[lamford]

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If you ask about the auction you will be told that 2♠ is natural and there is no agreement what 3♦ means. Your go.

[JLOGIC]

I would just lead a diamond despite partner not doubling 3D. I think we will often beat this hand with normal/passive defense since I have the CK behind and spades don't split, and if partner has 3 diamonds beginning to set up diamonds may be useful.

My other option of the HT could easily be very destructive even though it is partners 4 card suit, and I don't think we are desperate.

[lycier]

yes,lead ♥ is a good idea.

[the hog]

No, a H lead is a bad idea. A ♦ lead is normal.

[lamford]

Thanks for your opinions. The other question is: if you asked "is everything natural?" before leading, and were told that it was, would it make any difference to your choice of lead? ("Natural" includes 3-card suits)

[rhm]

lamford, on 2012-December-24, 07:37, said:

Thanks for your opinions. The other question is: if you asked "is everything natural?" before leading, and were told that it was, would it make any difference to your choice of lead? ("Natural" includes 3-card suits)

It would be weird if South bid that way with length in both diamonds and spades, once he heard that East has spades and diamonds.
I can imagine that he wants to suggest spades as trumps but not diamonds as well.
3♦ as natural can only mean diamond values but no interest in playing diamonds.
Otherwise South would either have played for penalties or at these colors bid notrump himself.
3♦ must be forcing and can not show a long suit in my opinion. South might be worried about hearts or would like to get a spade preference.
A diamond lead is still a sensible option in my opinion.
Heart could be right but requires partner to have some strong holing like KQJx or QJ9x

Rainer Herrmann

[Vampyr]

rhm, on 2012-December-24, 11:15, said:

It would be weird if South bid that way with length in both diamonds and spades, once he heard that East has spades and diamonds.
I can imagine that he wants to suggest spades as trumps but not diamonds as well.
3♦ as natural can only mean diamond values but no interest in playing diamonds.
Otherwise South would either have played for penalties or at these colors bid notrump himself.
3♦ must be forcing and can not show a long suit in my opinion. South might be worried about hearts or would like to get a spade preference.
A diamond lead is still a sensible option in my opinion.
Heart could be right but requires partner to have some strong holing like KQJx or QJ9x

Rainer Herrmann

Thanks. The person on lead called the director because 3D was not alerted, and when she asked "is everything natural?", South did not volunteer a correction that she intended it to ask for help for no-trumps. A diamond lead would have worked, and I shall continue this thread in the Laws section.