Which card against a NT Contract? by linda j green

When we lead against a NT contract it is necessary to know when partner makes a lead that the J lead has no honor higher. Many a time we are uncertain whether the lead is from AJ1065 or J10975? Or KJ1065 or J10853? Knowing that the Jack has no honor makes it so much easier to control our defense.
Therefore we lead the Ten if we hold AJT65 - not the Jack! KJ1065 or K10976
Remember : The Ten must be supported by the Jack or the 9 and a higher honor. This is a partnership arrangement. But gee , does this make it easy!!! Fourth highest from longest and strongest does not apply.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ J 6 5 4
♥ A J 10 6 5
♦ 9 8
♣ 4 3

Q: 1 - As South which suit do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
Pass	3NT	Pass	Pass
Pass

A: 10♥. When the opponents did not use Stayman we lead a major suit. The Ten guarantees a partner- either the J or the 9 and a higher honor. It asks partner to play the highest card. It is an unblocking card especially if declarer holds Qxx. Declarer will make zero tricks if partner has the king.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K 10 8 6 3
♥ 6 5
♦ Q J 8 6
♣ 9 7

Q: 2 - as South which card do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
Pass	3NT	Pass	Pass
Pass

A: 6♠. Here we do not have a partner for the 10♠ therefore 4th highest is the way to go. Leading a major is clear cut as they did not use Stayman and therefore have the minors.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ K 10 8 6
♥ 7 6 5
♦ 9 8
♣ 10 8 5 3

Q: 3 - As South what suit do you lead and which card?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
Pass	2♣*	Pass	2♥
Pass	3NT	Pass	Pass
Pass

* Stayman = asks for a 4-card major

A: 9♦ . When one is so weak in HCP leading the short suit often finds partner with their long suit. One cannot lead spades as responder is showing 4 spades after returning to 3 NT. One does not use Stayman without a 4-card major.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 10 9 8 3 2
♥ Q 4
♦ J 7 5
♣ A Q J

Q: 4 - As South which card do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
Pass	3NT	Pass	Pass
Pass

A: 9♠ We cannot lead the top of a sequence as we said the 10 promises either the Jack or the 9 and a higher honor! As we have no honor we lead the second highest to show no interest as Xmas will come before we set up a long suit without any honors!!
Remember: J= denies a higher honor. 10= implies either the J or the 9 and a higher honor. e.g. AJ1065 or KJ1076 or K10976 or A10976

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ K 6 5 4
♥ A Q 10 6 3
♦ 8 7
♣ 4 3

Q: 5 - As South what card do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1NT
Pass	2NT	Pass	3NT
Pass	Pass	Pass

A: 6♥. Again the ten of hearts is not supported by the Jack nor the nine. 4th highest is correct from the longest suit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

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