COME THE REVOLUTION

COME THE REVOLUTION

At each major stage in the evolution of the various games called Bridge over the past century, two mutations generally occurred simultaneously, one of bidding, one of scoring. By far the most far-reaching, however, were the alterations in scoring, because in any game or sport, if one wishes to win, one has to play to the score.

The original game of “Bridge” scored 12 per odd trick over 6 for No Trumps, 8 for Hearts, 6 for Diamonds, 4 for Clubs, and 2 for Spades, with 30 points being required for “Game”. [I shall ignore the long-term slow demise of points for “honours”.] There was no contract, however. Although dealer’s side chose trumps, the side that won more than 6 tricks was awarded the score “below the line”. When Auction Bridge emerged, the concept of competitive bidding for a contract appeared. Nevertheless, overtricks were scored below the line, even up to slam level, together with their corresponding bonuses. The scores themselves became: 10 per trick for No Trumps, 9 for Spades, 8 for Hearts, 7 for Diamonds, and 6 for Clubs, but still 30 points constituted a Game.

Given that there was now an auction, however, there had to be some hierarchy to decide which bid to accept as final. It was natural, perhaps, to say that the side which contracted for the higher score should have the privilege of playing the hand. Hence the order No Trumps, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, within any specific contract level.

When Contract Bridge appeared, although the trick scores changed yet again, this hierarchy was preserved. In my opinion, this was regrettable. Ask any beginners, after their defending all night, whether they enjoyed themselves. They would be bemoaning that they never played a hand. Defence may be the ultimate challenge for experts, but the excitement for beginners is bidding and playing a hand. It seems to me that for the privilege and reward of playing the hand one should be satisfied with a lower score. Thus I suggest that the current bidding hierarchy be maintained, but that the trick scores for major and minor suits should be reversed!

Two Spades would still outbid two Clubs, but would score only 90 (at duplicate). Two clubs would score 110! Game calls would be at the four level in the minor suits, the five level in the majors. I believe that such a scheme would create more natural justice. It may also eliminate many of the conventions based on the artificial use of Minor suits.

While I was about it too, I would move the 40 points for the first No Trump odd trick to the third, so that 3NT would still be game but 2NT would score only 110.

Come the revolution!!