Page 7 - Leads Against Notrump

7
The Oldest Maxim
North and South start with four sure tricks, the ♠A-K and
♥A-K. Declarer needs to promote fve more winners to make
the contract. Declarer can promote three tricks in diamonds by
driving out the ♦A, and three tricks in clubs by driving out the
♣A.
West has the advantage of the opening lead, and starts by
leading the ♠7. Declarer wins the frst spade trick and plays a
diamond. East wins the ♦A. Now East leads a spade, driving out
declarer’s remaining high spade. Declarer still has only seven
tricks. When declarer tries to promote winners in the club
suit, West can win the ♣A and take the three promoted spade
winners to defeat the contract.
There are several important points to note about this example.
When East gained the lead with the ♦A, East had to return
partner’s suit by leading a spade. This is usually a good idea. East
would have preferred that partner led a heart originally. However,
once a spade is led, it is too late on this deal to change direction in
midstream. If East had switched to a heart after winning the ♦A,
declarer would win and drive out the ♣A. Now declarer would
fnish with ten tricks instead of eight. The defenders have to work
together to defeat the contract.
This hand illustrates the advantage of the opening lead.
East-West can promote spades more quickly than North-South
can promote their diamond and club winners. If declarer were
able to lead frst, declarer could start by driving out East’s ♦A.
Whether East now led a heart or a spade, declarer would win
the race. Declarer would win and drive out West’s ♣A. Now
declarer would have ten winners to take no matter what the
defenders lead next.