Every now and then the bridge player is not quite certain whether to bid or even bid one level higher than the opponents. Every now and then the bridge player is not quite certain whether to sacrifice to obtain a better result than the previous table. Every now and then the bridge player is not certain sure whether to preempt, attempting a so-called advanced save.

The rule of two and three is sort of a guideline used in determining whether to make a preemptive bid, whether to overcall or overbid, whether to make that sacrifice, or simply pass.

Using the numbers a bridge player should be aware of the fact that he cannot afford to be set more than 500 points by favorable vulnerability. This number is rather the magic boundary. If the opponents have game and they are not vulnerable, then the result equals minus 400-420 points for you. If the opponents are vulnerable, then the amount would equal minus 600-620 points for you.

The rule of two and three is a method of determining the better score. As proposed by Mr. Ely Culbertson for preemptive openings and overcalls, the partnership should be within two tricks of their contract, if vulnerable and deciding to sacrifice for the sake of a better score. If the partnership, however, loses three tricks while not vulnerable, then the partnership can also achieve a better score.

Therefore, logic demands that:

1.	If you are not vulnerable, doubled, down two, then the result is minus 300 points for you.
2.	If you are vulnerable, doubled, down two, then the result is minus 500 points.
3.	But, if you are not vulnerable, doubled, down three, then the result is minus 500 points for you.
4.	If you are vulnerable, doubled, down three, then the result is minus 800 points.

Conclusion: taking the risk of being down two tricks, doubled, vulnerable, or taking the risk of being down three tricks, doubled, not vulnerable, is not all that bad.

The guideline passes along the information that at a contract of 4 Hearts, the declarer should have 8 tricks if he is vulnerable, if this is clearly a preempt or sacrifice, and 7 tricks if he is not vulnerable. The position at the table should also be taken into consideration

With the rule of two and three there is very little mathematical calculation besides adding up quickly the different results very likely achieved according to vulnerability. The bridge player is looking to achieve the best score, but there should be reasoning and logic and information behind the preemptive bid, the sacrifice bid, the advanced save or overcall.

Please remember that the rule of two and three applies only to the almost certain assumption that the opponents can bid game, not slam. The action of sacrificing against almost certain slams takes on another form.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.