Two Scoring Systems, Two Different Games
Bridge is played under two main scoring formats: matchpoints (MP) and International Match Points (IMPs). The format you are playing dramatically changes how you should bid, play, and defend. A decision that is brilliant at matchpoints can be a blunder at IMPs, and vice versa.
Understanding both formats is essential for any competitive bridge player. Most club games use matchpoints, while team events and online challenges often use IMPs.
How Matchpoint Scoring Works
In matchpoints, your result on each board is compared to every other pair who played the same hand. You get one matchpoint for each pair you beat and half a matchpoint for each pair you tie. Your final score is a percentage of the maximum possible matchpoints.
This means every overtrick matters. Making 4 Spades with an overtrick (170) scores better than making 4 Spades exactly (130), even though both are "making game." At matchpoints, a 30-point edge is as valuable as a 1000-point edge - you still beat exactly one pair.
How IMP Scoring Works
In IMP scoring, your result is compared to one other team. The difference in total points is converted to IMPs on a logarithmic scale. Small differences (under 20 points) convert to 0 IMPs, while large swings (500+ points) produce big IMP gains.
This makes game and slam bonuses extremely important. The IMP scale rewards bidding and making close games: bidding 4 Hearts making versus stopping in 3 Hearts is worth around 6 IMPs. But overtricks barely matter - one overtrick in 4 Hearts is worth only 1 IMP.
How Strategy Changes by Format
At matchpoints, play safe lines that maximize your expected number of tricks. Go for overtricks when you can do so without risking the contract. Choose the opening lead that beats the most results, even if it occasionally gives away a trick.
At IMPs, play to make your contract above all else. A 50% game is worth bidding. Take the safe line for your contract rather than risking it for an overtrick. On opening leads, choose the lead most likely to defeat the contract, even if it sometimes gives away an overtrick.
A useful rule of thumb: at matchpoints, think about frequency (how often does this work?). At IMPs, think about magnitude (how big is the swing when this fails?).
Which Format Should You Practice?
Both. Playing matchpoints sharpens your competitive edge and forces precise play, while IMP practice builds judgment for team games and helps you learn when to bid aggressively. BridgeDummy offers both MP and IMP puzzles so you can train each skill independently.