BiddingWhen 11 points isn't quite enough.
The Rule of 20
Beginner
16 min · single video
← hit play, I'll walk you through it
About this hand
That borderline hand with shape but not quite enough points — the Rule of 20 helps you decide. Add your high card points to the length of your two longest suits, check for two quick tricks, and you've got a tool that turns hesitation into a clear opening bid. Lorna walks you through four hands so you'll know exactly when to bid and when to pass.
What you'll pick up
- Adding HCP + length of your two longest suits to spot a borderline opener
- The two-quick-tricks safety check that rules out shapeless 12s
- Telling a 5-4 hand worth bidding from a 5-3 that isn't
- Four sample hands: when to bid, when to pass