Page 158 - 2 over 1 Game Force

Chapter 9: Defensive Carding and Bridge Rules 158

Rule of 10/12

When playing third and fifth best leads, the concepts remain the same. Using fifteen

as the base, subtract from fifteen the card led (third or fifth best). If partner’s lead is third
best, subtract spot card from twelve (15 - 3). If partner’s lead is fifth best, subtract spot card

from ten (15 - 5). If you are not sure, try both; one of the answers is likely to make more
sense than the other, giving you an idea of partner’s holding

Rule of 15

A rule used for opening the bidding in the fourth seat. You should open the bidding if
the number of high card points and the number of spades equals fifteen. This assumes that

spades are likely to be evenly divided between the two partnerships and that a fit in spades
may exist.

Rule of 17

When your partner preempts with a weak major suit two-bid, you have to decide
whether to compete at the three-level or bid game. To help, one may use the rule of 17. Add

your high card points to the number of trump held. If this total is seventeen or more, bid
game; if the total is more than ten but less than seventeen, compete to the three-level. If you

are still unsure, use Ogust and bid 2NT. If the response is 3♥ (good hand, bad suit) or 3♠

(good hand, good suit), bid game, compete to only the four-level; otherwise, raise the bid to
the three-level.

Rule of 20/22

To determine whether to open a hand in the first or second seats, one often uses the
rule of 20/22. If the number of high card points and the number of cards in your two longest

suits add to twenty and you have two quick tricks (22), open the hand. In the third seat, one
only needs one and one-half quick tricks (the rule of 21 ½). In the fourth seat, the rule of 15 is

used. Some use 20; however, this does not require two quick tricks.

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