So long suits are in some ways more important than high-card points.

West had lots of high-card points but no great reason to think he could take four tricks in defense.

West's double showed at least six high-card points, and was not for penalties.

Half a century ago it was used to mean a very powerful balanced hand, with perhaps 28 high-card points.

West had already shown up with 17 high-card points, so could not have the heart queen.

Holding nine high-card points, he should have made some show of strength.

You have, say, eight high-card points with no particularly unusual distribution.

First, South has shown a balanced hand with about 14 high-card points.

His partner held 19 high-card points for a total of 37 in the combined hands.

And each player knew exactly how many high-card points he held.