Active or Passive Leads? by Matthias Huberschwiller

A: ♣2 - You might need to cash quick tricks if dummy has a source of discards, therefore you should underlead your Club king - an active defense.

There rates to be a good deal of strength in dummy, so even if your opponents have the Ace-Queen of Clubs, they rate to be on your left and you won't be giving away a trick by leading one.

Your result so far:

A: ♠8 - Yes, you have the same hand as on the first question, but the bidding has been different. This time, dummy is weak and a Club lead would be too dangerous, likely to give away a trick. Lead a passive Spade and wait.

Your result so far:

A: ♣2 - Look at the bidding - they have a Club fit. Therefore, your partner has a singleton and when you get back on lead with the Ace of Hearts you'll be able to give him a ruff.

Lead a small Club and your partner will get at least one ruff.

Your result so far:

A: ♦7 - You know nothing about declarer's potential plan, but he must have a strong hand. You need to lead passively and wait to see what declarer does.

Leading a Club could give away the tenth trick immediately.

Your result so far:

A: ♠7 - Against 3NT, you should usually opt for an active lead, attacking from your longest and strongest suit to set up tricks.

But which suit should you attack? It isn't Hearts, for you'll never get on lead to cash them even if you can set them up.

Your best chance is to set up partner's suit with a Spade lead. Your opponents are unlikely to have a Spade fit as they didn't use Stayman, so partner has at least four of them.

Your result so far: