Bridge is a complex game that requires excellent memory and attention to detail. Between the bidding, card play, and hand evaluation, it can be challenging to remember everything at once. Fortunately, memory techniques exist to help players recall essential rules, conventions, and basic strategies. These tips simplify the game and allow you to focus better on decision-making.
1. The 4-3-2-1 rule for evaluating points
One of the most commonly used memory techniques to evaluate hand strength is the 4-3-2-1 rule. It assigns a value to each honor (Ace, King, Queen, Jack), helping you quickly calculate the High Card Points (HCP) in your hand.
- Ace = 4 points
- King = 3 points
- Queen = 2 points
- Jack = 1 point
Practical example: If you have the Ace, King, and Jack of Spades, your hand has 4 + 3 + 1 = 8 HCP in that suit. This allows for a quick assessment of whether your hand is strong or weak.
2. The rule of 20 for opening
The rule of 20 is another popular memory technique used to decide whether you should open the bidding. This rule states that you should add your HCP and the number of cards in your two longest suits. If the total reaches 20 points or more, you can consider opening the bidding.
Example: If you have 12 HCP and your two longest suits have 5 and 4 cards, you have 12 + 5 + 4 = 21, so you can open the bidding.
3. The law of total tricks (LTT)
The law of total tricks is a simple memory technique for estimating how high you should bid. This law states that the total number of tricks a team can expect to make is usually equal to the total number of trump cards held between both partners.
Memory tip: **Number of trumps = Number of tricks**. For example, if you and your partner have 9 cards in the trump suit together, you should be able to make 9 tricks. This helps you decide how aggressively to bid.
4. The “Roudi” for artificial responses
The Roudi is a simple memory convention to remember for those using artificial responses at the 2 Clubs level after a rebid of 1NT. Generally, this convention helps ask for information about the opener’s hand strength and distribution. Remembering this convention allows you to manage bids better when playing with a partner using the same codes.
5. The “RAC” for choosing leads
When it comes to choosing a lead in defense, the memory technique RAC is a helpful tip to remember the priorities:
- King: Lead under a King if you have the King and another card.
- Ace: If you have the Ace, generally wait to play it unless your partner has called that suit.
- Long suit: Prioritize leading from a long suit.
This helps structure your leads and increases the chances of giving helpful information to your partner.
6. The “Rule of 15” in fourth position
The Rule of 15 is a memory technique that helps you decide whether to open the bidding in fourth position. According to this rule, you should add your HCP to the length of your spade suit. If the total is equal to or greater than 15, it is generally advisable to open.
Example: If you have 11 HCP and 5 spades, you get 11 + 5 = 16, giving you the green light to open.
7. The “Rule of 11” for card play
The Rule of 11 is a useful tip for defenders when an intermediate card is led. You subtract the value of the card led from 11, and the result tells you how many cards higher than that card are held among the other three hands (partner and opponents).
Example: If a 7 is led, 11 – 7 = 4, meaning there are 4 cards higher than the 7 among the three other hands.
| Memory Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 4-3-2-1 | HCP: Ace (4), King (3), Queen (2), Jack (1) |
| Rule of 20 | Open if HCP + length of two longest suits = 20 |
| Law of total tricks (LTT) | Total trumps = Total possible tricks |
| RAC | Lead rule: King, Ace, Long suit |
| Rule of 15 | Open in 4th position if HCP + spade length = 15 |
| Rule of 11 | Subtract the lead card’s value from 11 to know the high cards in play |
The memory techniques in bridge are excellent tools to simplify decision-making and improve your performance without having to memorize everything. Using these tips, you can better evaluate your hands, decide on bids, and optimize your card play. Practice them regularly so they become natural reflexes at the table!
