Duplicate bridge is a variation of contract bridge where the same set of bridge deals are played by different competitors, and scoring is based on relative performance. In this way, every hand, whether strong or weak, is played in competition with others playing identical cards, and the element of skill is heightened while that of chance is reduced. This stands in contrast to Bridge played without duplication, where each hand is freshly dealt and where scores may be more affected by chance in the short run.
Bridge declarer play in a duplicate tournament
Duplicate bridge tournament playing area
Score sheet for ACBL pairs tournament
Contract bridge, or simply bridge, is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two competing partnerships, with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. Millions of people play bridge worldwide in clubs, tournaments, online and with friends at home, making it one of the world's most popular card games, particularly among seniors. The World Bridge Federation (WBF) is the governing body for international competitive bridge, with numerous other bodies governing it at the regional level.
Bridge declarer play
Bridge club at Shimer College, 1942
In this trick, North led ♠10 so all players must play a spade unless they have none. East "follows suit" with ♠K, South with ♦J and West with ♥7. In a no-trump game, East wins the trick, having played the highest spade. If diamonds or hearts are trumps, South or West respectively win.
Duplicate Boards with cards