Bridge Basics

1 level: 7 tricks # 1C, 1D, 1H, 1S, 1NT
2 level: 8 tricks # 2C, 2D, 2H, 2S, 2NT
3 level: 9 tricks
4 level: 10 tricks
5 level: 11 tricks
6 level: 12 tricks # small slam
7 level: 13 tricks # grand slam

# From highest to lowest
NT # No Trump (highest)
S # Spades
H # Hearts
D # Diamonds
C # Clubs (lowest)

Ace = 4 points
King = 3 points
Queen = 2 points
Jack = 1 point

# Opening hand strength
12-13 points # minimum opening
15-17 points # 1NT opening
20-21 points # 2NT opening

Stayman # 2C asks for 4-card major
Jacoby Transfer # 2D=hearts, 2H=spades
Blackwood # 4NT asks for aces
Gerber # 4C asks for aces
Takeout Double # asking partner to bid

Lead 4th best # from long suits
Top of sequence # KQJ, lead K
Second hand low # when opponent leads
Third hand high # when partner leads
Cover an honor # with an honor
Draw trumps # before cashing winners