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LESSON 1Opening Leads AgainstNotrump Contracts
General Concepts
General Introduction
Group Activities
Sample Deals
Defense in the 21st Century8
GENERAL CONCEPTS
DefenseThe opening lead against notrump contracts
•Choosingthesuit •Partner’ssuit •Yoursuit •Theunbidsuit •Consideringthecontract
•Choosingthecard •Partner’ssuit •Topofthedoubleton,topofatwo-cardorlongersequence •Otherwiselow
•Yourlongsuitortheunbidsuit •Topofathree-cardorlongersequence,aninteriorsequenceorabroken
sequence •Loworfourthbest
BiddingReview of opening the bidding at the one, two and three levels
Play of the HandReview of declarer’s PLAN
1. Pause to consider your objectives
2. Look at your winners and losers
3. Analyze your alternatives
4. Now put it all together
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 9
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Thisisthefirstlessonofthethirdseries.AlthoughtheremaybesomestudentswhohavetakentheBidding in the 21st CenturyorthePlay of the Hand in the 21st Century courses,forothersthiswillbethefirstclass.Takeafewminutestohavethestudentsgivetheirnames,tellabouttheirbridgeexperienceandperhapstellsomethingelseaboutthemselves.Thiswillgiveyouanideaoftheexpe-riencelevelsofthestudentsandwhattheyarelikelytoexpectfromtheclass.Althougheachcourseisdesignedtostandonitsown,thebiddingandthedeclarerplaycoveredintheBidding in the 21st CenturyandPlay of the Hand in the 21st Centurycoursesarereviewedthroughoutthelessons.
Aftertheintroductions,giveanoverviewofthecourse.Youcouldsaysomethinglike:
“Thespotlightinthiscourseisondefense,anareaofthegamethatmostplayerssayisthemostchallenging.Itmightseemasifyouandyourpart-nerhavetobeclairvoyant.Afterall,youaretryingtoworktogetherasateamtodefeatdeclarer’scontract,andyoucan’tevenseethecardsineachother’shands.
“Whenyouaredeclarer,youcanmakeaplanandputitintopracticetotrytomakeyourcontract.Theplanisnotasclearforthedefenders,andwhentheplayisover,youmayfindyourselfasking:‘Couldwehavedefeatedthatcontract?’Inthiscourse,wewillbelookingatwaysyouandyourpartnercanworktogethermoreeffectivelytodefeatdeclarer’scontract.Thisallbeginswiththeopeninglead.
“Theexpertssayopeningleadscanmakethedifferencebetweenwinningandlosingaworldchampionship.Whataresponsibility,especiallywhentheleadhastobemadebeforethedummycomesdownandyoucanseeonlythe13cardsinyourhand!Fortunately,therearesomestandardguidelinesforopeningleads.Inthislesson,wewillconsiderleadsagainstnotrumpcontracts.”
Defense in the 21st Century10
GROUP ACTIVITIES
EXERCISE ONE: Choosing the Suit
IntroductionThelessonisdevelopedintwostages.First,thefocusisonchoosingthesuittoleadand,second,
thespecificcardtoleadfromthesuitselected.Inthisfirstexercise,studentsareguidedtoseethatthechoiceofsuitsdependsonacombinationofthecardsintheopeningleader’shand,thebiddingandaconsiderationofthefinalcontract.
“Oneofthemostpopularmaximsforleadingagainstanotrumpcontractistoleadthefourthhighestfromyourlongestandstrongestsuit.Thisisgoodadvice,butlikemostgoodadvice,itworksbestifusedattherighttimeandplace.
“Whendefendingagainstanotrumpcontract,itisoftenagoodideatotrytodevelopthelongestsuitinthedefenders’combinedhands.Thelongerthesuit,themorewinnersthatcanbedeveloped,andsincethereisnotrumpsuit,declarercan’tstopyoufromtakingyourwinnersonceyougettheop-portunitytoplaythem.
“Youarelookingatonlyyour13cardswhenyoumaketheopeninglead,soitmaybedifficulttodeterminewhichisthelongestsuitinthecombinedhands.Thebidding,however,maygiveyousomeinformation.Ifyourpartnerhasbid,yourfirstchoiceistoleadpartner’ssuit.Afterall,ifasuitisgoodenoughtobid,itislikelygoodenoughtolead—tosaynothingofwhatitdoesforyourpartner’sappreciationofyourthoughtfulnessinleadingthesuit.Partnerwillopen(unlesspartnerhastoopenathree-cardminor)orovercallthelongestsuitinthehandfirst,sothatmaywellbethelongestcombinedsuit.Inaddition,ifpartnerhasbid,partnerislikelytohavetheentriesneededtoestablishthesuitandthentoregaintheleadtotakethewinners.
“Youdon’twanttogivetheopponentsthesamepleasure.Iftheyhavebidasuit,itisbesttostayawayfromitunlessyourcardsareverystrong.Withnothingelsetoguideyou,chooseanunbidsuit,onetheopponentshavenotbid.
“Ifyoufindyouareonopeningleadagainstanotrumpcontractandyourpartnerhasnotbid,younormallychooseyour longest suit,hoping it isthepartnership’slongestcombinedsuit.Withachoiceoflongsuits,younormallychoosethestronger,sinceitprobablywillrequirelesshelpfrompartnertoestablish.Thisiswherethe‘longestandstrongestsuit’partoftheguidelinecomesfrom.We’lllookatthe‘fourthhighest’partalittlelater.
“Finally,itisimportanttoconsiderthelevelofthecontractwhichtheop-ponentshavereached.Iftheopponentshavearrivedatacontractof6NTandyouhavetwoaces,takealeaffromdeclarer’sbookandtakeyourtricksandrun.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 11
Instructions “YouareonleadagainstanotrumpcontractwiththehandshowninExerciseOne.
109762 86 A943 K Q
“Workasagroupwiththeothersatyourtableanddecidewhichsuityouwouldleadundereachoftheseconditions:
1) Thecontractis3NTandyourpartnerovercalledinheartsduringtheauction.
2) Thecontractis1NTwithnobiddingfromyourside.
