[blml] An opening lead problem [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[richard.hills at immi.gov.au]

Wayne Burrows:

>>>1NT 2C - five card Stayman
>>>2H  4C - five hearts; splinter
>>>4D 4H - cue; sign-off
>>>4S 4NT - cue; waiting
>>>5D 6H - cue; sign-off
>>>
>>>10xxx
>>>A10
>>>Jx
>>>KQxxx
>>>
>>>What would you lead?

Richard Hills:

>>King of clubs, perhaps pard has the ace of clubs,
>>perhaps a passive club lead means that pard wins
>>their doubleton queen of spades for the setting
>>trick.

Wayne Burrows:

>>>Would you make a different lead on the identical
>>>auction but with the explanation that 4NT was RKCB?

Richard Hills:

>>No, I would still lead the king of clubs.  Keycard
>>Blackwood is often misused, so pard may still hold
>>the ace of clubs.
>>
>>Anyway, 4C may have been intended as Gerber when
>>systemically a splinter, so even if pard lacks the
>>ace of clubs dummy may hold two or more clubs.

John Probst:

>I agree with Richard, but if told 4N is waiting then
>DJ becomes a bit more attractive. I'd still lead the
>CK though.  John

Richard Hills:

My logical alternative to the king of clubs lead is
not the jack of diamonds lead, but rather a spade
lead.

It is possible that the 1NT opener holds three spades
and five hearts, while the five-card Stayman responder
holds five spades and four hearts.  If so, repeated
spade leads will defeat 6H via a spade ruff.


Best wishes

Richard James Hills, amicus curiae
National Training Branch, DIAC
02 6225 6285

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