Definition

Noun: A card game, specifically a variety of bridge, in which points are scored both for tricks bid and won (fulfilling the contract) and for any extra tricks won beyond the contract. This scoring system differs from contract bridge, where only tricks bid and won count toward winning the game.

Usage

• Auction bridge was a popular game before the development of contract bridge.
• In auction bridge, players bid to name the trump suit and the number of tricks they expect to take.
• The key feature of auction bridge is that overtricks (tricks made beyond the contract) contribute directly to scoring a game.

Examples

• My grandparents still prefer to play auction bridge on weekends.
• The rules of auction bridge allow a pair to score a game through a series of partial contracts and overtricks.
• He explained that auction bridge and contract bridge have different scoring philosophies.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: Auction bridge is primarily discussed in a historical context as the direct predecessor to the now-dominant contract bridge. It is often mentioned in comparisons of card game evolution.
• Technical Scoring: The term is used precisely to denote the specific scoring method where . This is its defining characteristic.

Variants and Related Words

• Bridge (noun): The general family of trick-taking card games for four players in two partnerships, which includes auction bridge and contract bridge.
• Contract Bridge (noun): The now-standard form of bridge where only tricks named in the final contract count toward game; overtricks score points but do not contribute directly to winning a game. This superseded auction bridge.
• Auction (noun): Within the context of bridge games, this refers to the bidding phase where players compete to name the contract. This phase is common to both auction and contract bridge.

Synonyms

• Bridge (in a general, historical sense)

Notes on Meaning

This word has a very specific, technical meaning within the domain of card games. It refers to one particular variant of bridge with a distinct scoring rule. It is not used in a general or figurative sense outside this context. The reference context correctly notes it is "now generally superseded by contract bridge."

Noun

1. a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge