Tuesday, June 15, 2004 1:25 PM

Hand Evaluation – Tactics ( Lead Directors )

PITBULLS:

When you are playing with a partner very much weaker then you are , there is a well known master minding technique to do everything possible to help her off to a good opening lead. You put in a lead directing bid or double every chance you get. 3^rd seat is built for opening leads. Always assume that the auction is about to go 1NT-P-3NT if you do pass in 3^rd seat. Open a 4 card major rather than a bad minor to get partner off to a lead. Do anything to help her out.

O.K. you are now playing with your expert partner. There is no reason not to help her with her leads also. Just in one night in a local club game, I had three hands which re-enforces this practice. My partner opened 4♥ nv , the vul opponents doubled , I held ♠xxx