An instrument designed to compute the result of a session or hand played in the card game of duplicate bridge. It typically tabulates scores based on pre-determined contract outcomes and vulnerability, factoring in overtricks, undertricks, and any applicable bonuses for slams or doubled contracts. As an example, the device might calculate the matchpoint score awarded to a pair achieving a game contract of 4 Spades, made with an overtrick, versus other pairs playing the same hand.
This calculation tool provides crucial efficiency and standardization in the scoring process. Its benefits extend to minimizing human error, facilitating tournament management, and ensuring fair competition among players. Historically, these calculations were performed manually, a process prone to mistakes and time-consuming. The advent of automated systems has greatly enhanced the reliability and speed of results reporting within the duplicate bridge community.
