The Rule of 20: When You Can Open With 19 Points

Ever wondered if your hand is strong enough to open? There’s a simple trick experienced players use: the Rule of 20.

Here’s how it works: Add your high card points (HCP) to the length of your two longest suits. If the total is 20 or more, you can open the bidding.

Example:
♠ KJ965

♥ A4

♦ Q873

♣ J2

This hand has 11 HCP (K=3, J=1, A=4, Q=2, J=1). Your longest suits are spades (5 cards) and diamonds (4 cards). That’s 11 + 5 + 4 = 20. You can open 1♠!

Why does this work? Long suits generate tricks through length, not just high cards. The Rule of 20 accounts for distribution value.
When to ignore it: Don’t open weak hands in 3rd or 4th seat unless you have good defense. And avoid opening hands with poor quality like all queens and jacks.
Next time you’re on the fence about opening, do the math. The Rule of 20 won’t steer you wrong.

Take Your Bidding to the Next Level