zerlic

It used to work that way for beginners but that was back when millions were learning by non-mechanical methods. Looking over Sheinwolds "5 weeks to winning bridge", 1959 and Goren's "Contract bridge complete" 1954, and Culbertson's "contract bridge complete" 1954 all contain instructions for beginners that are judgment-based. Rebiddable suits, Length in Majors, ease of rebid, defensive values ( quick tricks), discount short suit quacks, etc. Essentially used the rule of 20 with judgment added. HCP + 1,2,3 for shortness =13 = same hand as rule of 20 = Optional openings. ♠AQJ84 ♥K10974 ♦43 ♣ 6 is an opening ♠43 ♥6 ♦AQJ84 ♣K10974 is not. I teach the rule of 20 for the first game only, so they experience the flow and feel of the bidding, then I add judgment factors. That way you don't have to spend several sessions un-teaching rules that don't actually apply to bridge.