22nd May 2019


A lead problem from a recent NICKO match.


 S  AJ107542
 H  83
 D  6
 C  K84

Love All. IMPs Dealer West

South
West
North
East

3S Pass
4S
6H Pass
Pass Pass

You are leading this match fairly comfortably which may explain South's leap to a slam.  What do you lead?

Solution

As usual with lead problems there is rarely a right answer.  Leading the spade ace may set up dummy's king if declarer is void (which he may well be on the bidding).
A trump lead is probably safe, a diamond lead might pick up partner's holding in what could well be declarer's second suit and a club from the king could cost a trick.
I would go with a trump lead, but without great conviction.

The ace of spades lead found at both tables (not the same auction in the other room) turned out to be disastrous for an unlikely reason as can be seen from the full deal below.
Dealer West
S

   
Love All
H
6
   
    D KJ1097542
   
    C Q1065
   
S
AJ107542
    S
986
H
83
    H
1095
D
6
    D
AQ83
C
K84
    C
972
    S
KQ3
   
    H
AKQJ742
   
    D

   
    C
AJ3
   


Only the spade ace and club king lead let this contract make, but the defence has to be careful on a diamond lead.  South will trump and take the ruffing spade finesse and then lead a club honour from dummy to take the club finesse.  West must duck the first club or else South's spade loser will disappear on the last club.

Thanks to John Holland for providing this deal