Good, Better, Best: A comparison of bridge bidding systems and conventions by computer simulation

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Bridge players constantly argue about the ‘best’ bidding systems and conventions. Strong Club or Natural? With or without relays? Standard or 2/1? Weak or strong notrump? Was the Blue Club system really better than the natural systems in the 1950s and 1960s? Is two-way Stayman as good as Stayman and transfers? Disciplined or undisciplined weak twos – which work better? And many, many more…

Well, now we have the answer to those questions, provided by exhaustive analysis and the results of computer simulations. And not only which is better, but also by how much, typically tested in thousands of 24-board IMP matches.

Playing the same deals via the same AI software eliminates the variable of player skill, and bidding methods are judged solely on their own merits. It is as objective a test as modern technology can provide.

And the results may not be what you would expect.