Chicago (bridge card game)

Chicago, also known as Four-deal Bridge and Short Bridge^[1], is a form of contract bridge and a variation of rubber bridge^[2] in which sets of four deals are played and scored. Vulnerability is predetermined for each deal: on the first deal, neither side is vulnerable; on the second and third deals, only the dealer's side is vulnerable^[3]; and on the fourth deal, both sides are vulnerable. Making a game scores a 300 bonus when not vulnerable and 500 when vulnerable. In the original form of the game, part-scores carry over to subsequent deals but are cut-off if the opposition scores a game; a part-score on the fourth deal gains a 100 point bonus. A variant of the scoring where each hand is scored as in duplicate bridge, with no carry-forward of part-scores, and an immediate bonus of 50 points for making a part-score, is also widely played. Players rotate positions and partners after each set of four deals, either by fixed rotation or a cut of the cards.^[4] The methods of rotation can vary to allow between four and seven players to participate^[5]. Because a specified number of hands are played, the elapsed time for a game is more predictable than rubber bridge making the game attractive where limited time is available. Getting its name from the Standard Club of Chicago where it originated in the early 1960s^[6][1], it is also well suited to home play.

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Goren, (1961), p.172.
2. ^ Frey et al (1967), p.61.
3. ^ Some make the dealer's side not vulnerable and the opposition vulnerable on the second and third deals.
4. ^ Francis et al (2001), p.71
5. ^ Frey et al (1967), p.62.
6. ^ Francis et al (2001), p.188

References

• Francis, Henry G., Editor-in-Chief; Truscott, Alan F., Executive Editor; Francis, Dorthy A., Editor, Sixth Edition (2001). The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge (6th ed.). Memphis, TN: American Contract Bridge League. ISBN 0-943855-44-6. OCLC 49606900. 
• Frey, Richard L., Editor-in-Chief; Truscott, Alan F., Executive Editor; Cohen, Ben, International Edition Editor; Barrow, Rhoda, International Edition Editor (1967). The Bridge Players' Encyclopedia. London: Paul Hamlyn. OCLC 560654187. 
• Goren, Charles (1961). Goren's Hoyle - Encyclopedia of Games. Chancellor Hall, Ltd., New York.