Evaluating Voids in Trump Contracts

Raw High Card Points (HCP) fail to accurately measure the power of extreme shape. Evaluating a Void correctly is critical for bidding tight games and slams. Once a trump fit is agreed, a void is functionally equivalent to an Ace (preventing the opponents from taking a trick in that suit), and often better, as you can ruff their cards indefinitely.

Why voids warrant massive upgrades

If the opponents hold the A-K-Q of Diamonds, that represents 9 HCP. If you have a Diamond void and a strong trump fit, you will ruff their Ace. Your void has completely neutralized their 9 points! Because of this, standard hand evaluation adds 3 to 5 "distribution points" for a void once a fit is found.

A worked example: Bidding game on 7 points

Your Hand (Responder):

♠ K J 9 8 5 4

♥ 8 4 3 2

♦ — (Void)

♣ 7 5 3

(4 HCP)

The Auction:

• Partner: 1♠
• You: 4♠

Caption: You only have 4 HCP. But you hold 6 Spades and a Diamond void. If partner has normal opening values (e.g., the ♠A-Q and some minor suit Aces), your void will cover all their Diamond losers. Jumping to 4♠ is both a preempt and a highly likely make.

Four common mistakes

• Adding distribution points for a void before a trump fit is found.
• Valuing a void when playing in No-Trump (a void in NT is a massive downgrade!).
• Overvaluing a void in partner's primary suit (partner wants to establish their Aces and Kings, not watch you ruff them).
• Passing with minimal points despite holding a 6-card fit and a void.

When the rule does not apply

A void is only valuable if you have trumps to ruff with. If you are void in Diamonds but only hold a doubleton in the trump suit, the void is weak because you will run out of trumps immediately.

Key takeaways

• Add 3-5 points for a void after finding a trump fit.
• A void neutralises the opponents' top honours.
• Worthless in No-Trump.
• Do not overvalue voids in partner's main suit.