Playing Instructions
Contract Bridge is a sophisticated bridge game for the single player, where all other three hands are bid and played by the computer. The ideal opportunity for uninterrupted bridge tuition or polishing up on your playing technique.
Features
Random deal * Natural bidding * Pre-emptive jump bids * Strong two bids * Stayman conversion * Advance play routines
Bidding
The program bids on the basis of card distribution and high card points (H.C.P.). There is a slight weighting to the major suits (Spades & Hearts) and Notrumps.
A hand is regarded as having a balanced distribution if -
- No suit exceeds four cards in length.
- It contains no void or singleton.
Opening Bids - 1 Level
Suit 12-19 H.C.P.'s Min. 4 Cards
Notrump 12-14 H.C.P.'s Balanced hand
Suit 11-19
Notrump 15-19
Opening Bids - 2 Level
20+ H.C.P.'s Strongest suit / Notrumps (balanced hand)
Opening Bids - 3 Level
4-10 H.C.P.'s Minimum 7 card suit
The pre-emptive bid both reduces the opponent's bidding space and discourages an opening bid.
Replies-To: Single Suit Bid
0-5 H.C.P.'s NOBID
6-10 H.C.P.'s If the opening bid was a major and you hold four card support, then raise otherwise bid your best suit/Notrumps (balanced hand).
11_ H.C.P.'s As above with an unnecessary raise of level.
Replies-To: Single Notrump Bid
With a balanced hand and:
| 0-10 H.C.P.'s | NOBID | ||
| 11-12 H.C.P.'s | 2NT | ||
| 13+ H.C.P.'s | 3NT |
With an unbalanced hand:
If no four card major then bid your best suit otherwise STAYMAN
STAYMAN
You make a Club bid, which following the opening bid must be taken as, and is, indicated to be conventional (Not 'Natural'). It requires your partner to bid a four card major or Diamond denial.
Replies-To Two Level Opening Bid
0-4 H.C.P.'s 2NT (Obligatory)
Replies-To Three Level Opening Bid
Unless you hold 14+ H.C.P.'s or there has been intervention, you must NOBID. To NOBID, press the Space bar.
As is conventional, if a pre-emptive or jump bid is made, it is prefaced by STOP as an alert to the other players.
The Gerber Convention
A bid of four clubs by the player will meet with the prompt: GERBER Y / N ?
If Y is returned, North will reply according to the number of aces held:
| 0 or 4 | 4 diamonds | ||
| 1 | 4 hearts | ||
| 1 | 4 spades | ||
| 3 | 4NT's |
It is noted to change suit in replying to partners' opening bid is forcing for one round (partner is required to bid).
At the end of play the hands are displayed. If you wish to terminate the bidding or play at any time, press E - this enters the display section.
