Beginning the auction in the game of bridge is based on several factors, which are detailed below. The bridge player should abide by certain guidelines when opening a holding of 13 cards. This is important to build the element of trust within the partnership, since there are two players involved in the bidding process. Without this trust, the partnership is on loose ground, and can not possibly build a solid foundation. As difficult as it may seem, the following guidelines should be memorized, studied, and incorporated in your Partnership Agreement. Remember, however, that nothing is etched in stone, and minor deviations from these guidelines are permitted.
The rank of the suit denominations is:
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Spades | |
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Hearts | |
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Diamonds | |
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Clubs |
This means that the Diamonds rank higher than the Clubs, the Hearts rank higher than the Diamonds and Clubs, and Spades is the highest ranking suit. Only one denomination is higher ranking than the Spade suit, and that denomination is called No Trump.
What are the Guidelines for opening one of a suit?
1. You should have two potential Quick Tricks.
2. You should have defensive strength.
3. You should have a comfortable rebid.
4. Always consider Mr. Ten.
5. You will almost always open a hand containing 13 high card points.
6. You must open a hand with 14 high card points.
7. Seldom does a player open a hand that contains less than 2 Quick Tricks.
The concept behind the above mentioned guidelines is that no guideline is a rule etched in stone. Remember, there are no rules in the game of bridge, except to be nice to your partner and all opponents.
Open with less than 2 Quick Tricks if you can disrupt the bidding of the opponents, and take advantage of their vulnerability.
Open with less than 2 Quick Tricks, moderate values, and a good rebid, if you are in Third Seat and there have been two passes.
Which suit to open is often based on distribution:
1. You will almost always open a 5-card Major suit before any other suit: 5-3-2-3 or 3-5-3-2.
2. If the distribution is 4-3-3-3, open 1 Club.
3. If the distribution is 4-1-4-4, open 1 Club.
4. If the distribution is 4-3-4-2, open 1 Diamond.
5. If the distribution is: 2-3-4-4, open 1 Diamond.
6. If the distribution is: 4-4-4-1, open 1 Diamond.
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Ace |
counts as |
4 |
High Card Points |
|
King |
counts as |
3 |
High Card Points |
|
Queen |
counts as |
2 |
High Card Points |
|
Jack |
counts as |
1 |
High Card Points |
|
Doubleton |
counts as |
1 |
Distributional Points |
|
Singleton |
counts as |
2 |
Distributional Points |
|
Void |
counts as |
3 |
Distributional Points |
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1 Quick Trick: |
Ace | |
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2 Quick Tricks: |
Ace/King in the same suit | |
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1.5 Quick Tricks: |
Ace/Queen in the same suit | |
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1 Quick Trick: |
King/Queen in the same suit | |
|
0.5 Quick Trick: |
King |
Distribution Points:
Distribution Points are those points added to the actual high card point count after a suit fit has been established:
Doubleton counts as:
1 point Singleton counts as:
2 points Void counts as:
3 points
Modern style distributional points are a little different and this point count has proven effective.
Doubleton counts as:
1 point Singleton counts as:
3 points Void counts as:
5 points
Actually, this is all you need to know in order to open the auction.
In time you shall learn the significance of Vulnerability and the importance of the Seat. During the auction, please remember the Vulnerability and the Seat Position. Are you in First, Second, Third or Fourth Seat.
Believe it or not, your position at the table, once the dealer has begun the auction with a call or a bid, is important.
Logic and the Guidelines of Bridge compensate for Third and Fourth Seat.
Remember, however, that your partner is putting his trust in you, and you should never open a sub-minimal hand. Otherwise, the trust in one's partner disappears after a very short time, and your partner will never know what you do have. Therefore, always consider your Position and Vulnerability at the table before making an opening bid or an overcall.
| Definitions of Terminology - a short description of bridge terms |
| Bridge Index - a more exhaustive description of bridge terms |