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Total Points (TP)
Most bidding systems use a point-count system for hand evaluation using a combination of
high card points plus distributional points. These points are the indicators of how high your partnership can afford to bid without incurring a penalty
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.
When to use Short suit DP's and when to use Long suit DP's
- High Card Points (HCP) = Yes
- Long suit distribution points (LSDP) = Yes
- SSDP = No
- Your total points (TP) = Long suit distribution points (LSDP) + High Card Points (HCP)
1. Before partner has bid, valuing your own hand
- High Card Points (HCP) = Yes
- Long suit distribution points (LSDP) = No
- SSDP = Yes
- Your total points (TP) = 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
- SSDP = No
- Your total points (TP) = High Card Points (HCP) only
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. Use our Total Points lesson and Practice Games to make your TP counting effortless.
Instant Progress Quiz - Check the correct answer
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