The best time to lead away from an Ace

[pilowsky]

When it makes no difference?

When it isn't you?

In space when nobody can hear you scream?

Who really cares anymore?

Fortunately, I'm in an IMP's tournament, so being in a ♥ contract instead of NT didn't make much difference.

Neither does the 4th down lead by the East robot!

Here's the link

North ignores my pleas and bids 4♥ even after I tell him I haven't got any. Then East leads the ♣3[hv=pc=n&s=sk9hq8dkjt94ckq75&w=s8643ht63da753c84&n=sajhakj942d86cj92&e=sqt752h75dq2cat63&d=s&v=0&b=11&a=1dp1hp1np2c(NMF)p2dp4hppp]399|300[/hv]

[AL78]

You have indirectly told North you have a couple of hearts when you bid 1NT (there is a possibility you could have a singleton but it is more likely you have two). I don't understand what the 2♣ was all about, I'd have just bid 4♥. Why give the opponents a guided tour of your hands?

[pilowsky]

You have indirectly told North you have a couple of hearts when you bid 1NT (there is a possibility you could have a singleton but it is more likely you have two). I don't understand what the 2♣ was all about, I'd have just bid 4♥. Why give the opponents a guided tour of your hands?

 

That's exactly what I was thinking - but the mind of a robot is a strange place indeed. Full of mystery. Who knows what my robot was 'thinking' this time? I just put my coin in the slot and hope for the best.

[Huibertus]

On this hand, I like the small club lead, dummy could have KJXX of clubs instead of KQXX in which case partner could make ♣ Q and would get a ♣ ruff. Also patner holding Trump Ace instead of ♦ Ace would get him a ruff that he couldn't otherwise get.

 

 

In general, when Dummy is strong and one would expect partner to hold about a queen and nothing more, and you have no attractive lead, sure underlead an ace. Also i've seen great results underleading aces in dummys known side suit when leader had a known void.