Even though this particular movement was the first one used for duplicate play of cards (devised in the 19th century for use in whist tournaments), it is still of great value in both pairs and teams tournaments in bridge.
The whist movement has the same basic properties as the Mitchell movement: two fields (N-S and E-W), the N-S pairs remaining stationary (by convention) while the E-W pairs move (as do the boards). The balance of comparison of the pairs is perfect when the movement is completed.
The whist movement is useful in pairs events (but usually only when the number of tables is odd) as it may greatly simplify the scoring (see the section on scoring for further information). It is also invaluable in multiple teams events where the number of tables is odd.
Many of the gadgets used in Mitchell movements can also be used in the whist movement. For example rover pairs, rover boards, rover tables, board switching, twinning of the movement etc.