3) Thecontractis3NTafteroneoftheopponentsopenedthebidding1.
4) Thecontractis6NT.”
1) ______________ 2) _____________ 3) ______________ 4) ______________
Follow-upHaveastudentfromoneofthegroupsreportonthesuitwhichwaschosenbythegroupineach
situation.
Conclusion“Theopeningleadisyourchancetogetaheadstartintheracetoestablishenoughwinnerstodefeatthecontract.Youwanttostartwiththesuitthatoffersthemostpotentialforyourside.Usuallythatisthesuityourpartnerbidoryourlongestsuit.Withachoiceoflongsuits,choosethestronger.Avoidleadingasuitbidbyanopponentsinceyouwillprobablyhavedif-ficultydevelopingtricksinit.Ofcourse,ifyoucanseeenoughtricksinyourhandtodefeatthecontract,takethem.”
Heart Spade Diamond Club
Defense in the 21st Century12
EXERCISE TWO: Choosing the Card in Partner’s Suit
IntroductionTherearetablesofopeningleadswhichoutlinethespecificcardtoleadagainstnotrumpcontracts.
Moststudentscan’teffectivelymemorizethemand,eveniftheycould,wouldnotnecessarilyknowhowtousetheinformation.Itisimportantforstudentstounderstandwhyonecardispreferabletoanother.Thiscanbestbeunderstoodbyconsideringhowthesuitwouldbeplayedbyadeclarer.
“Onceyouhavedecidedonthesuittolead,youhavetochoosethespe-cificcardtoleadfromthesuit.Thespecificcardyouselectisimportantfortworeasons.Firstthedefenderscan’tseeeachother’shands.Thisisadisadvantagetheywanttoovercomeasquicklyaspossible,sotheysendmessagesabouttheirhandsthroughthecardstheychoosetoplay,startingwiththeopeninglead.Thesecondreasonthecardisimportantisthatyouwanttomakeiteasytotakethetricksthatbelongtoyourside.Let’slookatafamiliarcombinationofcardsbylayingouttheheartsuit.”
Makesurethestudentsknowwhatdirectiontheyaresitting(North,East,SouthandWest)andcalloutthecardsforeachdirection.Forexample:
“Northhasthe6,4and2ofhearts,Easthastheace,queen,9,7and3,Southhasthejack,10and5andWesthasthekingand8.
642
K 8 AQ973
J105
“Ifyouwerethedeclarer,howwouldyoutakethetricksthatbelongtoyouifEastwerethedummyandyouhadnootherentriesintheEasthand?”
Developwiththestudentsthefamiliarideaoftakingthefirsttrickwiththehighcardfromtheshortside,theKintheactuallayout.
“Adefendercan’tseewhatpartnerhassothedefenderhastouseimagi-nation.Ifyouhavedecidedtoleadpartner’ssuit,youimaginethatpartnerhassomelengthandstrengthinthesuit.Soyouwanttoplaythehighcardfromtheshortsidewhenyouhaveadoubleton,theK.Whenthatwinsthetrick,youcanleadyourremaininglowcardtopartner’shandandyoursidetakesallfivetricks.
“Ifyouweretoleadalowhearttopartner’shandandpartnerweretoleadalowcardtoyourK,youwouldtakeonlytwotricksinthesuitifpartnerhadnootherentries.Partner’swinnerswouldbestranded.
“Whenyouleadpartner’ssuit,thefirstsuggestionisthatyouleadthetopofadoubleton,whichiseffectivelyplayingthehighcardfromtheshortside.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 13
“Nowlet’schange the layoutslightly togiveWest the jack,10and5 inpartner’ssuit:
K 4 2
J105 AQ973
86
“Ifyouwerethedeclarer,howwouldyouplaytheheartsuitheldbyEastandWest?”
HavethestudentstalkaboutleadingtheJ(or10)totrapNorth’sK.
“Whenyouaredefending,eachcardsendsamessage.DeclarercouldplayeithertheJor10,sincetheyareequalcards.However,whenyouareadefender,youleadthetopoftouchinghighcardsinpartner’ssuit,theJ. Thistellspartnerthatyoudonothavethenexthighercard,theQinthisexample.Ifyouweretoleadthe10,partnerwouldthinkdeclarerheldtheJ,ratherthanyou,andwouldprobablyplaytheQonthefirsttrick,costingyoursideatrick.
“Sothesecondguidelinewhenleadingpartner’ssuitistoleadthetopoftouchinghonors.Ifyoudon’thaveadoubletonortouchinghonors(thatis,ifyouhavethreeormorecardsinthesuitwithnotouchinghonors),thenyouleadlow.Let’schangethelayoutagaintoseewhythatworksoutbest:
53
K 9 4 AJ1072
Q86
“WhatwouldhappenifyouweretoleadtheKonthislayout?”
Discusstheideathatthedefenderswouldtakethekingandtheacebutdeclarerwouldgetatrickwiththequeen.
“Nowlet’stryplayingalowcard.PartnercanwinthefirsttrickwiththeAandplaybacktheJ,whichtrapsdeclarer’sQ.Partnerwillneedanotherentrytoenjoytherestofthewinnersifdeclarerdoesn’tcovertheJwiththeQ,becausethethirdroundofthesuitwouldthenbewonbyyourK.Nevertheless,byleadinglowfromthehonor,thedefendersmanagetotrapdeclarer’squeen.So,fromthreeormorecardsinpartner’ssuit,whendefendingagainstanotrumpcontract,leadalowcardifyoudonothavetouchinghonors.Let’slookatsomemoreexamplestoputallthistogether.”
Defense in the 21st Century14
1) __________ _______________________________________________________________
2) __________ _______________________________________________________________
3) __________ _______________________________________________________________
Instructions“IneachoftheexamplesinExerciseTwo,youleadpartner’ssuit.Whichisthebestcardtolead?Why?”
