Answer to

Hand of the week commencing Sunday 21st May 2006  

 

What as west do u now lead ?

 

 

Dealer West

ª

A K

 

 

 

East West  Vul

©

A 8 6 5 2

 

 

 

 

¨

A 9

 

 

 

 

§

9 6 5 4

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

ª

 10 9 8

 

 

ª

6 3 2

©

9 7 3  

 

W                          E

©

K Q J 10 4

¨

 8 2 

 

 

¨

 Q 6 5 4

§

A K 10 8 2 

 

 

§

7

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

ª

Q J 7 5 4

 

 

 

 

©

 

 

 

 

 

¨

K J 10 7 3

 

 

 

 

§

 Q J 3

 

 

 

N

E

S

W

 

 

 

NO

1©

NO

1ª

NO

2§

NO

2NT

 NO

3NT

DBL

NO

NO

NO

 

 

 

 

 In 1929 Theodore Lightner devised a use for the “Double” for hands  like this. It was to become known as the “Lightner” Double, used and recognized by experts the world over.

In a freely bid 3NT contract or a freely bid slam if the non leader suddenly makes a Double then he is asking for an unusual lead. The unusual lead generally requested is for partner to lead dummy’s first bid suit. Sometimes the leader is expected to lead from his long suit as the other defender has a void  and wants to ruff the first trick.

On this hand East is doubling to ask for West to lead a Heart. The only lead here to break the contract is a Heart so East must make sure he is playing this delightful convention and hope that his partner has read about it too.

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