how many cards are held in each hand of bridge?

Bridge is a game for four players and all fifty-two cards are dealt out so that each player has 13 cards, (whether it be contract bridge or auction bridge) . From the beginning of play each player does hold 13 cards but, after the first card is laid, the next player's hand (dummy) is declared. So, at that point, the opener is holding 12 cards, the dummy's cards are on the table and the other two are still holding 13 cards each.

All the cards are dealt in a hand of bridge thus all four players have thirteen cards each.

Declarer and both Defenders each hold 13 cards. Declarer's partner (Dummy) doesn't "hold" any cards. His hand is laid on the table after the first trick is led to.His hand, however, consists of 13 cards, so I guess you could say it depends on how you define the term "hold",

thirteen