ROTH HAND EVALUATION

The methods adapted here come from Modern Bridge Bidding Complete: Introducing the Roth Point Count, by Mr. Alvin Roth and Mr. Jeff Rubens, copyright 1968, printed by Funk and Wagnalls.This somewhat conservative way of evaluating hands avoids over-evaluation when both partners have similar hands. The methods of adding value when a fit is discovered allow for aggressive bidding based on sound values.

Opening Bids

The Basis is Goren's method (Ace = 4, King = 3, Queen = 2, Jack = 1).

Take the total high card points (HCPs) regardless of singletons or doubletons.

If you are going to bid a suit, deduct 1 point for each singleton King, Queen, or Jack, and for doubleton Queens or Jacks without an Ace.

Add 1 point for each doubleton if bidding a suit. This is referred to as Distribution Points.

Add 2 points for each singleton. Also Distribution Points.

Add 3 points for each void. Also Distribution Points.

Add 1 point if holding all four Aces.

Add 1 point if holding a 6-card Major suit. This is referred to as Length Points.

Add 1 point if holding a 6-card Minor suit with two of top three honors.

Add 2 points if holding a 7-card suit. Also Length Points.

If the total is 13, do not open with a one bid unless the hand contains a 4-card Spade suit. Add one point for opening purposes only, when in First or Second Seat. See the next step.

If the total is 14 or more, open with 10 high card points or more, unless you have exactly 14 points with no Aces. Do not open such a hand.

 

Hand Evaluation Adjustment When Partner Bids

Start with total Roth Points. Then make the following adjustments:

If partner bids in one of your short suits, two or less, do not count Distribution Points except if you have a Roth Reliable Suit (see below).

If partner bids in one of your 3-card suits, keep the same Roth count.

If you intend to bid No Trump, do not count Distribution Points, and count length points only in suits with two of the top three honors or better.

If the partner bids one of your long suits, add 1 point,. if the hand contains any doubleton and you intend to raise (Note: long suits = 4 or more).

Each singleton or void is worth 1 more Distribution Point when you have 4-card support and intend to raise.

Each singleton or void is worth 2 more points if you have 5+ card support and intend to raise.

Do not count Length Points in a side suit, except Roth Reliable Suits (see below) if you intend to raise.

Add for Good Trump. With a known 8-card fit, add one for each card over 4 in the agreed suit headed by two of the top 3 honors. (Only one of the partnership should be adding for extra length in those situations where both partners have more than 4).

Roth Reliable Suit: KQT9xx (+) or KQxxxxx (+); with such a good suit, keep all your Roth points. See also Self-Sufficient Suits (below).

Self-Sufficient Suits will have at most 1 loser, normally. With such a suit, double your Length Points, and keep your Distribution Points.

 

 

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.

 

 

 

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