Definition

Noun: - The set of cards dealt to and held by a player in a single deal of the contract bridge card game. It refers specifically to the thirteen cards a player receives and must play from during a hand of bridge.

Usage

• A "bridge hand" is the fundamental unit of play in the game of bridge. Players must evaluate and strategize based on the cards in their bridge hand.
• The term is used to discuss the quality, distribution, or specific cards a player holds.
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a bridge hand": To be in possession of a specific set of cards for a deal.
  • He was excited to hold a bridge hand with such a long diamond suit.
• "to evaluate a bridge hand": To assess the point count and potential of one's cards.
  • The first step after the deal is to evaluate your bridge hand.

Variants and Related Words

• Hand (noun): In card games generally, the cards held by a player. ("Bridge hand" is a specific type of hand.)
• Deal (noun): The distribution of cards to the players, which results in each player having a bridge hand.

Synonyms

• Holding(s) (noun): The cards one holds in a game.
• Cards (noun, in context): Can refer to the cards one is holding. (e.g., "Look at my cards.")

Related Phrases

• "to play a hand": To participate in and complete the playing of all tricks for one deal.
  • It took great skill to play that difficult hand successfully.
• "to bid a hand": To make calls during the auction phase based on one's bridge hand.
  • You need a good understanding of point counts to bid your hand accurately.

Noun

1. the cards held in a game of bridge