Queries 9R02   Main

Opening Leads

by Richard Pavlicek

This page contains selected queries to “Ask Richard” related to the above title, though discussion may include other topics. Presentation is reverse-chronological. Names, greetings and personal messages have been removed to respect privacy and focus on bridge.

Queries and follow-ups (if any) are shown in this color.

1. Leading edge from India January 13, 2012 #9S17

West Pass	North 3 NT	East All Pass	SOUTH 1 NT	IMPs			Trick	Lead
				None Vul			1 W	?
				A K 2
				10 9 7 3
				J 9 8 2
				J 3
				3 NT South

What would you lead against 3 NT, and how strongly do you feel about it?

Not even close; the K (or ace depending on agreements).

I once did a double-dummy simulation on almost the same situation, whether to lead from A-K-x or 10-9-8-7, and was surprised to see the K win by a wide margin. The number of quick sets vastly outnumbered the tempo/trick losses allowing 3 NT to make. At matchpoints, judged by average tricks (ignoring make/set) it was close, but the K still had a slight edge. Weakening the hearts to 10-9-7-3 should make the K an even bigger winner.

This deal was played at four tables, and all defenders (including me) led the 10. Partner had Q-x-x-x-x, so the K was indeed the winning lead. I was concerned about conceding a tempo when I decided against the K.

2. Lightner mystery from Colorado June 28, 2011 #9RA8

WEST 1 4 Pass Pass All Pass	North 1 4 Pass Pass	East Pass 5 Dbl 7	South 2 6 Rdbl 7	Any scoring			Trick	Lead
				N-S Vul			1 W	?
				4
				K 6 2
				A K Q 8 5 4 3 2
				4
				7 South

What should West lead? And is it clear-cut?

Clear-cut? When was the last time your partner doubled six but passed when they went to seven? Nothing is clear on auctions like this. I suspect partner’s double was Lightner asking for a heart lead (dummy’s suit), but if void he would probably double 7  to reaffirm it. Maybe he has the A and the N-S hands are x Q-J-10-9-x-x x K-J-x-x-x opposite A-K-Q-J-x-x-x-x x A-Q-x-x. Or maybe I’m dreaming, but I lead a heart.

I do not like West’s 4 bid — too easy, as 95 percent of the time it’s just a transfer to the opponents’ comfortable home in four of a major. Much better is five diamonds to apply some pressure.

3. Manifest destiny from Wisconsin March 23, 2011 #9R73

West Pass Pass Pass All Pass	NORTH Pass 2 3 4	East Pass Pass Pass Pass	South 2 2 3 7	Total Points	A 8 6 2		Trick	Lead
				Both Vul	Q 10 4 3		1 W	?
					9 7 4
					J 6
				10 7		J 9 4 3
				8 2		5
				Q 8 6 5		J 10 2
				K Q 7 4 2		10 9 8 5 3
					K Q 5
					A K J 9 7 6
					A K 3
				7 South	A

What should West lead?

The K is a standout, but I suppose a few experts might lead a trump. Either allows the grand to make. Only a diamond lead defeats it by breaking up the double squeeze, but I would be suspicious of anyone who chose that at the table.

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© 2012 Richard Pavlicek