To open the bidding, a player typically needs 12 or more high-card points (HCP).
| Opening Bid | Points Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Level Bid (1♣, 1♦, 1♥, 1♠, 1NT) | 12+ HCP | Balanced or unbalanced hand |
| Strong 2♣ Opening | 22+ HCP | Artificial bid, strong and forcing |
| 2NT Opening | 20-22 HCP | Balanced hand |
| Weak Two (2♦, 2♥, 2♠) | 6-10 HCP | 6-card suit, preemptive |
| Preemptive 3-Level Bid (3♣, 3♦, 3♥, 3♠) | 6-10 HCP | 7-card suit, preemptive |
Once your partner opens, you need a certain number of points to respond:
| Your Hand | Response | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Response | New suit at the 1-level | 6+ HCP |
| Raise partner’s major (1♥ or 1♠) to 2♥ or 2♠ | 6-9 HCP (support) | |
| Raise to 3♥ or 3♠ (Invitational) | 10-12 HCP (support) | |
| Raise to 4♥ or 4♠ (Game bid) | 13+ HCP (support) | |
| Bid a new suit at the 2-level | 10+ HCP | |
| Jump shift (e.g., 1♦ - 2♠) | 17+ HCP (strong hand) | |
| 2NT response to 1NT opening | 8-9 HCP (invitational) | |
| 3NT response to 1NT opening | 10-15 HCP (game bid) |
Once the bidding starts, the partnership must have enough combined points to advance to game, slam, or grand slam.
| Contract | Minimum Combined Points Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3NT (No Trump Game) | 25+ HCP | Balanced hands, no major fit |
| 4♥ or 4♠ (Major Suit Game) | 25+ HCP | 8-card fit in a major |
| 5♣ or 5♦ (Minor Suit Game) | 28+ HCP | Minor suit games need more points |
| Contract | Minimum Combined Points Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Slam (6-level: 6NT, 6♥, 6♠, etc.) | 33+ HCP | Controls and fit are important |
| Grand Slam (7-level: 7NT, 7♥, etc.) | 37+ HCP | Need to be sure of all tricks |
Use these guidelines to make better bidding decisions in bridge. Happy playing!