Bidding Thin Games with a Good Fit
A nine-card fit and a shortage can make game with fewer than 25 points. Count shape as well as points when deciding.
The 25-point guide for game assumes balanced hands. With a good trump fit and shortages, ten tricks often come with far fewer points, because ruffs make tricks that points don't count.
Count support points
When you have support for partner's major, add points for shortages:
Void: 5 points
Singleton: 3 points
Doubleton: 1 point
This applies to the hand that is raising (dummy), because short suits in dummy produce ruffs.
Example
Partner opens 1♠. You hold:
♠ K 9 7 4 ♥ 6 ♦ A 8 6 5 3 ♣ 9 7 2
That is 7 HCP plus 3 for the singleton heart: 10 support points with four-card support. Raise to 3♠, a limit raise, rather than 2♠.
Opener's side
Opener can revalue too. With a sixth trump, a good second suit or a singleton, a minimum opening becomes worth accepting a game invitation.
When not to stretch
Wasted values: honours opposite partner's shortage, such as K Q opposite a singleton, don't pull their weight.
Only an eight-card fit and flat shape: stick to the points.
Pairs: consider whether a thin game needs to be better than even (see "Pushing to Game at Pairs and at Teams").
Key takeaways
Fit and shortage create tricks that points miss.
Add support points for shortages when raising.
Discount honours facing partner's shortage.