L119What card to lead against suit contracts by linda j green

Attractive opening leads against a suit contract are "top-of-a-sequence-of two-touching-high-cards". Especially an Ace from AK, Singletons (not trumps), and partner's suit. However, if you have none of the above, then we should try and do the following:

1. Listen to the bidding which is a great guide of the opponents shape. The higher they bid, the more you will know about their hand pattern.

2. Do not lead away from an Ace.

3. Do not lead a singleton trump.

4.Do not lead doubletons unless partner bid the suit or they bid 3 suits and it is the unbid suit.

5. Do not lead a low card from four cards to a 10 or lower. It shows an honor. Lead second highest to show no interest and no honor.

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - As South what card do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	2♦	Pass	2♥
Pass	4♥	Pass	Pass
Pass

A: 7♣.We lead the second highest card without an honor to show no interest. If you lead the 2♣ it would show an honor. Here we would like our partner to switch to a spade if partner wins the first trick. This allows partner to look for a weak suit in dummy which most probably will be the spade suit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

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

Q: 2 - As South what card do you lead?

South	West	North	East
-	1♥	Pass	1♠
Pass	2♣	Pass	3♠*
Pass	4♠	Pass	Pass
Pass

* -Invitational-all jumps in old suits 9-11HCP and a 6-card suit.

A: A♣. Listening to the auction, and thinking SHAPE makes all the difference as what to lead. On this bidding partner is known to have a singleton club. You have the Ace ♦ as an entry for another ruff to beat the contract.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

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

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	1♠
Pass	3♠	Pass	4♠
Pass	Pass	Pass

A: 3♥. When partner bids a suit we should lead that suit. Leading a low card shows at least 3 or more cards in the suit.
If you had lead the King, partner would think you have a singleton or doubleton. It is essential for partner to have the count, so it can be calculated how many cards in declarer's hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ J 4 3
♥ J 10
♦ Q J 6
♣ 9 8 7 6 3

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

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	1♠	Pass	2♣
Pass	3♥*	Pass	4♥
Pass	Pass	Pass

* Invitational- 9-11 HCP 6-card suit

A: Q♦. One of the primary aims for the defense in a suit contract is to promote high cards. Although you do not have the 10 or 9 to complete the sequence, two cards touching is called a sequence in a suit contract. The unbid suit stands out a mile to lead the top of a sequence.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 8 7 6
♥ 9 7 2
♦ 8 7 5 3
♣ A K 2

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

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	2♠*
Pass	3♠	Pass	Pass
Pass

* -weak jump overcall 6-card suit.

A: A♣. Although partner bid a suit, it is imperative to show partner where your values are, by playing an ace from AK first. Thereafter, switch to a heart if partner gives you a discouraging signal on the opening lead.

Your result so far:

Open Question

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