1) DUMMY 962 YOU PARTNER J3 KQ875 DECLARER A104
2) DUMMY K85 YOU PARTNER QJ3 A10962 DECLARER 7 4
3) DUMMY 96 YOU PARTNER Q75 A10842 DECLARER K J 3
Jack the top of a doubleton Queen top of touching high cards 5 low from three cards not leaded by touching high cards
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 15
Follow-upHaveonememberofthegrouptellwhichcardinpartner’ssuitthegroupdecidedtolead.Then
youcanaskwhatguidelinesthisleadfallsunder.Ifthestudentdoesnotknowit,giveabriefrecapofthereasontheleadworksoutforthebest.Youmightsaysomethinglikethis:
“Onthefirstexample,youleadthejack,thetopofadoubleton.Essentially,youarestartingthesuitbyplayingthehighcardfromtheshortside.
“Onthesecondexample,leadthequeen,thetopoftouchinghighcardsinpartner’ssuit.Thistellspartnerthatyoudonothavethenexthighercardbutdohavethenextlowercard(unlessyouareleadingfromadoubleton,Q–2,forexample).Theleadofthequeentrapsdummy’sking.Ifyouleadthe3,partnercanwinthefirsttrickwiththe10,butthenpartnerwouldhavetotrytogetintoyourhandagaintoleadthroughdummy’sking,andthismaynotbepossible.
“Onthelastexample,leadthe5,lowfromthreecardsnotheadedbytouch-inghighcards.Partnercanwintheaceandleadonebackthroughdeclarer’skingandjack.Declarercantakeonlyonetrick,theking.Ifyouweretoleadthequeen,declarerwouldgettwotricks,onewiththekingandonewiththejack.”
Conclusion“Whenyouleadpartner’ssuit,choosethetopofadoubletonorthetopoftouchinghonors.Otherwiseleadlowfromthreeormorecards.”
Thereisnoneedtodiscussleadingfourthhighestinpartner’ssuitatthispoint.Thatwillconfusethestudentssincetheyaremorelikelytohavethreecardsinpartner’ssuitratherthanfourorfive.Theguidelineofleadingalowcardissufficientwhentheyhaveeitherthreeorfourcards.Theideaoffourthhighestwillcomewhenwelookataplayerleadingasuitbidbythatplayer.
Defense in the 21st Century16
EXERCISE THREE: Leading the Top of a Sequence
Introduction“Ifyourpartnerhasn’tbidandyouhavenoinformationabouttheopponents’suits,youchooseyourlongestsuit.Ifthissuithasathree-cardorlongersequence,leadthetopcard.Asequencehaswonderfulpotentialtopromotewinners.Let’sseewhybylayingoutthefollowingcardsinthespadesuit:
862
K Q J 9 7 4 3
A105
“YoucanseethatifWestleadsalowcard,declarerwouldwinatrickwiththe10sincepartnerhasnohighcardsinthesuit.Ifyouleadoneofyourhighspades,youcandriveoutdeclarer’sAandestablishfourtricks.Withthreeormoretouchinghighcards,leadoneofthem.Youdonotnecessarilyneedpartnertoholdanyhighcardsinthesuittohelppromotetricks,andyoudonotwanttoletdeclarerwinatricktoocheaply.
“Aswehaveseenearlier,youshouldleadthetopcardofthesequence,theK,ratherthantheQorJ.Whileitdoesnotmakeanydifferencetoyou,rememberyouaretryingtogivepartnersomeinformationthroughthespecificcardsthatyouplay.Byleadingthetopoftouchinghonors,youtellpartnerthatyoudonothavethenexthigher-rankingcardbutyoudohavethenextlower-rankingcard.
“NowexchangeWest’sKwithSouth’s5.
862
QJ975 4 3
AK10
“Westnowholdsabrokensequence,twotouchinghighcardswithabreakbeforethenextlower-rankingcard.Youcanseethatifyouleadalowcard,declarercanwinthefirsttrickwiththe10.So,thegeneralguidelineistotreatabrokensequencelikeathree-cardsequenceandleadthetopcard.
“Whenyouleadfromabrokensequence,yourpartnershipmayhavetobecarefulhowtocontinueleadingthesuitifdeclarerhasalloftheotherhighcards.Intheexample,supposeyouleadtheQanddeclarerwinsthefirsttrickwiththeK,whileNorthandEastcontributelowspadestothetrick.Takethesecardsawaysowecanseewhatisleft:
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 17
86
J975 4
A10
“Declarerhasnotyetwonatrickwiththe10.IfWestregainstheleadandleadsthesuit,declarer’s10willwinthetrick.IfWestleadstheJ,declarer’sAtakesthetrickandthe10isgoodonthenextround.IfWestleadsalowspade,declarer’s10winsthetrickanddeclarerstillhastheAleft.Whichdefendermustleadthesuitnexttopreventdeclarerfromwinningatrickwiththe10?(East.)”
IfthestudentsaskhowWestcantellwhetherEastorSouthholdsthe10,youcantellthemthatitisanexcellentquestionandtheanswerwillbeforthcominginalaterlessonwhenwediscussdefensivesignals.
“Let’slookatonemoretypeofsequenceWestmighthavetoleadfrom.Layoutthefollowingcardsinthespadesuit:
86
KJ1075 A43
Q 9 2
“ThistimeWestholdswhatiscalledaninteriorsequence,asequenceoftwoormorecardswithahigher-rankingcardinthesuit.WhatwouldhappenifWestleadsthehighestcard,theK?”
LetthestudentsseethatdeclarerwouldeventuallytakeatrickwiththeQ.
“Westdoesnotwanttoleadalowcardwhenholdingthreehighcardsforthereasonswehaveseenearlier—Westdoesnotwantdeclarertowinatricktoocheaply.LeadingtheK,however,doesnotseemtobethean-swer.Instead,declarerleadsthetopoftouchingcards(sequence),theJ. HowcanEasthelppartnertakeallofthetricksinthesuitoncetheJisled?(EastcanwinthetrickwiththeAandleadthesuitback,trappingdeclarer’sQ.)HowdoesEastknowdeclarerhastheQ?(Westhasledthetopoftouchinghighcards.)Eastwinsthefirsttricktopreventdeclarerfromwinningatrickwiththequeen.”
