What is the 20 plus rule?

Quick Peek:

Got a hand in bridge and wondering if it’s worth an opening bid? The 20 plus rule is a simple way to determine whether your hand is worth it. Just add up your high card points and the number of cards in your two longest suits. If the total is 20 or more, then it’s worth an opening bid. However, remember to use other factors to make the best decision for each hand.

The 20 Plus Rule: A Simple Way to Determine Your Hand’s Worth in Bridge

If you’re a fan of the card game Bridge, you’re probably familiar with the concept of bidding. It’s the process of declaring how many tricks you think you and your partner can win in a given hand. But how do you know when to make an opening bid? That’s where the 20 plus rule comes in.

What is the 20 Plus Rule?

The rule is pretty simple: add your high card points plus the number of cards in your two longest suits. If the total is 20 or more, then the hand is worth an opening bid. High card points are assigned as follows:

– Ace = 4 points
– King = 3 points
– Queen = 2 points
– Jack = 1 point

For example, if you have an Ace, King, Queen, and Jack in one suit, that’s a total of 10 high card points. If you have 6 cards in that suit and 4 cards in another suit, that’s a total of 10 + 6 + 4 = 20 points, which meets the threshold for an opening bid.

Why is the 20 Plus Rule Useful?

The 20 plus rule is a quick and easy way to assess the strength of your hand and make an informed decision about bidding. It’s especially helpful for beginners who may not yet have a good sense of how to evaluate their hand. By following this rule, you can avoid making bids that are too aggressive or too conservative.

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When Should You Ignore the 20 Plus Rule?

While the 20 plus rule is a useful guideline, it’s not always the best strategy. There may be situations where you have a weaker hand that still warrants an opening bid, or a stronger hand that should be approached more cautiously. In these cases, it’s important to use your judgment and consider other factors, such as the vulnerability of the game and the bidding history of your opponents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 20 plus rule is a valuable tool for any Bridge player looking to improve their bidding strategy. By adding up your high card points and the number of cards in your two longest suits, you can quickly determine whether your hand is worth an opening bid. However, it’s important to remember that this rule is just a guideline and should be used in conjunction with other factors to make the best decision for each hand.