[nige1]

This is just an attempt to settle an argument.
Imp pairs. Unknown "expert" opponents using 2/1.
No alerts but, presumably, 4N/5N are RKCB.
Your lead?
Please award marks out of 10 to each lead that you consider.

---

[wank]

a diamond's not absurd against bbo experts - no reason to assume they've got 4 aces just because they ask for kings.

but i'll still lead a small spade.

[VM1973]

Partner can't want a club ruff or he would have doubled. A diamond is unlikely to help as partner won't have a trump entry nor will he have the ♦A. I suppose the only chance to set up a trick in partner's hand while he has the ♦K as an entry. I guess the spades are a slightly better chance... maybe the ♠10 with a diamond lead = 0

[nige1]

Thank you for your answers.

When I post another poll, I must remember to make the votes "public" to see who voted and for what.

FWIW, I think the best lead is a ♣ and second best is a ♦ but I appear to be wrong. (At imps, before I lead, I try to imagine plausible layouts, where it is possible to defeat the contract)

My partner thought a ♠ lead was best and the poll agrees with her.

---

Follow-up questions about Lightner-doubles in this context (special pleading -- but may still clarify partnership understandings) ...

• At imps, given opponent's confident auction, should your primary defensive purpose be to defeat 6♥ or to play safely hoping to save an overtrick?
• If partner Lightner-doubled 6♥, which suit would it request on this auction?
• Which suit is a double likely to request, on this auction, given the contents of your hand?
• Should partner double with a void but not much assurance of another trick in 6♥ (say, ♠ Jxxxx ♥ Q ♦ Jxxxxxx ♣- )?
• Should partner double 6♥ with a void but no defence against 6N (or 7N)?

[VM1973]

nige1, on 2011-August-02, 06:08, said:

Thank you for your answers.

When I post another poll, I must remember to make the votes "public" to see who voted and for what.

FWIW, I think the best lead is a ♣ and second best is a ♦ but I appear to be wrong. (At imps, before I lead, I try to imagine plausible layouts, where it is possible to defeat the contract)

My partner thought a ♠ lead was best and the poll agrees with her.

---

Follow-up questions about Lightner-doubles in this context (special pleading -- but may still be useful to clarify partnership understandings) ...

• At imps, given opponent's confident auction, should your primary defensive purpose be to defeat 6♥ or to play safely hoping to save an overtrick?
• If partner Lightner-doubled 6♥, which suit would it request on this auction?
• Which suit is a double likely to request, on this auction, given the contents of your hand?
• Should partner double with a void but not much assurance of another trick in 6♥ (say, ♠ Jxxxx ♥ Q ♦ Jxxxxxx ♣- )?
• Should partner double 6♥ with a void but no defence against 6N (or 7N)?

My opinion, for what it's worth is as follows:

1. At IMPs you should go all out to defeat the contract.
2. On the auction a Lightner Double would appear to call for a diamond lead.
3. On your hand a club lead would be indicated after a Lightner double.
4. Yes.
5. I'm not sure.