BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

As West you are on lead against the bidding shown. Has the bidding told you anything, and if so, would it influence your choice of lead? North’s direct jump to 4 ♠ over south’s opening 2 ♠ has conventionally guaranteed that he holds no ace or void. You also know that, with a positive response facing him, south has made no further effort to find out about kings in North’s hand, and has contented himself with bidding 6 ♠ .

It follows logically that North-south may have an ace missing — probably have, in fact. If this should turn out to be the ♥ A, a lead of the ♥ 8 will hit the jackpot. At any rate, what other chance have you of defeating 6 ♠ ? If your partner holds an ace somewhere else, he has a good chance of making it, but you have nothing with which to back him up for a second trick. Lead your singleton heart.