The duplicate bit means that throughout the session cards are removed from a board, played and then returned to the board to be played by the next players.

If you and your partner are seated North/South you will play the same hands as the other players playing in the same compass position.

It is up to you to bid, play or defend to the best of your ability because your scores are compared to the scores of the other players playing the same boards.

The scoring is done by awarding match points. Fortunately, this is done in most clubs by a computer program.

There are some strategies that will help you maximise your results.

Basically you are endeavouring to get the best possible score for your partnership out of the cards you have been dealt.

You should be trying to bid your hand to the best contract - the right suit at the right level.

If the pesky opponents interfere with the bidding on your hand, a good score might be achieved by making a penalty double or a sacrifice bid.

It is wise to avoid risky or “skinny” contracts and doubtful slams.

Generally better scores are available for playing in no trumps or majors rather than minor suits.

Overtricks are gold so use the clues available to you to find the best results.

The bidding or lack thereof and the lead all give information.

Plan your play and your timing. Do you need to draw trumps straight away or does some other play need to take precedence?

Guard your entries to ensure you don't block yourself from taking tricks.

Many players who get a series of hands with few points lose concentration.

But remember that while we tend to concentrate more on the “big” hands and not give the same attention to the “little” hands, when you are playing duplicate they are all important in the final wash-up.