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Beginner bridge – Total Points (TP)

Most bidding systems use a point-count system for hand evaluation using a combination of high card points and distributional points.

What is my hand really worth?

Evaluating what your hand is worth is an vital concept for a beginner Bridge player to learn early. 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.

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This is a ‘lite’ version of the lessons available to members. Our full interactive lessons include in inbuilt Bridge term glossary, instant quiz to test your knowledge and multiple practice hands to play on each subject. Our members area also delivers a new Hand of the Day lesson each day, daily Bridge competitions and unlimited random practice hands to play.

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Valuation Scenarios

• HCP = Yes
• LSDP = Yes
• SSDP = No
• TP = LSDP + HCP
  

• HCP = Yes
• LSDP = No
• SSDP = Yes
• TP = SSDP + HCP
  

• HCP = Yes
• LSDP = No
• SSDP = No
• TP = HCP only

Total Points (TP) – Practice Game

TP counting for experienced players is effortless but for beginner Bridge players 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

Total Points is the same as High Card points Yes  No

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.

The 60SecondBridge website is divided into two sections, our ‘Public Lessons’ and our ‘Members Only’ section. The table below outlines the differences between the two areas.

MEMBERS AREA LESSONS AND BRIDGE GAMES

‘Members Area’ lessons include inline glossaries for bridge terms, ‘test your knowledge’ instant quizzes and multiple practice hands for each lesson (see video below).
Our members-only lessons are a much faster and more effective method of learning Bridge.

• 
  FREE ACCESS TO THE FIRST 2 BEGINNERS COURSES (no registration required)
• Quick Start – Learn By Playing Bridge (5 lessons)
• Bridge Hand Evaluation (14 lessons)
  
  MEMBERS-ONLY SUBSCRIPTION
• Standard American bidding System (28 lessons)
• Acol Bridge Lessons (26 lessons)
• On Defense – Bidding and Card Play (36 lessons)
• Bridge Conventions in Bridge (14 lessons)
• Declarer Card Play (16 lessons)
  
  Our members area also includes unlimited random practice hands to play online, daily Bridge competitions and a daily ‘Hand of the Day’ game with a guided commentary.