US3731399A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device and method for bridge instruction
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-18
•
Granted: 1973-05-08
•
Expires: 1991-06-18
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure described an instructional device and method for teaching the proper bidding and opening leads in the game of bridge. The device includes a set of four bidding charts, e.g., on separate cards, one for each player. Each bidding chart includes an identification of the playing cards of the bridge hand for the particular player and an identification of the seating position for that player, i.e., north, east, south or west. Each chart also includes a bidding sequence showing the correct sequence of bids for the next preceding bidder. One of the charts, that of a player other than the opening leader, will indicate the correct opening lead against the correct final contract. In teaching bridge with this device each player is given his bidding chart and the player selects the proper playing cards indicated on his chart for his bridge hand from a deck of playing cards. The players bid their hands in accordance with the normal sequence of bidding used in the game of bridge and if any player makes an incorrect bid, the next succeeding bidder can consult his bid chart and inform the prior bidder whether or not he has made an incorrect bid. The prior bidder can then try again to make the correct bid or eventually be told what the bid should be. Once the bidding is complete, the opening leader selects his lead and if the lead is incorrect he can be corrected by the player on whose chart the opening lead is indicated, usually the declarer.
Inventors
- 👤 E Gordy
- 👤 L Gordy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:07
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B19/00; G09B19/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for instruction of bidding in the game of bridge comprising a set of four separate charts, one for each player including means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart different from each other player''s bridge hand, means on each chart identifying the table seating position for the respective player and means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid or bids for another player and not his own.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for instruction of bidding in the game of bridge comprising a set of four separate charts, one for each player including means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart different from each other player''s bridge hand, means on each chart identifying the table seating position for the respective player and means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid or bids for another player and not his own.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said correct bid identifying means comprises means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid or bids for the next preceding player in order of bidding, i.e., the South player''s chart identifies the East player''s bids, the East player''s chart identifies the North player''s bids, the North player''s chart identifies the West player''s bids and the West player''s chart identifies the South player''s bids.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 including means on one of the player''s charts identifying that player as dealer and differentiating the dealer from all other players.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1 including means on at least one player''s chart who is not the opening leader identifying the correct opening lead.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the opening lead identification is on the declarer''s chart.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 including a plurality of sets of said charts, each set identifying a different bridge hand.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, including means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each chart identifying the table seating position for the respective player, means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid or bids for another player and not his own, and means on one of the charts other than that of the opening leader identifying the proper opening lead.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, including means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each chart identifying the table seating position for the respective player, means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid or bids for another player and not his own, and means on one of the charts other than that of the opening leader identifying the proper opening lead.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
143 words
A device for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each chart identifying the table seating position as ''''North'''', ''''South'''', ''''East'''' or ''''West'''' for the respective player, means on the four charts identifying one of the players as dealer, and differentiating the dealer from all other players, means on one of the charts, not the opening leader''s chart, identifying the proper opening lead, means on South''s chart identifying East''s proper bids, and no other player''s, means on East''s chart identifying North''s proper bids, and no other player''s, means on North''s chart identifying West''s proper bids and no other player''s and means on West''s chart identifying South''s proper bids and no other player''s.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
143 words
A device for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each chart identifying the table seating position as ''''North'''', ''''South'''', ''''East'''' or ''''West'''' for the respective player, means on the four charts identifying one of the players as dealer, and differentiating the dealer from all other players, means on one of the charts, not the opening leader''s chart, identifying the proper opening lead, means on South''s chart identifying East''s proper bids, and no other player''s, means on East''s chart identifying North''s proper bids, and no other player''s, means on North''s chart identifying West''s proper bids and no other player''s and means on West''s chart identifying South''s proper bids and no other player''s.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising (1) providing a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, with means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid for another player and not his own and means on at least one chart other than the opening leader identifying the proper opening lead for the hand; (2) selecting hands from a deck of cards for each player as identified on the charts; (3) determining a dEaler for the hand; (4) bidding the hand and having each bid corrected by a player who did not make the bid in accordance with the identified correct bids on the charts; (5) having the opening leader select his opening lead; and (6) having the player on whose chart the correct opening lead is identified, correct any error in said opening lead with reference to the proper opening lead on his chart.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for instruction of bidding and play in the game of bridge comprising (1) providing a set of four hand and bidding charts, one for each player, with means identifying the cards of each player''s bridge hand on his respective chart, means on each player''s chart identifying the correct bid for another player and not his own and means on at least one chart other than the opening leader identifying the proper opening lead for the hand; (2) selecting hands from a deck of cards for each player as identified on the charts; (3) determining a dEaler for the hand; (4) bidding the hand and having each bid corrected by a player who did not make the bid in accordance with the identified correct bids on the charts; (5) having the opening leader select his opening lead; and (6) having the player on whose chart the correct opening lead is identified, correct any error in said opening lead with reference to the proper opening lead on his chart.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB535269A
Cited
US3428323A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |