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREAT GAME OF MINIBRIDGE

Bridge is one of the most enduring and popular games in the world; for over 100 years, people
of all types and from all walks of life have been fascinated by the game. It is one of the most
popular leisure activities in Britain, with around 300,000 people playing on a regular basis.

What is MiniBridge?
MiniBridge is a simplified version of the game of love being clever and working things out - and
bridge and is the route into bridge winning. These are all possible when children
recommended by the English Bridge Union, the learn to play MiniBridge, but because it is a
national governing body for bridge in England. partnership game they will also learn that they
MiniBridge was first developed in France and need to co-operate, share information and com-
the Netherlands as an introduction to bridge for bine as a team to beat the opposition.
schoolchildren and was soon acknowledged as
an excellent game in its own right. But MiniBridge is not just a game for the
younger age group. It can be taught to any age,
Card playing helps children to identify numbers, to pupils and students in primary, secondary
colours, similarities and sequences. By the age and tertiary education right through to adults. It
of six or seven, many children own or have is widely used as a precursor to learning bridge
access to a computer in the home or at school, for all ages and is universally found to be both
and the first thing they often try to do is play the effective and enjoyable.
free card games that are available. Children

Why play MiniBridge and bridge?

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at so obviously enjoying playing a game that is
twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning proven to improve their school learning ability.’
stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep Secondly, bridge is an excellent social game
your mind young.” - Henry Ford and can be played by everyone - players can
Primarily, bridge has been proven to be very meet new people, make new friends, take on
good for the mind, and each game played will new challenges and learn the game through the
offer a unique challenge of problems and many bridge clubs and teachers.
solutions. Every single deal is different; every Finally, you can play bridge anywhere! You can
deal poses a new problem and can taunt the play locally and nationally; there are open,
players to find the solution. women’s and mixed; senior and junior events
A study commissioned by the EBU at St Paul’s
School in Manchester showed that bridge and
MiniBridge taught skills in numeracy, problem
solving, probability, speaking, listening, educa-
tion, rule following, team building, mental capac-
ity and much more.
At the time of the study, David Miliband, then
Minister of State for Schools Standards, said,
‘Innovations such as MiniBridge are to be en-
couraged...it was a pleasure to witness primary
school children’s complete concentration, whilst

1
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

How to play MiniBridge

The game of MiniBridge is played with a available, but a higher target can be set, known
standard pack of 52 playing cards with the as a ‘game’ contract, for which the declaring
jokers removed. There are four players, who sit side scores more if it is made (see page 4).
round a table and are usually identified by the
points of the compass: North, South, East and
Eleven easy steps to play MiniBridge
West. They play as two partnerships,
North-South and East-West. Partners can be 1 - Shuffle and deal
agreed or designated, or the cards can be cut to The pack should be shuffled (randomly mixed)
determine who plays with whom. and cut for dealer (highest deals). Dealer deals
out the cards clockwise one by one to the play-
ers, so that they have 13 cards each. Dealer for
the second game will be the next player clock-
wise and so on. Please note that many teachers
will provide you with pre-dealt hands in bridge
boards.
MiniBridge is a trick-taking game. One player
starts by ‘leading‘ or playing the first card to a 2 - Sorting the hand
trick. Each player in turn clockwise contributes The players sort the cards in their own hand into
one card to each trick and the highest card suits and into sequence within each suit, without
played wins the trick. Aces are high, followed in showing the cards to the other players. Have a
order by the king, queen, jack, ten, nine and so look at page 5 for a useful guide to sorting a
on down to the two, the lowest card in each suit. hand.
There are four suits of these 13 cards:
Spades ♠ and Hearts ♥ (major)
Clubs ♣ and Diamonds ♦ (minor)

When playing to a trick, each player must ‘follow

suit’ with a card of the suit led if possible. Other-
wise they may discard any card they like, but a
discard cannot win the trick, however high the 3 - Counting points
card chosen. The winner of a trick makes the The value of the hand is worked out by counting
lead to the next trick. up the high card points held, using the following
scale:
Deals may be played in ‘no trumps’ or with a
trump suit – one which is more powerful than
the others. Say spades are trumps then any
spade beats any card in the other three suits.
Players must still follow suit to each trick if they
can, but when unable to follow, instead of dis-
Ace = 4 points
carding, a trump may be played which will win King = 3 points
the trick (unless another player plays a bigger
trump card to the trick).

