ACES ON BRIDGE

This week’s deals are all based on lead-directing doubles.

The Lightner double is the most striking example of this particular action. rather than being the double of a cue-bid, a Lightner double is a double of the likely final contract, most often a slam, suggesting an unusual lead. While a player with limited values who can see that his side will be outbid might venture a double of an artificial call simply to attract the desired lead, a Lightner double carries more danger since the opponents can redouble and make overtricks if you have misjudged. Still, as with most decisions at the bridge table, one has to balance risk and reward.

As West here, you see South drive to six no-trump after using Blackwood. Partner doubles out of the blue. What should you lead?

This double can hardly be based on power when you are looking at an ace. Partner’s double must be lead-directing, and in the absence of any bidding from your side, the default is to lead dummy’s firstbid suit — a lead you wouldn’t normally make without the double.you therefore lay down the diamond ace and continue the suit, scooping up four diamond tricks for a 500 set.

East’s double was dangerous but well-reasoned. He hoped that his partner had an ace (likely because South made no move toward a grand slam) and more than one diamond. In that case, a diamond lead could easily set up the setting trick for the defense with just a little luck.

LEAD WITH THE ACES

ANSWER: Lead the spade five. you are unlikely to set up the diamonds on an auction where dummy seems to have more cards in the minors than majors, especially when you have so few high cards. a major-suit lead seems to be called for. Spades offer your best chance, needing the least from partner. I might do this at pairs as well as at teams.