Leads with a weak hand by Matthias Huberschwiller

A: ♥8 – When none of your opponents has looked for a fit in a major, they usually have most of their cards in the minors. Therefore, you need to lead from a major.

However, your partner is the one with the good hand and the entries. Establishing your Spades is without hope, so you need to rather lead “top of nothing” in Hearts, hoping that your partner has enough Heart cards to set the contract.


Your result so far:

A: ♦7 – The only way of getting something out of your cards and take a trick is by getting a Diamond ruff. Therefore, you need to lead from your doubleton, knowing that you have good chances that your partner can get on lead and give you a ruff as he has a rather good hand.

Your result so far:

A: ♣2 – Leading from your opponents’ suit would be to dangerous, and the same is true for leading a trump from your jack third (this would be a catastrophe if your partner has the queen or the king.)

You need to choose from the two other suits. As your partner has some points, it is preferable to lead from the suit in which you can help him. Here this means leading your fourth best Club.


Your result so far:

A: ♦2 – As your partner has bid a two-suiter, you must not lead a Spade. But how should you choose between the minors?

You need to lead the one where you have a better support, Diamonds.

You need to lead the smallest from a third honour. Leading the ace might give an additional trick to South.


Your result so far:

A: ♥2 – The bidding should guide you to the right lead: South has shown a two-suiter (5-5) and North has Clubs, Spades and three Hearts which means that he is short in Diamonds.

Leading your singleton will not allow you much to ruff but bears the risk of capturing your partner’s honours. It is better to lead a trump, limiting declarer’s ruffs.


Your result so far: