Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-31
BRIDGE DEPARTMENT
EDITED BY w. R. WHARTON

thousands are needlessly denying them
selves this pleasure owing to erroneous
conceptions of the nature of the game
or misapprehensions of it's difficulties.
1t is true that bridge may be played
for stakes, but this objection also ap-
plies to any pastime, and the game may
be enjoyed without this feature, which
to many is Objectionable.
1t is equally true, as in any game
worthy of consideration, that the
highest degree of skill can only be at
tanned by patience and perseverance,
but knowledge of the game sufficient
for ordinary social purposes may be
readily acquired.
In a series of articles which will APP
pear in The Herald this subject will be
presented in such a maner as to in
terest all classes of players, from the
beginner to the expert, if the writer can
secure the cooperation of it's readers.
To this end from time to time there will
be published hands which are interest
ing, either because of their popularity
or from the manner in which they are
played. Readers are cordially invited
to forward instances of such hands
which appear interesting to them.
Problems for Solution
1t is considered that discussion of this
subject should be divided into two sec
lions, the first to be devoted to those
who have had little or no experience
and the second to those who have al
ready acquired considerable knowledge
of the game.
In each section there will be pub
hshed each week q problem to which
readers are cordially invited to offer
solutions. The names or pseudonyms of
rI1N ,ss<Io
will be published subsequently. Eix-
perience has demonstrated that partici-
patton in such contests is very bene-
fetal to all parties. Success therein
serves as a stimulus to the timid, and
occasional failure demonstrates over
confidence. The writer is thereby en-
abled to judge Of the interest taken in
his articles, and also to determine
whether the standard adopted is suit
able to the readers.
Questions by readers will be an
swered cheerfully either through this
column or by personal letter, according
to whether the matter is of general or
special interest. Address all communi-
cations to Bridge Editor, The Herald.
Section
For the benefit of those who have had
little or no experience, yet desire to in
dulge in this pastime, the following
suggestions are offered with the assur-
ance that, if strictly followed, in a
very short period they can engage
therein to the mutual pleasure Of them
selves and others.
Form group Of four players who
are willing to devote one or more even
ing a week to study and practice.
Until qualified by experience for per-
sonal judgment adhere strictly to the
rules of play suggested in this column.
Elementary Rules
. This advice is given, not because the
writer presumes to consider himself the
best judge, but because there is moth
ing so confusing to the beginner as a
variance in counsel and because the
writer has selected a system of in
Struction calculated to enable the be-
ginner to acquire the knowledge abso-
lutely necessary in the shortest time
with the least labor.
To this end only such rules will be
given at this time as are absolutely
necessary for practice, as the latter
will enable the reader to understand
better those which will be given later;
whereas, if given at this time there
are many rules which would cause the
beginner unnecessary labor.
The game is usually played by four
persons with deck of fifty-two cards.
winch are valued cOnSecuClVeIy rrOn
deuce low to ace high.
The pack is spread upon the table
face downward, and each player draws
a card. In drawing the ace is low. The
two players drawing the lowest cards
play as partners against the others,
and the player drawing the lowest card
has the first deal, which is a great adj
vantage. The players being seated
partners sitting opposite), the dealer
presents the pack to the player at his
right hand to be cut, after which he
deals, beginning with the player at his
left hand, one card ia time until each
player has thirteen cards. No trump is
turned.
The dealer, after examining his hand,
has the option of making the trump
or requesting his partner to do so. 1t
must be clearly understood, however.
that in determining which he shall do
he must not consult his partner nor
may the latter consult him if requested
to name the trump.
Tt may be we'll to emphasize at this
point the fact that the etiquette, as
we'll as the rules of the game, require
that the equivalent of certain express
sions should be used at certain stages,
and although different forms are used
by different authors, yet the effect is
the same. The reasons for these ex-
pressions, which are known as the Ian
guage Of the game, will be more fully
discussed hereafter. Let it suffice for
the present that it is necessary to use
certain language and that now sug-
gested is "good form"
Terms of the Game
In order that the dealer may intelE-
gently exercise his option, it is neces-
sary that he understand the method Of
counting. This, to the beginner. ap-
pears very complicated, but with a lit
tie practice the difficulty, which. is
more apparent than real, is readily
overcome.
There are two scores kept, named,
respectively, the trick score and the
honor score. Of these the trick score is
far more important. In fact, if the be-
ginner will only remember that honors
are valuable he may conf1ne his atten-
ton to the trick score without risk OF
much loss.
Although it will save time eventually
to learn by heart the values of tricks
and honors, yet as a matter OF con-
venience score cards may be obtained
at any stationers which contain this
information, tabulated in convenient
form for ready reference.
Until six tricks. called a book, are
taken by one side there is no trick
score. All tricks over six are valued
according to the trump named, as fol-
lows: Spades 2, clubs 4, diamonds 6,
hearts s, no-trump II.
When no-trump is named the aces
are honors In all other cases there
are five honors, to wit, ace, king. queen,
Jack and 10 of the trump suit.
A game is won by the side first scor-
ing thirty points in trick score, and
&c won nv the side which first