Scoring Tables

To some players, particulary begineers (and me on "Senior" days), the scoring used in duplicate bridge is somewhat bizarre. With different trick values for the major and minor suits and the first NT trick being different to the rest. Then there's, overtricks, undertricks (with values changing at the fourth) and which change with vulnerability and not forgetting the part-score, game, small slam and grand slam bonus which vary if the contract is doubled or re-doubled. Lastly the bit that is often over-looked - the so-called 'insult' points if a doubled or redoubled contract succeeds.

As regular players we're saved from working out the scores because every possible outcome is tabulated on the back of relavent card in the bidding box. So you only need to look at the bid, the pass, the double or re-double cards to find the score.

However we should all understand the basis of the scoring, so that we can assess bids on the basis of how well it scores. For example 3NT making 10 tricks scores better than 4 of a major, although the major suit contract may be safer. But if 3NT only make 9 tricks, clearly the major suit contract will score more. Equally, unless we know the value of vulnerable (and possibly doubled) undertricks, how do we decide if a sacrifice is worthwhile?

The method to calculate a score is relatively straight forward if the process is followed in a logical way, with each element considered separtely. To demonstrate this method the tables attached to the button on the left show how it works. There are four tables: one for the major suits, one for the minor suits, one for no-trumps and one for undertricks.

At the top of each table is a box which shows how to calculate each element of the score. The box on the top right defines the values that you insert into the various lines of the sum. You simply then add all the elements together to get a grand total.

At the bottom of the table is a matrix listing every possible outcome (if the contract succeeds) and it's score. To the right and below this matrix I've tried to show which premiums or bonuses are involved to get the score. If the contract fails then you'll need to refer to the undertrick table. I wonder if anyone has ever gone 13 off, redoubled and vulnerable to score -7600?

These tables were produced using Excel and if you have it available and want a copy in .XLS format, it can be dowloaded by clicking the icon below.