Test your knowledge

Hand evaluation - How strong is your hand, HCP

Question 1 (of 8 on this page)
When trying to assess the strength of your hand, how many points should you count for an Ace ?

1. 10
2. 6
3. 5
4. 4
5. 3
6. 2
7. 1
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Question 1 (of 8 on this page)
When trying to assess the strength of your hand, how many points should you count for an Ace ?
Answer
4 . 4

An Ace is always worth 4 points.
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Question 2 (of 8 on this page)
When trying to assess the strength of your hand, is a King always worth 3 points ?

1. yes
2. no
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Question 2 (of 8 on this page)
When trying to assess the strength of your hand, is a King always worth 3 points ?
Answer
2 . no

If the King is on it's own, there is a chance it will be worthless. Reduce its value by one point.
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Question 3 (of 8 on this page)
When should you restore the full value of a singleton King ?

1. When your partner is strong in that suit
2. When you have reached suit agreement
3. When you are playing in NT
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Question 3 (of 8 on this page)
When should you restore the full value of a singleton King ?
Answer
1 . When your partner is strong in that suit

The King will not be beaten if your partner has the Ace.
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Question 4 (of 8 on this page)
When is an Ace worth more than 4 points ?

1. When you are playing in NT
2. When it is opposite a void
3. When you have all 4 Aces
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Question 4 (of 8 on this page)
When is an Ace worth more than 4 points ?
Answer
3 . When you have all 4 Aces

Add a point. It means that the enemy cannot possibly lead a suit that will guarantee them an early trick.
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Question 5 (of 8 on this page)
How many points should you give yourself for a doubleton suit containing the Jack and the Queen ?

1. 5
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
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Question 5 (of 8 on this page)
How many points should you give yourself for a doubleton suit containing the Jack and the Queen ?
Answer
2 . 2

At first, only 2, not 3. Because unless they are opposite good cards in your partner's hand they will both lose. (But at least with a doubleton you can only lose 2 tricks in this suit unless you are playing in NT). Note: opposite the A K 3 2 you cards are probably worth 4 points.
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Question 6 (of 8 on this page)
When is the Jack not worth even one point ?

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Question 6 (of 8 on this page)
When is the Jack not worth even one point ?
Answer
.

If it has 2 little cards next to it, and no more, then it is likely to have to be played under one of the 3 higher cards, and so will never win.
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Question 7 (of 8 on this page)
When is the 10 worth a point ?

1. Never
2. On Mondays
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Question 7 (of 8 on this page)
When is the 10 worth a point ?
Answer
2 . On Mondays

When you also have the Queen and the Jack. Seems to happen on Mondays
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Question 8 (of 8 on this page)
You are West (vulnerable) in the hands to the right, and the first to bid. What should you bid?

1. pass
2. 1 Club
3. 1 NT
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Question 8 (of 8 on this page)
You are West (vulnerable) in the hands to the right, and the first to bid. What should you bid?
Answer
1 . pass

You don't have 12 points, so pass. I know you have a 5-card suit, but all your honours are isolated. In any case, opening "light", if you must, is best done when you are NOT vulnerable.

By the way, if you DID (unjustifiably) use your 5-card suit to upgrade your hand to 12 points, you would open 1NT not 1 Club, since your hand is balanced.
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