Thereisnoneedtogointoallofthevariationsfromthispositionatthistime(e.g.,givingNorththeQorgivingSouthboththeAandQ).ThepositionwillbereexaminedinLessonThreewithalookatthird-handplay.Thetexthassomefurtherdiscussiononthesubjectifanystudenthasalotofquestions.Otherwise,thepointistoshowthemwhataninteriorsequencelookslikeandtotellthemtoleadthetopofthetouchinghighcards.
“Let’sreviewalltheseguidelinesaboutleadingfromsequencesbydoingthenextexercise.”
Defense in the 21st Century18
Instructions“IntheexamplesinExerciseThree,youleadyourownsuitagainstanotrumpcontract.Whichisthebestcardtolead?Howmanytrickscanyoursidedevelopfromthesuit?Whatmustthedefendersdotoensurethattheytakeallofthetrickstheyhavecoming?”
1) DUMMY K 3 YOU PARTNER J1096 A752 DECLARER Q 8 4
2) DUMMY A7 YOU PARTNER QJ963 842 DECLARER K105
3) DUMMY K 2 YOU PARTNER AJ1043 876 DECLARER Q95
4) DUMMY 7 4 YOU PARTNER KQJ83 A62 DECLARER 1095
1) ______________ 2) _____________ 3) ______________ 4) ______________Jack; 3 Queen; 3 Jack; 4 King: 5
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 19
Follow-upIfthestudentsarehavingtroublewithanyoftheexamples,havethemlaytheactualcardsouton
thetableandexperimentwiththem.Afterwards,havethestudentsreportthecardtheywouldleadandthenumberoftrickstheythinktheycangetfromeachsuit.Sincewehavenotyetdiscussedtheplaybythirdhand,youmayneedtosaysomethinglikethis:
“Inthefirstexample,leadthejack,topofathree-cardsequence.Ifdeclarerplaysdummy’sking,partnercanwintheaceandleadthesuitback,drivingoutdeclarer’squeen.Yougetthreetricksinthesuit.Ifdeclarerplaysalowcardfromdummy,partnercansavetheacetocapturedummy’skingandletdeclarerwinthefirsttrickwiththequeen.Whenthedefendersnextgainthelead,theyagaincantakethreetricksinthesuit.
“Inthesecondexample,leadthequeen,topofabrokensequence.Ifdeclarerwinsthefirsttrickwiththeking,eitherdefendercanleadthesuitnexttimetodriveoutdummy’saceandsetupthreetricksforthedefense.Ifdeclarerwinsthefirsttrickwithdummy’sace,partnerwillhavetoleadthesuitnextinordertotrapdeclarer’s10.
“Inthethirdexample,leadthejack,topofaninteriorsequence.Ifdeclarerwinsthefirsttrickwithdummy’sking,youwillhavetobecarefultohavepartnerleadthesuitnextsoyoucantrapdeclarer’squeenandtakethefourtrickstowhichyouareentitled.
“Onthelastexample,leadtheking,topofathree-cardsequence.Thede-fenderscantakethefirstfivetricks,butpartnermustbecarefultowinthefirstorsecondtrickwiththeacesothatpartnerhasalowcardlefttoleadbacktoyou.Otherwise,theleadwillbestuckinpartner’shandafterthefirstthreetricksandyourremainingwinnerswillbestrandedifyoudonothaveanentryinanothersuit.”
Conclusion“Whenyouleadyourownsuitoranunbidsuit,yourfirstpreferenceistoleadthetopofathree-cardorlongersequenceorthetopofabrokenorinteriorsequence.Yoursidenowhasanexcellentchanceofpromotingwin-nersandyourpartnerknowssomethingaboutyoursuit.Asyousawintheexamples,thepartnershipstillmayneedtobecarefulinordertogetalloftheavailabletricks.Wewilldiscussmoreonthattopicinlaterlessons.Fornow,wearemoreconcernedwithchoosingthebestopeninglead.”
Defense in the 21st Century20
EXERCISE FOUR: Leading a Low Card
Introduction“Whenyoulookatyourlongestsuit,theremaynotbeasequencealthoughthesuitmaycontainoneortwohonors.Youlikelywillneedsomehelpfrompartnertoestablishwinnersinthesuit,soleadalowcardovertopartner’shoped-forhighcard(s).Let’sseehowthisworksbylayingoutsomecardsinthediamondsuit:
10 8 4
KJ752 A6
Q 9 3
“WhathappenswhenWestleadsalowdiamond?(EastwinsthefirsttrickwiththeAandleadsadiamondback,trappingdeclarer’sQ).WhatwouldhappenifyoustartedbyleadingtheKinstead?(DeclarerwouldgetatrickwiththeQ).
“Nowlet’sexchangeEast’sAforSouth’s3:
10 8 4
KJ752 63
AQ9
“Leadingalowdiamonddoesnotlooklikesuchagoodideasincedeclarercanwinthefirsttrickwiththe9.Ifpartnercangetthelead,however,partnercanleadadiamondthroughdeclarer’sAandQ.Howmanytricksdo thedefenders take in thediamond suit? (Three.)Even thoughWest‘sacrifices’atrickbyleadingthesuitinitially,thedefendersarestillrewardedbyestablishingwinnersintheirlongsuit.
“Let’sseewhyyouwanttoleadalowcardwhenholdingboththeaceandtheking–butonlyatwo-cardsequence.Layoutthefollowingdiamonds.
10 8 4
AK752 Q 3
J96
“WhathappensifWestleadsahighdiamondfirst?”
Showthestudentshowthesuitwouldbecomeblocked,evenifWestcontinueswithalowdiamond.YoualsocanpointoutwhathappensifWestcontinueswithanotherhighdiamond.ThestudentsshouldbeabletoseehowthedefenderstakethefirstfivetricksifWestleadsalowdiamond.
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 21
“Ofcourse,youwereluckytofindpartnerwiththeQ,butlet’sexchangepartner’sQfordeclarer’s6.
