The Opener determines the opening bid using High Card Points (HCPs) and distribution, specifically:
- With 5-11 points and a long suit (6+ cards), open the bidding with a pre-emptive bid such as 2♦.
- With 12-21 points and an unbalanced hand, open the bidding with a suit bid at the 1 level.
- With 15-17 points and balanced hand, open the bidding with 1NT (No Trump).
- With 20-21 points and a balanced hand, open the bidding with 2NT.
- With 22+ points, open the bidding with a forcing bid such as 2♣.
Overcaller, Responder, and Advancer bids determine the Opener’s second bid.
