East deals
All vul
North
K Q J 9
K Q 9 7 4
10 9 3
4
East
10
A 6 2
A J 7 2
K Q J 10 5
West
A 8 3 2
J 5
K Q 5 4
9 7 2
South
7 6 5 4
10 8 3
8 6
A 8 6 3
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | 1C | pass |
| 1S | pass | 1NT | pass |
| 2NT | pass | 3NT | all pass |
South is on lead and has no clear choice. The clubs have been bid by the declaring side, as has spades. South might as well try to attack the unbid suits.Not having much in either hearts and diamonds, the best thing to do is to lead from the longest in the hope that partner has length in it.
Because the lead is not coming from a four or longer card suit, fourth highest is not an option. In the tournament this deal came from, South chose the middle card, the Heart 8.
Poor old North had no idea where the ten was, and had to go up with the Queen when the 5 was played from West. Whether or not declarer ducks the Ace of Hearts, the heart continuation is a problem and South has to be very alert to avoid blocking the suit.
All of this would have been avoided if South had led the Ten of Hearts, the suit would be unblocked as North can let it ride round to put pressure on the Ace.
And so, if you are making a lead to explore the unbid suit, think of leading your top card: if you have found partner's long suit, it will help himmher to plan any possible continuation.