| Rule of 15 - Also known as "Pearson Points" or "Cassino 
    Points", this refers to a secondary 
    hand evaluation methodology when a hand does not have sufficient strength to 
    open bidding using a traditional point count. Typically used by the 
    player in the fourth (passout) seat, the player counts traditional High Card Points 
    and adds 1 point for each Spade.  If the cumulative value is 15 or 
    greater, the player should open the hand for bidding.   Some like 
    the thought of competing vigorously enough to use the Rule of 15 in the 
    third seat as well.
 
      
        | High Card Points | Minimum 
        Spades needed to open the bidding | Sum |  
        | 10 | 5 | 10+5 = 15 |  
        | 11 | 4 | 11+4 = 15 |  
        | 12 | 3 | 12+3 = 15 |  Also see
    Rule of 20 |