So far as the science of the game is concerned, the main point, in so far
as it differs from Whist, is to be able to judge correctly what suit should
be made trumps; whether to play without trumps; or, lastly, whether to pass
the option to one's partner. Hands are, of course, capable of almost
infinite variety, and it is difficult to lay down rules which shall govern
all cases. The novice may, however, safely take to heart the following
maxims:--
1. Holding four aces, the dealer plays _sans atout_, inasmuch as he thereby
secures four certain tricks, besides one hundred for his aces.
2. Holding three aces, he should do likewise, unless he has a strong red
suit, giving assurance of a high score without risk, while the No-trump
call involves dangerous weakness in one suit. In this case, the strong red
suit should be declared.
3. Early in the game, if he cannot safely declare No-trumps or a red suit,
and is not exceptionally strong in clubs, he should pass the option to his
partner.
4. When the score of the dealer and his partner is approaching game, if the
dealer can make game a certainty by declaring a black suit trumps, he
should usually do so. {228}
For more detailed advice as to Bridge tactics, the reader may be referred
to two handy little works by W. Dalton, entitled _Bridge at a Glance_ and
_Bridge Abridged_, published by Messrs. De la Rue & Co. By the courtesy of
these gentlemen, we are enabled to reprint the authoritative Laws of the
game, as revised by a joint committee of the Portland and Turf Clubs. It
will be observed that they follow very closely the Laws of Whist; but the
special features of Bridge have been minutely considered and provided for,
and a careful study of the Laws will form the best possible introduction to
a knowledge of the game.