Scoring system explained
On every deal a table compares only with the matching table where the corresponding players are seated. Just as with one hole of golf, the score on the deal is compared at the two tables and recorded as win, lose or draw for Europe or USA (bridge-players call this point-a-board scoring).
Each set of deals makes a match, also recorded as win, lose or draw for Europe or USA. As with the golf, the margin of the win in the match is irrelevant. As there are three pairs of tables comparing, every set has three match results.
In the Individual each set is of just six deals. To avoid half points each match has 2 Buffett points at stake (2 for a win, 1 for a draw) i.e. for 11 sets with 3 matches in each set the total number of Buffett points at stake is 66. As the Pairs (11 deals per set) and Teams (14 deals per set) are longer, 4 Buffett points are at stake in each set. For the Pairs there are 5 sets, 3 matches per set, and 4 points per match, so 60 points at stake. For the Teams, there are 6 sets (covering a day and a half), 3 matches per set and 4 points per match, so 72 Buffett points at stake.
The total of Buffett points over four days is 198. When a team reaches 100 points, it has won the Trophy. If the scores are tied on 99 each, Europe, who won the trophy in Louisville, will retain it.
