1NT Opening Lead

[xarlos]

Please share your thoughts:

 

I am having a problem interpreting partners' opening leads to a no trump contract.

 

Many years ago, I was taught that the opening lead to a NT contract is almostalways the same - 4th highest card in your longest suit. This is to send a signal to your P. There are exceptions, of course - as when you are able to run a long suit from Ace down. But these are only exceptions. And I abide by this convention. P should be able to look at the dummy and visualize a potential weakness in declarer's bid. Also, ideally, should we win the trick, P would lead back.

 

Now-a-days, I find Ps leading what I consider "willy-nilly" and it leaves me wondering what they are thinking. I see this at all levels.

 

I got into a conversation about this while kibbitzing a "star" game. Other kibbitzers chimed in saying, "Boy! You're sure showing your age."

 

What am I missing?

[blackshoe]

The fact that leading from your longest suit against NT isn't always the best thing to do. B-)

 

Eddie Kantar has two very excellent books on defense: Modern Bridge Defense and Advanced Bridge Defense. I highly recommend both.

[NickRW]

I got into a conversation about this while kibbitzing a "star" game. Other kibbitzers chimed in saying, "Boy! You're sure showing your age."

 

What am I missing?

 

Briefly, 5+ card suits, especially if you have prospects of an entry to your hand in another suit are attractive. Four card suits, especially ones with holes in, like say AJ9x, or headed by a single honour like K87x, are at least as likely to leak a trick as gain one. In such circumsatances, such a suit is still a potential lead if nothing else seems attractive, but opening leader should consider the possibility of making a lead that will hopefully find partner's suit or which simply gives nothing away (easier said than done of course - especially on a 1NT all pass auction)

 

Nick