The main feature of MiniBridge that

distinguishes it from whist and other similar
trick-taking games is the existence of a
‘declarer’ who decides the ‘contract’ – that is,
the choice of trump suit and a target number of Queen = 2 points Jack = 1 point
tricks to be won by the partnership. The contract
must always be for at least 7 of the 13 tricks Note that there are 40 points altogether between
the four hands in each deal.
2
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

4 - Announcing points met, then the declaring side scores nothing and
the opponents score points instead. Choosing
Beginning with the dealer, and then in clockwise
order, each player announces how many points the best contract is therefore a critical part of the
his or her hand contains. The partnership with game which needs skill and judgement.
the most points becomes the declaring side who If declarer chooses a trump contract, the cards
decide the contract. The other pair are the de- in dummy in the chosen suit are moved to be on
fending side, who try to prevent the contract be- the dummy’s right hand side (the left hand end
ing made by making tricks themselves. There is as declarer looks at them).
a re-deal if the point distribution between the
partnerships turns out to be 20:20.

5 - The declaring side

The player with the higher number of points in
the declaring side becomes ‘declarer’, and his
partner becomes ‘dummy’. If they both have the
same number of points, the player who an-
nounced points first is declarer. Dummy then 7 - Play begins
lays his or her hand down face up on the table The player on declarer’s left plays the first card,
to face declarer, with the suits arranged in i.e. makes the ‘opening lead’. Play is in clock-
columns. wise order and players must follow to the suit led
whenever possible. The highest card played
wins the trick (unless, in a suit contract, it is
beaten by a trump, since trumps outrank the
other three suits). If several rounds of a suit are
played and a player runs out of cards in that suit,
he or she may discard a card from another suit
(which cannot win the trick), or in a trump con-
tract can choose to play a trump (which will win
the trick unless it is beaten by a higher trump).

PS How many points are in Dummy’s hand? Answer

can be seen at: www.ebu.co.uk/minibridge

6 - Deciding the contract

Declarer calculates how many tricks might be
won in the combined hands and then chooses 8 - Taking tricks
and announces the contract that seems likely to Each card is played face up in front of each
bring in the best score for the partnership. player in such a way that everyone can see the
cards clearly. When a trick is complete, the
Declarer may choose no trumps or a trump suit, cards are turned over, players placing the
and ‘part-score’ (at least 7 tricks) or ‘game’. The ‘quitted’ cards from their own hands face down
number of tricks required for a game contract on the table in front of themselves in a neat row.
varies according to the trumps. In no trumps, To make it easy to see how many tricks have
game means winning 9 tricks. In a suit contract, been won or lost, cards in tricks won are placed
where spades or hearts are trumps it means 10 upright, and cards in tricks lost are placed side-
tricks, and where clubs or diamonds are trumps ways on. The winner of the first trick leads to the
it means 11 tricks. Game contracts score lots of second and so on.
extra points when made, but if the target is not

3
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

How to score in MiniBridge

9 - Dummy play Now that you have a basic understanding of
MiniBridge, you will need to know how to score.
Declarer controls the play of dummy’s cards,
telling partner which card to play when it’s Each deal is scored independently, and the win-
dummy’s turn. Declarer’s partner must always ners of the session are the partnership that
play dummy’s cards as instructed, and must scores the most points overall. The score for the
keep the cards already played from dummy in deal should be recorded at the end of play of
correct order and formation. Otherwise dummy each deal, preferably by each of the players.
takes no part in the play of this particular deal. Points are awarded to the declaring side for
tricks made over and above six. The seventh
and each subsequent trick earn points which
vary according to the denomination chosen for
the deal – no trumps or a particular suit as
trumps. Bonus points are awarded for part-score
or game contracts.

Declaring and making ‘game’ scores best, be-

cause a large ‘game bonus’ is added. ‘Part
10 - Play ends score’ contracts are not so profitable, but extra
When all the cards have been played, the tricks tricks (called ‘overtricks’) are awarded points
for each side are counted and agreed, and the whether a game or a part score contract is
result is calculated and scored. Players record played. There is thus always good reason to
their score on a score sheet. The session can play the cards skilfully to make as many tricks
end when an agreed target total has been as possible. Game is only made and the game
reached by one side, or after a set number of bonus earned where a game contract has been
deals has been played. chosen and declared; game is not made where
numerous extra tricks have been made in a part
score contract.
11 - The next deal
The position of dealer moves clockwise round If declarer fails to make the required number of
the table for each game. tricks – that is at least 7 for a part score or the
appropriate target number for a game contract –
It is a good idea to have two packs of cards
the declaring side score nothing and the defend-
available, so that the second pack can be shuf-
ing side get 50 points for each trick short (called
fled by the dealer’s partner while the first is be-
‘undertricks’). The precise values are as follows:
ing dealt. Before starting dealing the next set of
hands these cards should be cut by the player
on the new dealer’s right. 1 - Scoring tricks
Whatever the contract, the first six tricks won do
not count towards the score. The seventh trick is
WHEN PLAYING REMEMBER TO.. the first scoring trick, and for each scoring trick
points are won depending on the contract cho-
• Greet others in a friendly manner prior to start
of play on each round.
sen, as follows:

