Department of Defense Flashcards
It is generally a good idea against a notrump contract to lead your…
longest and strongest suit. The reason is that if you can establish your suit (make it all winners) you can continue to win tricks as the opponents cannot trump.
The best card to lead from your longest and strongest suit is …
the top of a sequence or a broken sequence. It must contain at least one honor card to be called a sequence.
What is a broken sequence?
When you have the first two cards in the sequence, you are missing the third card, but have the fourth.It must contain at least one honor card to be called a sequence. Example is (D) K Q 10 2
Guides concerning which card to lead from certain combinations are actually
‘carding agreements’ between you and your partner. If you deviate, you will lead partner astray.
Lead Fourth best from your longest and strongest… when?
providing you hold at least one honor in the suit. Use this when you don’t have a sequence or broken sequence from which to lead the top of the sequence. Example (H) K J 9 6 3 2 , lead the 6H.(H) 10 8 7 3, lead the 3H
On opening lead against a suit contract, do not underlead an ace. Why?
more info here.
Why is it so important that we lead specific cards from particular combinations?
The defenders cannot see each other’s hands, while declarer had the advantage of seeing both hands. The defense can counter this somewhat by the manner in which they play their cards. Leads are the first step in establishing a line of communication with your partner on defense.
When deciding what card to lead against the opponent’s contract, review the bidding for clues. Why?
The bidding is often a road map to the best opening lead!
