If unsure it is better to underbid than to overbid. Its easier to get rid of a winner than to manufacture an extra trick. The most common error of beginning players is overbidding.

At least 7 factors must be considered when deciding on a bid:
Strength of hand
Distribution of hand
Number of cards dealt
Number of players
Order of bid
Score and stage of the game
Pattern of bidding

Hands containing high cards obviously call for higher bids than hands lacking such strength. The possession of Wizards adds not only strength but flexibility as well. The Wizards value is greatly enhanced by the fact that it can be played at any time. This means that it can be used to avoid winning or losing a trick. Jesters, like Wizards can be played to avoid taking an unwanted trick or to protect a card that is needed to win a later trick.

The length of each suit held determines the shape of the hand. A long suit adds flexibility because high cards are usually protected by lower ones. Conversely cards in short suits are often forced out at the most inopportune moment. Mid-range cards such as 8-9-10 can be a real problem in a short suit.

Other things being equal, the more cards in the hand the higher the bid. In a 4-handed game a player will likely bid higher if dealt 10 cards than if only dealt 3 cards.

Other things being equal the more players, the lower the bid. If each player receives 9 cards, bids will be lower with six players than with three players.

Previous bids must be considered. High bids indicate the possession of Wizards and trump and consequently your bidding must be tempered by this information. Similarly, low bids may require an upward evaluation of your hand.

Your ranking on the score pad and how many hands remain to be played are factors which impact on the bid. If trailing and time is running out, it may be necessary to bid more aggressively.

One should always consider the pattern of bidding established by the other players. For example if a particular player tends to overbid consistently this information must be taken into account before bidding.

With an awkward hand and bidding last it is wise to call it even. An awkward hand is one which lacks flexibility.
With a leading score and bidding last, it is advantageous to make a bid that will enable all players to be successful so that the score will not change dramatically. Conversely when losing more aggressive bidding is often necessary and even calls should be avoided. The gamble is that the leader will break and the standings will change. This is particularly true in the late stages of a game when the potential for scoring many points is high.

You are first to call. Spades are trump. There are 4 players.
You hold: 2, 6, spades. A,J,6,3 hearts. 4 clubs. 3,9 diamonds. What is your bid?


Ans. Bid One. You could win 2 but not knowing what the other players are going to bid makes a bid of one safer.

You are last to call. Spades are trump. There are 3 players. Each of the other 2 players have bid one.
You hold: 7S, QH, 6C
What do you bid?

Ans. Bid Zero.
A heart lead could sink you but maybe not.
A club, spade or diamond lead should put you in pretty good shape. (Should)

Excellent thread. Was searching for some useful tips. Thanks guys.