Queries 9R02 Main
Opening Leads
by Richard PavlicekQueries 9R02 Main |
| 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.
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| West Pass | North 3 NT | East All Pass | SOUTH 1 NT | None Vul | Trick 1 W | Lead ? | |||||||
 A K 2 10 9 7 3 J 9 8 2 J 3
|  | ||||||||||||
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.
| WEST 1 4 Pass Pass All Pass | North 1 4 Pass Pass | East Pass 5 Dbl 7
| South 2 6 Rdbl 7
| N-S Vul | |||||||||
| 4 K 6 2 A K Q 8 5 4 3 2 4
|  | ||||||||||||
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.
| West Pass Pass Pass All Pass | NORTH Pass 2 3 4
| East Pass Pass Pass Pass | South 2 2 3 7
| Both Vul | A 8 6 2 Q 10 4 3 9 7 4 J 6
| ||||||||
| 10 7 8 2 Q 8 6 5 K Q 7 4 2
|  | J 9 4 3 5 J 10 2 10 9 8 5 3
| |||||||||||
| K Q 5 A K J 9 7 6 A K 3 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.
| Queries 9R02 Main | | Top Opening Leads |
© 2010 Richard Pavlicek