10 8 4
AK752 63
Q J 9
“Let’sseewhathappensifWeststartsoffbyplayingtheA,theKandanotherdiamond:
—
75 —
—
“West’sremainingdiamondsareestablishedaswinners,butwhatifEast,ratherthanWest,nextgainstheleadforthedefense?(West’swinnersarestranded.)Let’sputthecardsbackandseewhatthesuitlookslikeifWeststartsoffbyleadingalowdiamond:
10 8
AK72 6
Q J
“Declarerwinsthefirsttrick,butwhathappensnowifeitherdefenderwinsthenexttrickforthedefense?(Thedefenderstakefourtricks.)Bygivingupatrickearly,thedefendersretaincommunicationbetweenthetwohands.
“Whenleadingalowcardfromalongsuit,thedefenderstraditionallyleadthefourthhighestcard.Let’sseewhatismeantbyfourthhighest(best).Putthefollowingcardsfromtheclubsuitonthetable.
K9752
“LeadingfourthhighestmeansthatyoustartatthetopwiththeKandcountdownfourcardstothe5.The5isthefourthhighestclub.Ifyoutakeawaythe2,the5isstillthefourthhighest.Itisnotnecessaryatthispointtogointowhyplayersleadthefourthhighest.Ifyouareinter-estedyoucanreadaboutitin‘TheFinerPoints’inthetextbook.Fornow,it’senoughtoknowwhatthefourthhighestcardis.Ifyouforget,leadinganylowcardislikelytobeequallyeffective.Fromthissuit,playingwiththemostpartners,youcouldleadthe2.
“Let’sseetheeffectofleadinglowandhowpartnercooperates.”
Defense in the 21st Century22
Instructions“InExerciseFour,youagainleadyoursuitagainstanotrumpcontract.Whichisthebestcardtolead?Howmanytrickscanyoursidedevelopfromthesuit?Whatmustthedefendersdotoensurethattheytakeallofthetrickstheyhavecoming?”
1) DUMMY 65 YOU PARTNER K 9 8 7 2 J 4 3 DECLARER AQ10
2) DUMMY A2 YOU PARTNER Q763 K854 DECLARER J 10 9
3) DUMMY 875 YOU PARTNER AQ432 KJ DECLARER 1096
1) _________________ 2) ________________ 3) ________________Low (7); 3 Low (3); 3 Low (3); 5
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 23
Follow-upAskamemberofthegrouptoreportthecardtheythoughtshouldbeledandhowmanytricks
thedeclarercouldtake.Theanswersshouldbesomethinglikethis:
“Inthefirstexample,ifyouleadlow,Eastplaysthejackanddeclarerwinsthetrickwiththequeen.Declarerhasasecondtrickwiththeace,butifpartnerlaterleadsthesuit,declarer’s10istrapped.Declarertakestwotricksandthedefenderstakethree.Ifyouledthekingoriginally,declarerwouldgetthreetricks.
“Inthenextexample,ifyouleadlow,partnercanwinthefirsttrickwiththekingifdeclarerplayslowfromthedummy.Declarertakesatrickwiththeace,butyourqueentakesathirdtrickandyouendupwiththreetricksinthesuit.Ifyouweretoleadthequeen,declarerwouldtaketwotricksinthesuit.
“Inthelastexample,partnerwinsthefirsttrickwiththekingandleadsthejack.Youwillhavetobecarefultoovertakethejackwithyourqueentoavoidstrandingyourwinners.Byovertakingpartner’sjack,youtakewiththefirstfivetricks.”
Conclusion“Whenleadingyourlongsuitagainstanotrumpcontract,leadalowcard(fourthhighest)ifyoudonothaveathree-cardsequenceorabrokenorinteriorsequence.”
Defense in the 21st Century24
EXERCISE FIVE: Leading against a Notrump Contract
Introduction“Nowthatyouknowhowtopickboththesuitandthecard,let’sputitalltogetherandselecttheopeningleadagainstanotrumpcontract.”
Instructions“Theopeningbid is1NTby theopponentonyour rightandeverybodypasses.WhichcarddoyouleadfromeachofthehandsinExerciseFive?”
1) AK 2) J963 3) AJ8652 Q 10 8 4 3 Q 4 K 8 3 J95 QJ105 8 4 7 4 2 K 8 3 9 2
1) _________________ 2) ________________ 3) ________________
Follow-upDiscusstheanswerswiththegroupasawhole.Thisexercisesummarizestheguidelinesandthe
discussionshouldnottakeuptoomuchtime.Forexample,youmightsaysomethinglikethis:
“Inthefirsthand,youwouldpickyourlongestsuit,hearts.Withnosequence,leadlow,the4,fourthhighest.
“In thesecondhand,youhaveachoiceof longsuits.Pick thestronger,diamonds.Withathree-cardsequence,leadthetopcard,theQ.
“Inthethirdhand,yourlongsuitisspades.Againyouwouldleadalowcard,the6,fourthhighest.”
Conclusion“Againstanotrumpcontract,leadyourlongestsuitwithnohelpfromthebidding.Withachoiceofsuits,pickthestronger.Ifyoudonothavease-quence,leadalowcard,fourthhighest.Nowyouknowtheoriginoftheguideline:fourth highest from your longest and strongest.”
4 Q 6
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 25
EXERCISE SIX: Listening to the Bidding
Introduction“Thebiddingcanoftenguideyouwhendecidingwhichsuittolead.Theopponentshavetodescribetheirhandstoeachotherinordertoreachthebestcontract.Astheyaretalkingbackandforth,thereisnothingtostopyoufromlistening.Theirauctionwilloftentellyouwhichsuitstoavoidandpointyouintherightdirectionforselectingthebestopeninglead.”
Instructions “Youareonleadagainstacontractof3NTaftertheauctionhasprogressedasfollows:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST (DUMMY) (PARTNER) (DECLARER) (YOU) 1 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 3 Pass 3NT Pass Pass Pass
“WhichcarddoyouleadfromeachofthehandsinExerciseSix?”
