What is IMP Scoring?  International Match Point Scoring is the normal method for scoring team events but it can be extended to score pairs events. Members may be familiar with Butler pairs: the X-IMP scoring we will use is a similar technique.   The essence of IMP/X-IMP scoring is that it rewards making contracts (and getting contracts down)  but gives little extra reward for overtricks (and additional undertricks). 

• Overtricks and additional undertricks are relatively unimportant.  So, be prepared to concede an overtrick in the hope of defeating the contract and never risk the contract for the sake of an overtrick

• Safety. If 5D is safer than 3NT, then that should be your contract even though 3NT might score 430. Always play in the safest slam. Imagine going one off in 6NT when 6D makes and your opponents stopped in 3NT. Your greed cost 22 imps.

• Never try to improve a partscore. e.g. Partner is in 2D which will make and so should 2NT. 2D will do.

• The reward for bidding games is considerable. If game has a 30% chance of making, you should bid it.

• Don’t expose yourself to big penalties. They lose matches. If your teammates bring back a –800, DON’T ASK! Let them sort it out. We all know what –800 means.

• Be wary of doubling contracts from 2H to 4D. If they make the contract, they get the game bonus. 2HX making vul is –670. Undoubled, it is –110

• Know your system. Don’t play a convention that either you or partner might forget. Stuff ups cost.

• Defend carefully. Don’t finish up letting a contract make because you thought that you could set it two tricks by waiting.

• Don’t discuss boards during the match. Save your mental energy for the rest of the match.

• Don’t play “catch up” at teams. So, you’ve had a disaster. Don’t make it worse with crazy decisions. You don’t know what’s going on at the other table. Your teammates may already have saved you! 

• Plus scores are hard to beat. Setting their contracts and making your partscores can win matches when the boards are “flat”.