Rule of 20 in Bridge
The Rule of 20 is a guideline used in Bridge to determine whether an unbalanced hand is strong enough to open the bidding at the one-level.
How It Works:
- Add up the high card points (HCP) in your hand.
- Count the total number of cards in your two longest suits.
- If the total is 20 or more, the hand is strong enough to open at the one-level.
Example Hands:
✅ Opening Hand (Rule of 20 applies):
♠ A Q 9 7 5
♥ K J 8 4 3
♦ 6 2
♣ 5
Calculation:
- HCP: 10 (A=4, Q=2, K=3, J=1)
- Longest suits: Spades (5) + Hearts (5) = 10
- Total: 10 + 10 = 20 → You can open 1♠.
🚫 Not an Opening Hand (Rule of 20 fails):
♠ K 9 6 2
♥ Q 8 7
♦ J 5 4 3
♣ A 9
Calculation:
- HCP: 10 (A=4, K=3, Q=2, J=1)
- Longest suits: Spades (4) + Diamonds (4) = 8
- Total: 10 + 8 = 18 → Too weak to open.
When to Use the Rule of 20:
- Best for unbalanced hands (hands with long suits).
- Not typically used for balanced hands (consider the Rule of 22 instead).
- Consider other factors like suit quality and quick tricks.