Evaluating your hand before bidding

Before any bid, take time to read your hand. Good judgment beats a point chart applied blindly.

The three basic questions

My trumps: how many, and which are masters (jack, nine, ace)?
My sides: do I have aces or winners outside trumps?
My shape: am I long somewhere, short elsewhere (so I can ruff)?

Master trumps and length

The trump jack is worth 20 and the nine 14: these two cards are decisive. A long trump suit (5 cards or more) gives you control even without every honour. Conversely, three small trumps with no jack or nine is fragile.

Think in tricks, not just points

Counting your hand's points helps, but the real question is the tricks you can win. A master ace on the side is a sure trick; a long suit may yield several late in the deal. Assess what you control, then set your bid remembering your partner will add their share.

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FAQ

Should you count points or tricks?

Both complement each other. Points give a first impression, but reasoning in winnable tricks is often more reliable when deciding a bid.

Can a hand without the trump jack still bid?

Yes, if it's long in trumps or rich in side aces. The missing jack makes the contract riskier without forbidding it. It depends on the rest of the hand.