BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

What should West lead?

In spite of the fact that n-S have reached a 3nT contract over East’s heart bid, West must lead a heart — his ♥ 6. East’s was a lead-directing double, because he is anxious that at all costs West should not be put off leading his bid suit.

The rule is that, defending a no Trump contract which has been doubled by a player who has bid a suit, his partner must lead that suit.

In this case, no doubt, East knows that the n-S heart guard is somewhat sketchy — perhaps the

♥ A only — and having an outside entry in his hand he does not want to risk missing a ‘tempo’ by not having his suit led.