Trumps Bridge Centre
Lightner doubles at lower levels
Last month’s challenge mentioned that double of a freely bid slam is a Lightner or lead-directing double, usually asking for a lead of dummy’s first bid suit. Double of 3NT is also a Lightner double in much the same way. After North opens in spades and South twice bids hearts, what should you do with the West hand after North settles in 3NT?
WEST
♠ T752
♥ AQJ85
♦ 7
♣ 874
Lightner strikes twice
Theodore Lightner (1893-1981) proposed that a double of a freely bid slam should ask for an unusual lead. The theory is that it is important to use the double to tell partner what to lead so you defeat the contract, rather than worry about doubling just to win a few extra points because you think you are taking them down.
Typically the doubler has a void and needs partner to lead that suit to score the ruff. Consider this hand:
Looking back to a Seres grand slam
On this hand from the 1977 Far East championships, Tim Seres and his partner of choice, Dick Cummings, bid to 7S in the match against the new nation of
Contract: 7S by South. Lead: S3.
NORTH
♠ KQT8
♥ AK74
♦ 93
♣ A53
SOUTH
♠ AJ94
♥ T8
♦ AQ
♣ KQ742
Seres was declarer, South, and won the first trick with dummy’s S8. How should the play proceed from there?
Winning with losers
Plan your play as declarer in 6S, on the auction and lead shown:
Contract: 6S by South. Lead: D3.
NORTH
♠ A8765
♥ K7
♦ Q4
♣ Q876
SOUTH
♠ QT9432
♥ AQJ
♦ A6
♣ AT
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1S
Pass 2NT* Pass 3S
Pass 4S Pass 4NT
Pass 5D Dble 6S
*Jacoby 2NT, showing a 4+fit and game points
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