Bridge

Bridge

Both vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

x4 2

uA 6 2

vK J 10 9 8 4

wK 2

WEST EAST

xK J 8 6 3 xQ 10 5

uK Q J 3 u8 7

vA 5 v6 3 2

w6 5 wQ J 10 4 3

SOUTH

xA 9 7

u10 9 5 4

vQ 7

wA 9 8 7

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1x 2v Pass 2NT

Pass 3NT Dbl Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: ?

Look only at the West hand and the auction, then decide: What should you lead against three no trump doubled and why?

West decided that it was important to set up winners fast, and elected to lead the king of hearts. Declarer was delighted to win with the ace of hearts, force out the ace of diamonds and soon regain the lead. He won five diamonds, two clubs and one in each red suit to land his doubled contract.

Obviously, a spade lead by West would have allowed the defenders to score four spade tricks and the ace of diamonds. Was there a good reason why you should have led your long suit?

Yes! You can tell from the auction that you can’t expect to find East with much in the way of high cards, so East can’t hope to establish any long suit he might hold. Had partner not doubled, you might lead a heart. However, partner is doubling in the expectation that you are going to lead a spade, and he is trying to tell you not to consider anything else. Hear him!

2010 Tribune Media Services

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