Lead with Barry by Barry Rigal

A: ♣7: Lead the club seven. The opponents have indicated they do not fear a spade lead – my instinct would be to believe them, and hope to set up winners in the only other suit that offers some prospects of success. Yes your partner might have jumped to four clubs to get the right lead, I suppose – but sometimes partners don’t think of these things till too late.

Your result so far:

A: ♣A: Lead the club ace. To have a chance to beat this game you need to cash some quick winners – which means finding partner with some values. Clubs is much more promising than hearts as a source of quick tricks.

Your result so far:

A: ♣3: Lead the club three. When partner opens a minor and RHO overcalls one no-trump, be wary of leading that suit (especially a doubleton honor). Instead lead your long suit – you do have possible re-entries, which makes the lead more attractive.

Your result so far:

A: ♠A: Lead the spade ace. Your opponents have indicated they did not want to play three no-trump, presumably because they have no spade stop. You need to cash your spade winners before declarer can establish discards for himself.


Your result so far:

A: ♥5: Lead the heart five. With the diamonds apparently lying well for declarer, and trumps splitting, it looks better to try to get active and set up heart winners, rather than go passive with a club lead.

Your result so far: