[wank]

All vul imps 3d from lho, 3s forcing from rho, 4h cuebid from lho, 4s from rho.

Xx
Kxxxx
Xx
Aqxx

[nige1]

Wank's bidding problem:

I rank
1. ♠ = Unimaginative and passive but might reduce ♥ ruffs.
2. ♦ = Passive and might help declarer to set-up dummy's ♦s.
3. ♣A = Brave when RHO is marked with strength but could well be right and was probably Wank's choice.
4. ♥x = Of doubtful utility because LHO's ♥ cue-bid probably advertises a shortage.

---

[Kaitlyn S]

nige1, on 2016-October-22, 07:23, said:

I rank
1. ♠ = Unimaginative and passive but might reduce ♥ ruffs.
2. ♦ = Passive and might help declarer to set-up dummy's ♦s. advertises a shortage.[/hv]

I personally find the diamonds threatening and don't think a passive lead is called for. I lead a low heart, figuring we need a heart trick, two club tricks, and one spade or diamond. Granted I'm giving South a pretty sad hand for his forcing bid (CK, top spades, diamond honor), but with South making a forcing bid and North making a control bid looking for slam, it doesn't seem as though passive defense is going to cut it.

[Jinksy]

This feels like a complete crap shoot.

Small heart could be right to get partner in with something like xxx Axxxx xxx JTx before the opps get pitches.
Club could be right when declarer doesn't have the K (or it's not his 10th trick), and either we can cash our tricks or make a strategic switch.
Diamond could be right when P has something like ATx J9xx xx Txxx and we can strand declarer from the D suit.
I'm struggling to find a convincing layout where a spade is right.

Of those the A♣ feels like it has the most winning options, so I guess I'll lead that. I'm sure Deep Finesse will be proud.

[1eyedjack]

Kaitlyn S, on 2016-October-22, 13:29, said:

I personally find the diamonds threatening and don't think a passive lead is called for. I lead a low heart, figuring we need a heart trick, two club tricks, and one spade or diamond. Granted I'm giving South a pretty sad hand for his forcing bid (CK, top spades, diamond honor), but with South making a forcing bid and North making a control bid looking for slam, it doesn't seem as though passive defense is going to cut it.

I agree with your general conclusion that the auction does not call for passivity. But on the other hand if responder is discouraged by the cue bid it tends to indicate that he has wasted values in Hearts, which in turn argues against a heart lead away from the King. Perhaps that elevates the merits of a Club lead. I think on balance I go with a trump.