Queries 9R02 Main |
| ![]() |
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 (including follow-up replies if any) are shown in this color.
West Pass | North 3 NT | East All Pass | SOUTH 1 NT | None Vul | Trick 1 W | Lead ? | |||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||
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 | |||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ||||||||||||
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 partners double was Lightner asking for a heart lead (dummys 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 Im dreaming, but I lead a heart.
I do not like Wests 4 bid too easy, as 95 percent of the time its 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 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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