This document is a technical reference manual for the Force Point (Fp) hand evaluation and bidding system used in the card game of bridge. It is written for experienced bridge players, particularly those interested in mathematical or relay-based bidding methods. The text defines how to calculate a Base Number (B#) from honor cards and distribution, and how to derive the Play Level (PL) for a…
This document is a technical reference manual for the Force Point (Fp) hand evaluation and bidding system used in the card game of bridge. It is written for experienced bridge players, particularly those interested in mathematical or relay-based bidding methods. The text defines how to calculate a Base Number (B#) from honor cards and distribution, and how to derive the Play Level (PL) for a contract.
The first section explains explicit counting of Force Points. It assigns values to Aces, Kings, Queens, Singletons, and Voids, with notes on duplication and adjustments for long suits. Formulas are given for 7-card mono suits, 6/5 bi-colors, and 6/6 bi-colors, using 0.5*(n-6) and 0.5*(m-10).
A large section covers positive and negative adjustments to the Play Level. Positive adjustments include bonuses for 4 Aces, AQJT+, 9-card Super FITs, and specific side suit holdings. Negative adjustments cover misfits, mirror suits, Kings opposite Voids or Singletons, and lack of honors in long suits. Rules for NT versus suit contracts are also detailed.
The document explains how to find your Base Number (B#) by subtracting 2 from the sum of all points, and how to use the SCOR convention to show exact distribution. It describes how to answer relay questions about Control Points (CP) and Equivalent Queens (EQ) in steps, with formulas varying by hand shape (e.g., 4*B# for 6-card suits, 4*B#-2 for 7-card suits).
The final section provides practical thresholds for bidding: 3NT requires PL >= 4.0 and 22+ CP; small slam requires PL >= 6.0 and 32+ CP; grand slam requires PL >= 7.5 and 36 or 40 CP. It warns against the 'Fp Bermuda Triangle' of playing 4 of a major with exactly PL 4.0 without a Singleton or Void.