Bridge Bidding Guide

In bridge, the level you bid to depends on the combined High Card Points (HCP) between you and your partner. Here’s a general guide based on standard bidding principles:

Opening Bid (First Bid by Either Partner)

• 12-14 HCP → Open at the 1-level (1♠, 1♥, 1♦, 1♣)
• 15-17 HCP → Consider 1NT (balanced hand)
• 18-19 HCP → Open at the 1-level, planning a strong rebid
• 20-21 HCP → Open 2NT (balanced hand)
• 22+ HCP → Open 2♣ (strong artificial forcing bid)

Game-Level Contracts (Combined Points)

• 25+ HCP → 3NT (if balanced with stoppers in all suits)
• 26+ HCP → 4♥ or 4♠ (if you have an 8-card fit in a major suit)
• 27+ HCP → 5♦ or 5♣ (for minor suits, though usually NT or a major is preferred)

Slam Contracts (Very Strong Hands)

• 31-32+ HCP → 6NT or 6 in a major (slam level)
• 33-34+ HCP → 7NT or 7 in a suit (grand slam, very rare)

Competitive Bidding & Preemptive Bids

If opponents are bidding aggressively, you may compete at the 2-level (10+ combined points) or 3-level (18+ points, or a preemptive bid with a long suit).

Preemptive bids like 3♣ or 3♦ usually show a long, strong suit but fewer high-card points.