• Be a good ‘host’ or ‘guest’ at the table. No-trump contracts:

• Make bridge enjoyable for yourself, partner 40 for the first scoring trick
and opponents. 30 for each subsequent trick
• Give credit when opponents make a good Spade or heart contracts:
play. 30 for each scoring trick
• Enjoy the company as well as the game.
Diamond or club contracts:
20 for each scoring trick

4
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

Examples: 4 - Unsuccessful contracts

With ♣ as trumps, the trick score for 8 tricks is 40
points. If declarer does not win the number of tricks re-
With ♠ as trumps, the trick score for 10 tricks is 120 quired to make the contract, the declaring side
points. get no score and the defending side earn 50
In no trumps, the trick score for 9 tricks is 100 points. points for every undertrick. For example, if the
contract was game in spades, and declarer
2 - Game contracts made only 8 tricks, the defending side would
score 100 points.
Game contracts are those where the trick score
totals 100 or more. Examples:
A part score in no trumps makes 5 tricks. The de-
Game in no trumps requires 9 tricks, ie 40 + (2 x fenders get 100 points.
30) = 100 points. A game bonus of 300 is then A game contract in hearts makes nine tricks. The de-
added, so the total points earned are 400. If fenders get 50 points.
more than 9 tricks are won, each overtrick
scores an extra 30. Sample score sheet
(When calculating the score for a no trump Why not try scoring with our sample score sheet
contract, it is often easier to multiply each trick on page 8?
won by 30, then add 10 points at the end)

Game in spades or hearts requires 10 tricks, i.e. SORTING A HAND...

30 x 4 = 120 points. A game bonus of 300 is
then added, so the total points earned are 420. 1. Pick up the dealt hand and group all the
If more than 10 tricks are won, each overtrick cards together, with the backs of the cards
facing out.
scores an extra 30.
2. With one hand tightly on the bottom, using
Game in diamonds or clubs requires 11 tricks, the thumb and first finger of the other hand,
i.e. 20 x 5 = 100 points. A game bonus of 300 is spread out the top corners of the cards so that
then added, so the total points earned are 400. you can see the number or picture letter (J, Q,
If more than 11 tricks are won, each overtrick K or A) to form a fanned shape.
scores an extra 20. 3. Now, take the lowest diamond from the
hand and place it behind all the other cards,
Examples:
so that you cannot see it any longer.
A game contract in no trumps, making 10 tricks,
4. Take the next lowest diamond and place it
scores 430 points
behind all the other cards, so that you cannot
A game contract in diamonds, making 12 tricks, see it any longer.
scores 420 points
5. Continue with step (4) above with all the
diamonds.
3 - Part score contracts
6. Repeat steps (3) to (5) with the club suit.
In all part score contracts, 7 tricks have to be
made. A part score bonus of 50 is then added 7. Repeat steps (3) to (5) with the heart suit.
when the contract is made. 8. Repeat steps (3) to (5) with the spade suit.
Scoring tricks attract points in the same way as 9. You will now be looking at the lowest dia-
game contracts. mond, the first card you moved. Spread out
the cards as in step (2) above and your hand
Examples:
will be sorted.
A part score contract in hearts, 9 tricks are made:
scores 30 for the scoring trick in hearts = 30
plus 60 for the two overtricks @ 30 points each = 90
plus the bonus of 50 = 140.

