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Now 4432 distribution with 15-17 HCP with exactly matches Goren's 16-18 Total Points; but we have a more accurate and precise evaluation for other distributions.

Now 4432 distribution (the most common) with 15-17 HCP exactly matches Goren's 16-18 Total Points; but we have a more accurate and precise evaluation for other distributions.

Here are overall evaluations for some frequent hand distributions:

• -1 4333
• +1 4432
• +2 5332
• +2 4441
• +3 5422
• +3 5431
• +4 5440
• +4 6322 w/o 2+ fit from partner
• +5 6322 w/ 2+ fit from partner

Here are overall evaluations for some frequent hand distributions (where the distributional evaluation is the same value, I have ordered them weaker followed by stronger according to my personal subjective assessment):

• -1 4333
• +1 4432
• +2 5332
• +2 4441
• +3 5422
• +3 5431
• +4 6322 w/o 2+ fit from partner
• +4 5440
• +5 6322 w/ 2+ fit from partner

Back to your specific example, this evaluates 5332 distribution as (+1+1) - (-1) = +3 points better than a 4333 hand; but only 1 point better than a 4432 distribution.

Back to your specific example, this evaluates 5332 distribution as (+1+1) - (-1) = +3 points better than a 4333 hand; but only 1 point better than a 4432 distribution - from 4432 to 5332 one has lost a four card suit to gain the five bagger.

Here are overall evaluations for some frequent hand distributions:

• -1 4333
• +1 4432
• +2 5332
• +2 4441
• +3 5422
• +3 5431
• +4 5440
• +4 6322 w/o 2+ fit from partner
• +5 6322 w/ 2+ fit from partner

A reminder - this system is a means of assessing the potential for establishing length tricks due to the intrinsic shape of the hand. This is absolutely not an acceptable or accurate means of assessing ruffing potential in the hand with shorter trumps.