Posted 2007-May-04, 11:21
This is clearly a lightner double, calling for an unusual opening lead. There are two possible unusual opening leads here, a spade and a diamond. Because of this, we quickly rule out a club or heart lead.
If ruffing a trick was a consideration, I guess I might start a diamond. But that is not an issue. So partner thinks he can either cash two quick tricks, or establish a second trick on the opeing lead.
There are a lot of hands partner could have. AQ of spades is one, but on this auction, he would expect the slam is down if the 1S-3S bidder can not run his spades. So, oddly enough, since the 1S-3S bidder is the STRONG guy, if partner is beating it on any lead, he can double (so with AQ he can double and it will in all likelhood go down no matter what I lead). Other hands are partner is AK of diamonds, that is far fetched. Partner could be KQ of diamonds and Ace of spades, but then they hardly have their bids (29 hcp maximum).
All in all, I will go with the premise that if partner has two spade tricks on this auction they are not going anwhere (could be wrong), and lead a diamond. I doubt the 2D rebidder can take 12 tricks without setting up spades.
--Ben--