A contract for twelve tricks (Small Slam) or thirteen tricks (Grand Slam). For bidding and making either type of slam, considerable bonuses are on offer. Slams are an exciting part of the game and, especially at rubber bridge, a potentially lucrative event.
Before contracting for a slam, it is normally a good idea to establish that the partnership has the playing strength to produce at least 12 tricks as well as sufficient high cards or shortages in every suit so that the opponents cannot take two fast winners.
With two balanced hands, about 33-34 points produces a small slam, 37 points a grand slam. Most slams require fewer high card points than this because long cards or ruffs can produce extra tricks.