Hand Evaluation

In Bridge, evaluating the strength of your hand is crucial for deciding how to bid. The most common methods for hand evaluation include High Card Points (HCP), Length (Distribution) Points, and Dummy Points.

A Bridge hand evaluation popup

High Card Points (HCP)

HCP is calculated based on the number of high cards in your hand. Count 4 points for each Ace, 3 for each King, 2 for each Queen, and 1 for each Jack.

A Bridge bid explanation using HCP

These are typically used for no trump (NT) bids and as the starting point for other hand evaluation approaches below. You’ll see them in bid explanations as “HCP”.

Length (Distribution) Points

Length points start with HCP, then add points based on how many cards you have in each suit beyond four.

For example, if you have 10 HCP and a five-card suit, you have 11 length points. If you have 10 HCP and a six-card suit, you have 12 length points. And if you have 10 HCP and two five-card suits, you also have 12 length points.

A Bridge bid explanation using length points

Length points are typically used when opening in a suit or bidding a new suit. You’ll see them in bid explanations simply as “points”.

Dummy Points

Dummy points also start with HCP, but add points based on shortness in suits instead. Add 1 for each doubleton, 3 for each singleton, and 5 for each void.

For example, if you have 10 HCP, a void, and a doubleton, you’d have 10 + 5 + 1 = 16 dummy points.

A Bridge bid explanation using dummy points

Dummy points are typically used when responding to your partner’s bid with support for their suit (meaning you’ve found an 8-card or better fit between the two of you). You’ll see them in bid explanations as “dummy points”.