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.

West	North	East	South	Action
1NT	Pass	2!c	Double	Opening lead can be !c

Above – Lead directing double after Stayman by South. West will complete transfer as usual

West	North	East	South	Action
1NT	Pass	2!d	Double	Opening lead can be !d

Above-Lead directing double after Jacoby transfer.

West	North	East	South	Action
1!s	Pass	2NT	Pass	Jacoby 2NT
3!s	Pass	4NT	Pass	3014 Roman Keycard
5!h	Double	6!s	Pass	North 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.