small slam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist term in card games)Formal within its domain; technical/specialist.
Quick answer
What does “small slam” mean?
In contract bridge, the bidding and making of twelve tricks (six odd tricks) when not vulnerable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In contract bridge, the bidding and making of twelve tricks (six odd tricks) when not vulnerable.
A successful bid for twelve tricks in bridge; also used metaphorically to describe a significant but not ultimate achievement in competitive contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical and standard in both bridge communities.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. No regional variation in connotation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, confined to card game contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “small slam” in a Sentence
[Player/Team] bid/made/played a small slam in [suit/no trumps].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “small slam” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Bidding a small slam requires careful assessment of the partnership's combined strength.
- Their small slam in clubs earned them a significant bonus.
American English
- Going down in a small slam is expensive when vulnerable.
- She confidently bid the small slam after receiving a keycard response.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in mathematical game theory or analyses of bridge.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside card games.
Technical
Core term in contract bridge scoring and bidding theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “small slam”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “small slam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “small slam”
- Using 'small slam' to refer to any impressive win outside of bridge.
- Confusing it with a 'grand slam' in tennis or baseball, which denotes winning all major tournaments/championships.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Small slam' is the standard term. 'Minor slam' is rarely used and can be confused with a slam in a minor suit (clubs or diamonds).
Yes. A small slam can be in any of the five denominations: clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades, or no trumps.
A grand slam (all 13 tricks) carries a much larger bonus, especially when vulnerable. The small slam bonus is substantial but not maximal.
It is specific to contract bridge and similar trick-taking games with slam bonuses. It is not used in games like poker or rummy.
In contract bridge, the bidding and making of twelve tricks (six odd tricks) when not vulnerable.
Small slam is usually formal within its domain; technical/specialist. in register.
Small slam: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsmɔːl ˈslæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsmɑl ˈslæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'small' = 6 tricks beyond the book (6), 'grand' = all 7. A small step below perfection.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A PHYSICAL IMPACT (slam); A MAJOR BUT NOT COMPLETE ACHIEVEMENT IS A SMALLER IMPACT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a small slam?