Bridge scoring

Bridge scoring is keeping score in contract bridge. There are two main categories of scoring: duplicate and rubber scoring. While based upon the same basic elements of scoring, they differ in how the elements are applied to individual deals and in how these are then totaled. Chicago, being a variant of rubber bridge, uses an adaptation of rubber bridge scoring. Duplicate bridge has many variations for scoring, comparing and ranking the relative performance of partnerships and teams playing the same deals as their competitors.

The following terms and concepts, defined in the glossary of contract bridge terms, are essential to understanding bridge scoring:

Bridge scoring consists of nine elements. Not all elements are included in all game variants and the method of accumulation of the elements over several deals varies.

If the contract is made, the score for each such deal consists of:

If the contract is defeated, the defenders receive

In rubber bridge only,

In duplicate bridge only,

Contract points are awarded for each odd trick bid and made. Their values depend on the suit (or notrump) and whether the contract is doubled or redoubled; they are not affected by vulnerability. Tricks won beyond that necessary to fulfill the contract are referred to as overtricks and their scoring points are accounted for separately because their values are dependent upon declarer's vulnerability.

When declarer makes overtricks, their score value depends upon the contract denomination, declarer's vulnerability and whether or not the contract is undoubled, doubled or redoubled. In an undoubled contract each overtrick earns the same as in contract points (30 for notrump and major suit contracts, 20 for minor suit contracts); values increase significantly when the contract has been doubled or redoubled, especially when vulnerable.

Bonuses are awarded for all slam contracts bid and made:

When a doubled or redoubled contract is made, a bonus is awarded to the declaring side. It is colloquially referred to as a bonus for "insult", meaning that the opponents have insulted the pair by suggesting that the declarer will not make the contract.

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