There are forty points in a pack so the average per player is 10 points. We open with an above average hand and open every hand with 12 or more points. We can open with fewer points with good distribution, especially when points are in our long suits.
For example:
S QJx 12 points, balanced We open one no trump | S AKxxx |
S Kxxxx We pass | S AKx We open one diamond when non-vulnerable. |
There are bonus points for bidding game at bridge: 3NT, 4H, 4S, 5C, 5D. In order to make game you need approximately 24-25 points between the two hands for 3NT and 4H/4S and a couple more points for 5C/5D. So, with sufficient strength, generally we look for major fits and otherwise try 3NT unless we have concerns about an opponent’s suit.
So, if you have 12 points and partner opens, do not stop bidding until you have reached game.
When partner opens at the one level, he can have as many as 19 points. So we always respond on hands with 6 points and sometimes on hands with 5 points when we have a good suit to show.
RULE: If you know you should not pass, but cannot think what to do, just find a bid. DO NOT PASS.
A big fear for inexperienced players is that partner will pass a bid when they do not want them to: this leads to overbidding and unnecessary jumping. Experience will bring a better understanding of what is forcing and what is non-forcing, but generally: