little slam

American  

noun

Bridge.

1. the winning of twelve of the thirteen tricks of a deal.

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little slam British  

noun

1. Also called: small slam.  bridge the winning of all tricks except one by one side, or the contract to do so

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Etymology

Origin of little slam

First recorded in 1895–1900; little ( def. ) + slam ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

He returned to his own hand and achieved a finesse with the ten of diamonds which earned him his contract, a little slam and the first big swing for his team, 1,430 points.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lenz & Jacoby won the first two rubbers, the Culbertsons won the third after being set five on a little slam bid in hearts on the first hand.

From Time Magazine Archive

Three slams are possible: little slam, or six tricks over book; grand slam, seven over book; and super-slam, all 16 tricks.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lenz made the first contracted little slam of the match, in hearts.

From Time Magazine Archive

For instance," Dundee answered, "it told me that it took approximately eight minutes to play out a little slam bid, when ordinarily it would have taken not more than two or three minutes.

From Murder at Bridge by Austin, Anne