Would you lead your partner's suit? by Matthias Huberschwiller

You partner has bid, showing a suit, and you're the one on lead.

Will you lead for him, or do you have something better to do?

Be careful.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 7 6 2
♥ Q 7 2
♦ J 6
♣ Q J 8 6 2

Q: 1 - What do you lead as West?

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

A: 2♥ - You don't have a better option than leading your partner's suit. With 3 cards you need to show him your length by leading a small Heart.

It does not promise nor deny an honor. If you lead the Queen, your partner will think you have a doubleton Heart.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ J 5 3
♥ J 6 2
♦ 9 6 5 4 3 2
♣ 5

Q: 2 - What do you lead as West?

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

A: 5♣ - You need to lead your singleton rather than your partner's suit.

The Hearts will be useful to give him the lead back and hopefully get multiple ruffs.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ J 10 9 8 7
♥ 9 3
♦ 7 6 2
♣ 9 4 2

Q: 3 - What do you lead as West?

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

A: 9♥ - You have no entries to get back and cash your Spades. It's better to lead for your partner.

You lead the 9, top of a doubleton.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 6
♥ Q J 10 9 7
♦ 7 5 3 2
♣ A 6 2

Q: 4 - What do you lead as West?

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

A: Q♥ - This time you have a good suit and an entry, and furthermore, you have a singleton in your partner's suit.

You'd do better by leading your own suit. Your partner might be disappointed at first, but he'll get it when he sees your hand at the end of the deal.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 10 6 5
♥ Q 9 8 7
♦ 8 4
♣ 7 6 5 2

Q: 5 - What do you lead as West?

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

2 NT - Unusual No-Trump, showing 5-5 in the minors.

A: 8♦ - You have a choice between the minors. How can you choose?

With 5 cards in each minor in your partner's hand, you have very poor chances of making tricks in Clubs. Since you have 4 of them, one of your opponents will probably have a singleton. It's a better bet to lead your top Diamond, hoping to cash some tricks there.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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