BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

YoU are on lead against the bidding shown. What would you lead, and would it make any difference if the bidding had been 2nt-4nt-6nt?

In THE first sequence, there’s room for your partner to have some points, so the best thing you can do, even if it doesn’t turn out to help much, is to make the attacking lead of a spade and, as we know, the correct choice is the fourth best, the ♠ 6.

You might find partner with something in the suit to help you clear it and, though you have no entry, partner might have one, and be able to return a spade to you.

Had the bidding been 2nT-4nT-6nT, the last thing you should do is lead a spade.

South, as he accepted north’s quantitative invitation, will have 22 points, and north will have 10 or 11, which leaves precious little for your partner!

So your only hope of defeating 6nT is that declarer may find himself forced to lead towards the ♠ K in his own hand.

As for what you should lead — take your pick from the other three suits.

My choice would be the ♦ J.