[jillybean]

I think my game is going okay, but then there are times when I face a somewhat unusual situation, and it's often with leads where I make the worst possible decision.
I clearly need to study passive leads?

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What would you lead?

[WasWinM]

jillybean, on 2026-July-29, 09:09, said:

I think my game is going okay, but then there are times when I face a somewhat unusual situation, and it's often with leads where I make the worst possible decision.
I clearly need to study passive leads?

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What would you lead?

It looks like the hearts are likely 3-3, a source of tricks. Partner has some kind of cards as opps made no move toward game when we're missing 26 HCPs. Pard didn't make a negative double or bid spades, so it's unlikely a spade lead is best. Clubs don't seem like much of a source of trick. That leaves diamonds. Maybe parter has the KJxxx over the Qxx. Or maybe I'm just whistling Dixie. Top diamond is my choice.

[jschafer]

I would try one of the top honours to see dummy before committing. Qxx of diamonds in dummy is limiting RHO in 3 suits (max 4S, 2H, 2D), possible but maybe less likely on the auction. Partner has denied 4 spades (at least when p has enough points for a double), so unlikely to set up many tricks there as partner is probably missing either length or entries. I don't think starting with top spade would cost much, but I would go for Ace of clubs and take it from there.

[TMorris]

Is K ♣ asking for count/unblock? Count would be useful and partner can't have anything useful to unblock one might think. If so i try that. Who knows maybe their stop is on the thin side. It would help if you knew your opponents though.