X-Def 01
Welcome to my new series on DEFENCE. This is a continuation following on from the articles dealing with the “Rule of 11”, a good place to start when we are discussing defence.
Before we get into all aspects of defence, we need to work out a basic structure of how to play combinations of cards when we a) start the defence with the opening lead and b) continue the defence after the opening lead has been made and the beginnings of a plan formed by both defenders.
Firstly, let’s look at what could be your “best” suit. When making an opening lead, and you decide to lead your own suit, having no indication from partner what her best suit is, you must lead a card that will tell partner not just that this is your best suit, but which cards you hold in that suit. For simplicity, let’s say your suit is diamonds. Take a look at some cards that you might hold in diamonds, taken out of context, simply that this is your best suit and a suit you have decided that you will open your defence with.
Firstly, let me say that your opening leads against No Trumps should be quite different to your opening leads against a suit contract. So, once more just to keep things simple, and not necessarily in context, lets say your opening lead is going to be against a) 3NT and b) 4S.
a) Your lead against 3NT? b) Your lead against 4S? holding
AQ972- QJ97
- K972
- AJ763
- KQT2
- AK93
- QJ542
- AKT94
- J9432
- AJT32
Send me your answers to villyn@xtra.co.nz before you read X-Def 02