1) 74 2) Q652 3) 63 K Q 8 3 Q 8 4 J 9 4 2 KJ62 J 10 9 Q 8 3 985 J 8 3 K Q J 10
1) _________________ 2) ________________ 3) ________________ 2 J K
Defense in the 21st Century26
Follow-upDiscussingtheexerciseshouldnottakeverylong.Itmightgolikethis:
“Theopponentshavebidspades,heartsandclubs.Theonlyunbidsuitisdiamonds,soyourthoughtsshouldturntothatsuitevenbeforeyoulookatthecardsinyourhand.Onthefirsthand,yourheartsuitisstrongerthanyourdiamondsuit,butpartnerislesslikelytohavehelpforyouinheartssincedeclarerbidthatsuit.Leadadiamond.Withnosequence,leadthe2,fourthhighest.
“Inthesecondexample,youronlylongsuitisspades,buttheopponentonyourlefthasbidthatsuittwice.Itistimetoignorethegeneralguidelineaboutleadingyourlongestandpicktheunbidsuit,diamonds.Partnerislikelytohavesomelengthandstrengthinthatsuit.LeadtheJ,topofasequence.
“Eventhoughtheopponentshavebidasuit,thatshouldnotdeteryoufromleadingitwhenitobviouslypresentsthebestchancetodefeatthecontract.Withthethirdhand,youwouldleadaclub,eventhoughdeclarerbidthesuit.LeadtheK,topofasequence,establishingthreetricksforthedefenseevenifdeclarerhastheA.”
Conclusion“Iftheopponentshavebidasuit,itisagoodideatoavoidleadingitifyouhaveasuitablealternative.Payingcloseattentiontothebidsmadebytheopponentsoftencanguideyoutothebestopeninglead.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 27
EXERCISE SEVEN: Review of Opening the Bidding
Introduction“Let’squicklyreviewopeningthebidding.Thedealerhasthefirstoppor-tunitytoopenthebiddingandmaypassoropenthebiddingatanylevel.Ifthedealerpasses,eachplayerinturngetstheopportunitytoopenthebidding.With13to21points,youopenthebiddingattheonelevel.Withabalancedhandof15to17HCP,open1NT.Otherwise,bidyourlongestsuitifitisatleastfivecardsinlength(playingfive-cardmajors).Ifyoudon’thaveafive-cardsuit,openyourlongerminorsuit.Withtwofour-cardminorsuits,open1.Withtwothree-cardminorsuits,open1.
“Withabalancedhandof20or21HCP,open2NT.Open3NTwith25to27points.Withanunbalancedhandofmorethan21points,open2.Thisisastrongbid,almostalwaysforcingtogame.Youwillnameyourrealsuitwithyourrebid.
“Sometimesyouhaveahandtooweaktoopenthebiddingattheonelevel,butthehandcontainsagoodsix-cardorlongersuit.Suchhandscanbeopenedwithapreemptivebid,asuitbidatthetwolevelorhigher.Naturally2isreservedforastrongbid.”
Instructions“Asa review,whatwouldyouopenwitheachof thehands inExerciseSeven?”
1) Q10852 2) K73 3) 7 4 9 4 AJ AJ92 AK83 K10964 K 10 4 3 A4 AJ10 AJ8
1) _________________ 2) ________________ 3) ________________
4) QJ9 5) KQJ1083 6) 86 AK7 AKJ 10 K Q 8 4 K Q AQ109643 AJ9 K 4 J 4 2
4) _________________ 5) ________________ 6) ________________2NT 2 3
1 1NT 1
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Follow-upDiscusstheanswerswiththegroupasawholesincethisisacourseondefenseandthebidding
isjustareview.Youcanleadthestudentstotherightbidbyprefacingthequestionwithastatementsuchasthisforthefirsthand:
“Youhave13pointsinhighcardsplusonepointforthefive-cardspadesuit,atotalof14points.Thehandisunbalancedbecauseithastwodoubletons.Whatwouldyouopen?”
Nowthestudentsareledintobidding1.Thismayseemliketoomuchdirectionbutthereisn’ttimetoteachabiddinglesson,aswellasalessonondefenseandareviewofdeclarerplay.Thisex-erciseshouldtakeaboutsixorsevenminutes.Itismostusefulifyouhavenewstudentsintheclasswhohavenottakentheearlierlessonseries.IfallofthestudentshavetakentheBiddingcourse,youcouldleavethisexerciseforselfstudyifyouarerunningshortontime.
Conclusion“Openthebiddingattheonelevelwith13to21pointsandwith2,hold-inganunbalancedhandofmorethan21points.Youwillnameyourrealsuitwithyourrebid.Withfewerthan13points,passunlessyouhaveagoodsix-cardorlongersuit,inwhichcase,youmayopenwithapreemptatthetwolevelorhigher.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 29
EXERCISE EIGHT: Review of Declarer’s Plan
Introduction“Beforedeclarerstartstoplay,declareralwaysshouldtakethetimetoreviewthePLAN.Thefourstepsare:
1. Pause to consider your objectives 2. Look at your winners and losers 3. Analyze your alternatives 4. Now put it all together
“Inanotrumpcontract,theemphasisisonwinners.Inasuitcontract,youlookatthePLANfromthepointofviewoflosers.”
Instructions“Gothroughthefourstepsofdeclarer’sPLANtodecidehowtoplaythedealinExerciseEightinacontractof3NTaftertheopeningleadoftheQ.”
DUMMY J 9 2 1064 Q J 10 7 3 A8 LEAD Q DECLARER A843 AK9 K 8 K 7 3 2
Follow-upDiscussthedealwiththeentireclass.
“Thefirststepistoconsideryourobjective.Inanotrumpcontract,youlookatyourobjectiveintermsofwinners.Howmanywinnersdoyouneedtomake3NT?(Nine.)Thesecondstepistocountthenumberofwinnersyouhave(suretricks).Howmanysuretricksdoyouhave?(Five:onespade,twoheartsandtwoclubs.)Thistellsyouthatyouneedfourmoretricks.Thenextstepistoanalyzeyouralternatives.Wherecantheextratrickscomefrom?(Thefourextratrickscancomefrompromotingthediamondsintowinnersbydrivingouttheopponents’A.)Finally,putitalltogether.Whatdoyouhavetowatchoutfor?(Oncethediamondsarepromoted,declarerneedsanentrytothedummy.SothefirsttrickmustbewonwiththeK,keepingtheAindummy.Whenplayingthediamonds,declarermuststartwiththeK,highcardfromtheshortside.)”
