Counting your hand's points to bid
Updated
Estimating your hand's points and honours helps set a bid. But it's a guide, not a law: shape matters as much as the total.
The values to know
In trumps: jack 20, nine 14, ace 11, ten 10, king 4, queen 3. In a side suit: ace 11, ten 10, king 4, queen 3, jack 2. Counting your honours gives a first idea of your hand's potential, especially in the suit you're eyeing as trump.
Quick-reference table
| Card | Trump | Suit |
|---|---|---|
| Jack | 20 | 2 |
| Nine | 14 | 0 |
| Ace | 11 | 11 |
| Ten | 10 | 10 |
| King | 4 | 4 |
| Queen | 3 | 3 |
Why the total isn't enough
Two 40-point hands aren't equal if one is concentrated and the other scattered. A long trump suit yields tricks that simple honour-counting doesn't show. Conversely, isolated honours (a lone queen) often fall. Use counting as a starting point, then adjust for shape, partner and score. No bid is dictated by a single number.
Example: the same hand, two possible trump suits
You hold the jack, 9 and 10 of spades, the ace and 10 of hearts, the king and queen of diamonds, and the 8 of clubs. Count it two ways:
| Suit | If spades are trump | If hearts are trump |
|---|---|---|
| Spades (J, 9, 10) | 20 + 14 + 10 = 44 | 2 + 0 + 10 = 12 |
| Hearts (A, 10) | 11 + 10 = 21 | 11 + 10 = 21 |
| Diamonds (K, Q) | 4 + 3 = 7 | 4 + 3 = 7 |
| Clubs (8) | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 72 | 40 |
The same hand goes from 40 to 72 points depending on the trump suit, purely because of the jack and the 9. That's why counting is first a tool for choosing the suit, before setting the level. Here spades are the obvious pick: you hold the two strongest trumps, plus the ace of hearts on the side.
From counting to bidding
Keep one often-forgotten point in mind: the points in your hand aren't the points you'll score. You score the cards in the tricks your team wins, including the ones the opponents throw into them. The trump suit is worth 62 points (20 + 14 + 11 + 10 + 4 + 3) and each other suit 30 (11 + 10 + 4 + 3 + 2): 62 + 3 × 30 = 152, plus 10 for the last trick, so 162. To make 80, your team therefore needs a bit more than half the deal: at least 82 points without belote, since you must also outscore the defence. Your 72 points in hand are a good sign, not a guarantee. Next, see evaluating your hand before bidding.
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FAQ
How much is the jack worth depending on the contract?
In trumps the jack is worth 20 points; in a side suit only 2. It's the most dramatic gap in the scale, which explains its weight in choosing trump.
Does a high point total guarantee a good contract?
No. Card distribution and trump length matter as much as the total. A high but scattered count can disappoint, and the reverse too.
Why is a deal worth 162 points?
The trump suit is worth 62 points and each of the three others 30, so 152 in cards. Add 10 points for the team that wins the last trick (the ten for last): 162. Belote (20) is added separately.