Vulnerability : Bridge Online
Vulnerability is dictated by the board number and the same system is used worldwide. Board 1, for example, has nil vulnerability in every bridge game.
Board Nos.
1-4 Nil NS EW All
5-8 NS EW All Nil
9-12 EW All Nil NS
13-16 All Nil NS EW
This pattern repeats for each subsequent 16 boards.
Read the Scoring lesson to find out how the scores change depending on vulnerability.
Tactically speaking, vulnerability can have a big effect on bidding. Whether you choose to be aggressive or conservative will often depend on how much you stand to lose or gain.
Be more conservative in competitive situations when vulnerable. 2 down vulnerable costs 200 points - more points than any partscore your opponents can make.
The strength of Preempts in particular should reflect vulnerability. Aim to be within 2 tricks of your bid when vulnerable.
Don't sacrifice at adverse vulnerability (you vulnerable and your opponents not vulnerable) unless you think there is some chance of actually making your contract.