Point Requirements for Games and Slams

When bidding with your partner, it is good to keep in mind the total point requirements for your team to make game/slam in a particular suit or notrump. Total points are points in both your and your partner's hand. Point values to make games and slams are a bit subjective, so here's the point values I use for bidding:

     Three Notrump, Four Hearts, Four Spades   = 26 points
     Five Clubs or Five Diamonds               = 29 points
     Any Small Slam (6 bid or 12 tricks)       = 33 points
     Any Grand Slam (7 bid or 13 tricks)       = 37 points

It is important to keep in mind that these values are simply guidelines to making the contracts. If you and your partner have a good hand fit, it is likely that you could make more tricks than bid, and have less points than were required. Because of the subjectivity of point requirements, it is usually more important to listen to your partner's bids and responses than worry over a point or two. If things are way off, then your bidding should be modified to reflect what your point requirements should be.

Questions about the guide? It is maintained by Dave Fenwick. Please send mail with comments. If you have an interesting additions, please send them for inclusion also.