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

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 -

1. No suit exceeds four cards in length.
2. It contains no void or singleton.

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

20+ H.C.P.'s  Strongest suit / Notrumps (balanced hand)

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.

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.

With a balanced hand and:

With an unbalanced hand:

If no four card major then bid your best suit otherwise 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.

0-4 H.C.P.'s  2NT (Obligatory)

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.

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:

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.

Software and documentation written by Chris Burkinshaw
Replay facility implemented by J. Pike