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Conclusion“Alwaysstoptomakeaplanbeforestartingtoplay.Ittakesonlyamomentandsetsyouoffintherightdirection.Forexample,ifyoudidn’tstoptomakeaplanonthisdeal,youmightwinthefirsttrickwiththeAandthrowawayyourchancetomakethecontract.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 31
SAMPLE DEALSEXERCISE NINE: Leading Partner’s Suit
Introduction“Weknowthatleadingpartner’ssuitmakespartnerhappy.Inthefirstpracticedeal,we’llseethatitalsocanbeeffectiveinsettingthecontract.”
InstructionsIfyourstudentshaveattendedanearlierseriesoflessons,youprobablywillbefamiliarwiththe
amountofhelptheyneedpriortoplayingthepre-dealtdeals.Withsome,youcanhavethemplaythedealanddiscussitafterwards.Withthosestudentswhoneedmoreconfidence,youstillshouldgothroughthedealbeforeplaying,coveringthemajorpoints.Theystillwillhaveenoughchallengeputtingitintopractice.
“Turnupthecardsonthefirstpre-dealtdeal.Puteachdealdummystyleattheedgeofthetableinfrontofeachplayer.”
(E-Z Deal Cards #1, Deal 1)
Dealer:North Q J 8 4 52 Q J 10 8 2 AK K 9 3 A107 K6 AJ9 543 AK6 QJ1095 8642 652 Q 10 8 7 4 3 9 7 7 3
The Bidding“WhatwouldNorthopenthebidding?(1.)HowcanEastdescribethehand?(Overcall1NT.)Southpasses.HowmanypointsdoesWesthave?(10,9HCPsplus1forthefive-cardsuit).Atwhatleveldoesthepartnershipbelong?(Game.)IsthereaGoldenFit?(No.)WhatdoesWestrespond?(3NT.)Howdoestheauctionproceedfromthere?(Pass,pass,pass.)Whatisthecontract?(3NT.)Whoisthedeclarer?(East.)”
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The Defense“Whichplayermakestheopeninglead?(South.)Whatwouldtheopeningleadbe?(9.)Why?(Partner’ssuit.)HowdoesNorthplantodefeatthecontract?(Driveoutdeclarer’sAandKtotakethreediamondtricksandtwoclubtricks.)”
The Play“Reviewthestepsindeclarer’sPLAN.Howdoesdeclarerplantomakethecontract?(Declarerneedsninewinners.Therearesixsuretricks:twoinspades,twoinheartsandtwoindiamonds.DeclarerplanstopromotetheclubsuitintothreewinnersbydrivingouttheAandtheK.)”
Conclusion“Thediamondsofferthebestchanceofdefeatingthecontract,butthede-fendershavetobepersistent.ThefirststepisforSouthtoleaddiamonds,thesuitSouth'spartnerbid.Then,Northhastokeepleadingdiamondsateveryopportunityinordertodefeatdeclarer’scontract.Notrumpcontractsareoftenaracetoseewhichsidecandevelopitswinnersfirst.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 33
EXERCISE TEN: Leading from a Sequence
Introduction“We’llseethatleadingthetopofasequencepromoteswinnersforthede-fenders.There’smoretoit,though.Theleadfromaninteriorsequencecantraptheopponents’highcards—butthedefendershavetoworktogether.Let’sseehowthisworks.”
Instructions“Turnupthecardsonthesecondpre-dealtdeal.Puteachhanddummystyleattheedgeofthetableinfrontofeachplayer.”
(E-Z Deal Cards #1, Deal 2)
Dealer:East K Q J 4 85 AJ8 K1052 962 8753 K J 10 9 A762 10 4 3 7 2 A94 763 A10 Q 4 3 KQ965 Q J 8
The Bidding“EastandWestpassthroughouttheauction.WhatdoesSouthopenwith?(1.)WhatdoesNorthrespond?(1.)HowdoesSouthfinishdescrib-ingthisbalancedhand?(1NT.)Atwhatleveldoesthepartnershipbelong?(Game.)IsthereaGoldenFit?(No.)WhatdoesNorthrebid?(3NT.)Howdoestheauctionproceedfromthere?(Pass,pass,pass.)Whatisthecontract?(3NT.)Whoisthedeclarer?(South.)”
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The Defense“Whichplayermakestheopeninglead?(West.)Whatwouldtheopeningleadbe?(J.)Why?(Topoftouchinghonorsfromaninteriorsequence.)Fromtheopeninglead,whichcarddoesEastknowthatdeclarerhas?(Q.)Howdothedefendersplantodefeatthecontract?(Trapdeclarer’sQtotakefourhearttricksandtheA.)”
ItwillprobablybedifficultforEasttoplaytheAonpartner’sJandthenleadaheartback.Also,thislessonserieshasnotyetaddressedwhichheartEastshouldreturnafterwinningtheA.Inthebeginningofthislesson,however,returningpartner’ssuitwasmentioned(ExerciseThree).Alsomentionedwasthefactthatyouwouldleadbackthesamecardthatyouwouldnormallyleadfromyourremainingholdinginthesuit(e.g.,lowfromthreelowcards).Ifnecessary,youcanremindthestudentsofthis.Ifdeclarerplaysalowheart,ratherthanthequeen,onEast’sheartreturn,Westmightnotbesurewhethertoplaythekingnextornot.Moststudentswill.Forthosewhodonot,pointoutthatitislikelytobetheironlyopportunitytodefeatthecontract(e.g.,hopingthatdeclarer’sQwillfallundertheK).NotethatdeclareralsomakesthecontractifWestfailstotaketheAaftertakingfourhearttricks.Youcanpointoutthatthisissimilartodeclarer’sguidelineof“takeyourtricksandrun”—whenyouseeenoughtrickstodefeatthecontract,takethem!Thedefenders’mainobjectiveistodefeatthecontract.
The Play “Reviewthesteps indeclarer’sPLAN.Howdoesdeclarerplan tomakethecontract?(Declarerneedsninetricksandhasfourspadetricksandfivediamondtricks—assoonasdeclarergetsthelead.)”
