correct lead?

[mikl_plkcc]

I leaded the queen and the slam made. Should I lead the 7 instead?

 

[hv=sn=tarinel&s=SJ96HA98654DJ876C&wn=00fualfa&w=SAKQ742HJ2DQCKJ96&nn=mikl_plkcc&n=STHQ7DT9542CQ8732&en=wongkamfai&e=S853HKT3DAK3CAT54&d=n&v=e&b=41&a=P1CP1S2D2S3D4NP5HD6SPPP&p=HQHKHAH2H4HJH7H3SASTS3S6SKD2S5S9SQC2S8SJDQD4D3D6&c=12]640|480[/hv]

[ahydra]

If you led the ♥7, then declarer would just duck. South wouldn't X 5H without the ace, and if he has AQ then declarer is screwed anyway. So the slam will still make.

 

I would lead the 7 (leading the Q saves declarer a guess). Indeed in general, against slams it's good to falsecard on the lead. A common one is leading small from something like Axx hoping dummy has K or J, partner has Q and declarer misguesses based on "nobody underleads an Ace".

 

ahydra

[billw55]

I suggest you spend more time reconsidering the 2♦ overcall.

[Coelacanth]

I suggest you spend more time reconsidering the 2♦ overcall.

I don't disagree with this, but I think South's bidding also leaves something to be desired. He wants a club lead, not a heart. He should not double 5♥, and his double of the final contract would request a club lead.

[manudude03]

South should have waited for slam to be bid and then make a lightner double.

 

Edit: Well, ok 6NT makes, but who's to say they're working it out :).

[han]

That is the worst lead directing double I have ever seen.

[gszes]

I don't disagree with this, but I think South's bidding also leaves something to be desired. He wants a club lead, not a heart. He should not double 5♥, and his double of the final contract would request a club lead.

 

right on target plannnng the bidding is not only for those that will play the hand:))))

[Stephen Tu]

I would lead the 7 (leading the Q saves declarer a guess). Indeed in general, against slams it's good to falsecard on the lead.

I strongly disagree with this on this type of auction. Declarer is never going to guess wrong when partner doubled for the lead, if there is a guess. But leading the Q helps partner considerably if he holds a more normal AJTxx(x) and dummy has Kxx(x), declarer xx. You lead low, declarer plays low, partner now has to guess whether declarer has stiff Q, or doubleton Q, whether he should play for two heart tricks or if he should rise ace and play you for some trick elsewhere.

 

Falsecarding on lead has more merit vs. grands or if you hold both likely defensive tricks. Vs. small if partner is going to be involved in decisions you need him to know what's going on, so he can decide where you are getting a 2nd trick.

 

Of course I agree with other posters on the stupidity of doubling 5h and the nutty 2d overcall, although the latter didn't end up mattering on this hand.

[ahydra]

I strongly disagree with this on this type of auction. Declarer is never going to guess wrong when partner doubled for the lead, if there is a guess. But leading the Q helps partner considerably if he holds a more normal AJTxx(x) and dummy has Kxx(x), declarer xx. You lead low, declarer plays low, partner now has to guess whether declarer has stiff Q, or doubleton Q, whether he should play for two heart tricks or if he should rise ace and play you for some trick elsewhere.

 

Falsecarding on lead has more merit vs. grands or if you hold both likely defensive tricks. Vs. small if partner is going to be involved in decisions you need him to know what's going on, so he can decide where you are getting a 2nd trick.

 

 

Yes - good point that falsecarding has no effect if there's been a lead-directing X.

 

ahydra

[lowerline]

I suggest you spend more time reconsidering the 2♦ overcall.

 

+1 And the double on 5♥...

I would sympathize if South had overcalled 2♥.

 

Steven