Lead directing double

/ Sunil Khanna
Article also covers-Lightner Double

Opponent’s Double over all artificial conventions like Stayman, Jacoby transfer, 3014RKBC, Gerber etc.., are Lead Directing. Opponent, here is requesting his partner to move opening lead in this suit.

Doubler is controlling top tricks in this suit. This is very useful espacially, in a slam situation where only 2 tricks are required to defeat a round.

WestNorthEastSouthAction
1NTPass2!cDoubleOpening lead can be !c
Above – Lead directing double after Stayman by South. West will complete transfer as usual
WestNorthEastSouthAction
1NTPass2!dDoubleOpening lead can be !d
Above-Lead directing double after Jacoby transfer.
WestNorthEastSouthAction
1!sPass2NTPassJacoby 2NT
3!sPass4NTPass3014 Roman Keycard
5!hDouble6!sPassNorth flags !h for opening lead
Above-Slam investigation. Declarer strategy remains same.
Double by west over 5!c of south (which is 3014RKBC relay) is lead directing.
Lightner Double

A double post a 3NT game or a slam after it’s confirmation is another form of lead directing double where the doubler indicates to his partner to lead a side suit bid during the auction by game/slam winners.

This can happen only when the doubler knows that the opening lead will go to the partner. Doubler has either a void or top control of the side suit. The order of preference in case of multiple options should be :

  • Dummy’s side suit as first option
  • Declarer’s side suit as second option
  • Any unusual lead that could even be his longest suit for ruffing.