Conclusion“Leadingthetopcardfromastrongsequenceoftenprovidesthedefenderswithagoodchancetodefeatthecontract.Ifpartnerleadsahighcard,youhavetouseyourimaginationtovisualizepartner’sholdinginthesuit.Inthisdeal,EastknewfromWest’sopeningleadthatdeclarerheldtheQ. IfpartnerhadtheK,thendeclarer’sQcouldbetrapped—ifEastwonthefirsttrickwiththeA.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 35
EXERCISE ELEVEN: Fourth Highest
Introduction“Oneofthemostpopularmaximsforleadingagainstanotrumpcontractistoleadfourthhighestfromyourlongestandstrongestsuit.Inthisdeal,youmaybetemptedtoplayyourtwotophonorsinsteadofleadinglow.Itmayfeelasthoughleadinglowgivesupatrick.Let’sseewhathappens.”
Instructions“Turnupthecardsonthethirdpre-dealtdeal.Puteachhanddummystyleattheedgeofthetableinfrontofeachplayer.”
(E-Z Deal Cards #1, Deal 3)
Dealer:South 10762 AK962 10 4 63 AK8 Q 4 QJ5 10 8 3 AQJ6 K753 K Q 4 J 10 8 2 J953 7 4 9 8 2 A975
The Bidding“Southpasses.Withabalancedhandand22HCPs,whatisWest’sopeningbid?(2.)Northpasses.WhatdoesEastrespond?(2)Howdoes theauctionproceedfromthere?(Westrebids2NTshowing22to24HCP.Easttakespartnertogamebyrebidding3NT.)Whatisthecontract?(3NT.)Whoisthedeclarer?(West.)”
The Defense“Whomakestheopeninglead?(North.)Whatwouldtheopeningleadbe?(6.)Why?(Fourthhighestfromthelongestandstrongestsuit.)Aftertheopeninglead,whichcardsmustNorthandSouthbecarefultoholdontoifdeclarerstartstakingtricks?(Northmustholdontoallofthehearts.SouthmustholdontoalowheartalongwiththeA.)”
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Despitetheearlierexercises,Northmaybereluctanttoleadalowheart.Ifthatisthecase,letNorthdefendbyleadingahighheartandtakealookattheendresulttoseethedifferenceitmakes.Whiledeclarerwillprobablyleadaclubbeforetakingalloftheotherwinners,itstillisusefultopointouttoNorthandSouthwhichcardstheyhavetoholdonto.Therewillbemorediscussionofthisinlaterlessons.
The Play“Reviewthestepsindeclarer’sPLAN.Howdoesdeclarerplantomakethecontract?(Declarerneedsninetricksandhasthreespadetricksandfourdiamond tricks.After theheart lead,declarerhaseight tricks.Theextratrickwillhavetocomefrompromotionintheclubsuit,bydrivingouttheA.)”
Conclusion“TheonlywayforthedefenderstodefeatthecontractisforNorthtoleadalowheart.Declarertakesthefirsttrick,butwhenSouthgetstheleadwiththeA,Southleadsaheart.Northhasenoughwinnerstodefeatthecon-tract.NoticethatSouthshouldreturnpartner’ssuitevenwhendeclarer’sJ winsthefirsttrick.AlsonoticethatSouthmustrisewiththeAatthefirstopportunity—otherwise,declarercancashninewinners(fourdiamonds,threespades,oneheartandoneclub)forgame.”
Lesson 1 — Opening Leads Against Notrump Contracts 37
EXERCISE TWELVE: Listening to the Opponents
Introduction“Sometimestheopponentsgiveyouinformationabouttheirhandsthroughthebidding.Itisworthlisteningtowhattheyhavetosay.Whenyouarenotsurewhattolead,chooseasuittheopponentshaven’tmentioned,anunbidsuit.Thenextdealillustrateswhythiscanworkwell.”
Instructions“Turnupthecardsonthefourthpre-dealtdeal.Puteachhanddummystyleattheedgeofthetableinfrontofeachplayer.”
(E-Z Deal Cards #1, Deal 4)
Dealer:West K Q J 96 K J 9 4 3 A76 98765 4 7 4 2 A853 6 A875 K 9 4 3 Q 10 8 2 A1032 K Q J 10 Q 10 2 J5
The Bidding“Westpasses.WhatisNorth’sopeningbid?(1.)WhycanEastnotover-callormakeatakeoutdouble?(Easthasnofive-cardsuittoovercallanddoesnothavesupportforalloftheunbidsuits.)WhatdoesEastdo?(Pass.)WhichsuitdoesSouthbidattheonelevel?(1,bidding‘uptheline.’)Westpasses.HowdoesNorthdescribe thisbalancedhand? (1NT.)Eastpasses.Atwhatleveldoesthecontractbelong?(Game.)WhatdoesSouthbid?(3NT.)Howdoestheauctionproceedfromthere?(Pass,pass,pass.)Whatisthecontract?(3NT.)Whoisthedeclarer?(North.)”
The Defense“Whomakestheopeninglead?(East.)Afterlisteningtotheauction,whichsuitshouldEastchoose?(Clubs,anunbidsuit.)?Whichcard?(2,fourthhighest.)WhatwouldhappenifEastchoseadifferentsuit?(DeclarerwouldwinthetrickandhavetimetodriveouttheAandmakethecontract.)”
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The Play“Reviewthestepsindeclarer’sPLAN.Howdoesdeclarerplantomakethecontract?(Declarerneedsninewinners.Therearefoursuretricksinspadesandonesure trick inclubs.Thediamondsuitwillprovidefourwinnersthroughpromotionandtheheartsuitonlythree.ThereforedeclarerwouldplantodriveouttheAtomakethecontract.”
Conclusion“Easthasachoiceofthreesuitsthatwouldbereasonabletolead.Aftereavesdroppingontheopponents’bidding,however,theunbidsuitbecomesthelogicalchoice,eventhoughitistheweakestofthethree.IfEastleadsanothersuit,declarerwillhavenotroublemakingthecontract.”