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Total Points (TP)
What is my hand really worth?
“In Bridge bidding is the only way you are allowed to communicate with your partner”
Having calculated your
HCP
(High Card Points) and your
DP
(Distribution Points) obtain your Total Points (TP) by adding HCP to your DP. Your TP is the total which helps decide whether you should make an Opening Bid or Pass (P). If you are analysing your hand for a
No Trump
contract do not use total points; use only high card points.
Valuation Scenarios
- High Card Points (HCP)= Yes
- Long Suit Distribution Points (LSDP) = Yes
- Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP) = No
- Total Points (TP)= Long Suit Distribution Points (LSDP) + High Card Points (HCP)
1. Before partner has bid, valuing just your own hand
- High Card Points (HCP)= Yes
- Long Suit Distribution Points (LSDP)= No
- Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP)Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP) = Yes
- Total Points (TP)= Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP) + High Card Points (HCP)
2. After finding a 'Fit' with partner in a Suit Contract
- High Card Points (HCP)= Yes
- Long Suit Distribution Points (LSDP)= No
- Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP)Short Suit Distribution Points (SSDP)= No
- Total Points (TP)= High Card Points (HCP)
3. No Trump Contracts
Total Points (TP) - Practice Game
TP counting for experienced players is effortless but for beginners it can really slow down the bidding. So use our Total Points Practice Game to make your TP counting effortless.
Instant Progress Quiz
Check the correct answer/s
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Your Hand
- ♠ A K 9 8 7
- ♥ A K 10 8 6
- ♦ 4 2
- ♣4
Exercise: What is the Total Point (TP) count for the hand?
Answer: You have 2 five card suits , so 2 DP + 14 HCP your hand is worth 16 TP if it is played in a suit. The DP's do not count in a No Trumps contract so if you were counting for NoTrumps this hand is only worth 14 TP
