The term represents a scoring range employed in the game of bridge to evaluate the potential strength of a player’s hand. Specifically, it signifies that a hand contains between 12 and 21 high card points (HCPs). High card points are a fundamental element of bridge bidding and strategy, assigned to each of the high cards in a deck: Ace = 4 points, King = 3 points, Queen = 2 points, and Jack = 1 point. A hand accumulating points within this particular range is considered moderately strong, offering reasonable possibilities for bidding and gameplay. For example, a hand might contain one Ace, two Kings, and two Queens, totaling 12 points, or it could hold two Aces, two Kings, one Queen, and one Jack, reaching 21 points.
Understanding a hand’s point count is critical for effective bidding and partnership communication in bridge. This specified range indicates a hand with sufficient strength to actively participate in the bidding process and potentially take control of the contract. Historically, HCP valuation has served as a cornerstone of bridge strategy, allowing players to quickly assess hand strength and make informed decisions during bidding. It enables partners to estimate their combined strength, anticipate the number of tricks they can win, and select the most appropriate contract. Efficient point counting leads to more accurate bidding, fewer overbids, and improved overall performance.