5
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

MiniBridge Vocabulary
Balanced hand One with a relatively equal number of cards in each suit. No void or singleton, not
more than one doubleton.
Board The container which holds a deal and shows who is dealer. Sometimes called a
wallet.
Bonus Extra points for making a contract, The part score bonus is 50 points and game
bonus is 300 points.
Cash To play a winning card or cards. To ‘cash out’ is to take all your winning cards.
Claim When the play is clear-cut, declarer may show his/her hand, claiming a stated
number of tricks.
Contract The announcement by declarer of the denomination (trump suit or no trumps) for
this deal and the target number of tricks to be won by the declaring side.
Deal Fifty-two cards distributed so each player has thirteen cards.
Dealer The player who announces points first on a deal.
Declarer The player on the side winning the contract who has the most points, or who an-
nounced points first. Declarer has responsibility for playing both his/her hand and
dummy.
Defeat the contract To win, in defence, enough tricks so that declarer fails to make the contract.
Defenders score 50 points for each undertrick.
Defence The line of play adopted by the defenders.
Defenders The two players in opposition to declarer. Often referred to as LHO (left-hand op-
ponent) and RHO (right-hand opponent).
Discarding Playing another suit (not trumps) when unable to play a card in the suit led, pref-
erably throwing a card that gives helpful information to partner.
Doubleton A holding of two cards in a suit, often shown by either leading the higher or play-
ing the higher one before the lower.
Drawing trumps Continuing to lead trumps until opponents have none left – this involves counting
the cards played to make sure all opposition trumps have been drawn.
Ducking (hold-up) Deliberately withholding a high card which could have won a trick.
Dummy The hand of declarer’s partner which is placed up on the table.
Duplicate competition Where the result on each deal is determined by comparison with scores achieved
by other pairs playing the same deal.
Duplication Duplication of distribution is when both players in a partnership have the same
length in each suit. Duplication of values is when strong holdings in one hand are
facing strong values in the same suit in partner’s hand, such as AQ opposite KJ.
Eight-card fit A combined holding of eight cards in a suit between the two hands of a partner-
ship.
English Bridge Union The governing body for the game of duplicate bridge in England.
Establishing a suit To force out the high card held by the opponents and set up winners.
Fourth highest The lead in a suit of the fourth card from the top. e.g. the lead of the 6 from K J 9
6 4.
Game Contract whose trick score is 100 points or more

High card points Values given to high cards as follows: ace=4, king=3, queen=2, jack=1. There
are 40 high card points (HCP) in the pack.
Honours The five highest cards in a suit (ace, king, queen, jack, ten).
Lead The first card played to a trick.

6
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

LHO Left-hand opponent.

Long suit A suit of four or more cards in the same hand.
Major suits Spades and Hearts whose tricks score 30 points each.
Minor suits Diamonds and Clubs whose tricks score 20 points each.
No trumps A contract played without trumps. Tricks in no trumps score 40 points for the first
trick and 30 points for the next ones.
Opening lead The card led to the first trick.
Overtrick A trick made by declarer above the number required for the contract.
Pair The partnership of two players.
Part score A contract to take at least 7 tricks, but less than game.
Penalty Points scored by defenders when declarer fails to make a contract.
RHO Right-hand opponent.
Side suit Any suit other than trumps.
Singleton Holding of only one card in a particular suit.
Trick Four cards, one from each player, played in clockwise rotation.
Trump A card in the suit named as trumps by declarer.
Unbalanced hand Contains a void or singleton or two doubletons.
Void Holding no cards in a particular suit

Exercise on MiniBridge
The hands below were dealt in a game of MiniBridge. Why don’t you give it a go?
The dealer was West.
North 1. How many points does each player have?
♠ 10 5 3 2
♥AK4 2. Who announces his points first?
♦K83 3. Which pair are the declaring side?
♣A53
West East 4. Who is declarer and who is dummy?
♠J98 ♠Q74
♥ Q J 10 8 ♥75 5. Which player makes the first lead?
♦9752 ♦ J 10 6
♣ 10 8 ♣QJ976 6. Which suit would you advise defender to lead?

7. How many tricks is declarer sure to make?

South
♠AK6
8. Would you advise declarer to go for game?
♥9632
♦AQ4 9. Does declarer have any chance of making extra tricks?
♣K42
Answers can be found at PS...You may find it helpful to take a pack of cards and lay the
www.ebu.co.uk/minibridge hand out on the table when working out the play.

7
 ABOUT MINIBRIDGE

Personal Score sheets

Personal score sheet for:………………..

Deal Seat (N, S, Points held by Total Contract No. tricks Score our
No. E or W) points of (Game or made by way
declaring Part-score, declarer
N S E W + -
side suit or NT)
1
2
3
4

Personal score sheet for:………………..

Deal Seat (N, S, Points held by Total Contract No. tricks Score our
No. E or W) points of (Game or made by way
declaring Part-score, declarer
N S E W + -
side suit or NT)
1

Marge Simpson – “Which part of the morning paper are you

reading, Homer?”

Homer Simpson – “The bridge column…[laughing] Oh, that South – you

never know what he’ll do next.”

To obtain more help or advice on learning MiniBridge, contact the EBU Education Department on:
01296 317217 or email [email protected] or visit www.ebu.co.uk/minibridge

For more information on bridge and the EBU, please contact the Communications Officer on:
01296 317 215 or [email protected].

Published by and © Please recycle this

English Bridge Union leaflet, if you do not
wish to keep it.
www.ebu.co.uk
Printed in 2009