Deal 17     3NT	♠ ♥ ♦ ♣		WEST   NORTH   EAST   SOUTH 1♠ pass 2NT pass 3NT double pass pass pass The bidding has been as shown. The contract is 3NT and it is your lead. When you have made your choice click NEXT .
♠ 4 ♥ 10 9 8 4 ♦ 8 6 3 2 ♣ K 8 7 2		♠ ♥ ♦ ♣
	♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

 

Deal 17     3NT	♠ A 9 7 6 2 ♥ A 6 3 ♦ K 4 ♣ Q J 5		Lead the ♠4. If partner had not doubled the contract you would probably have started with the ♥10, or possibly the ♣2. But partner DID double, and most good players play that doubling 3NT is lead-directing as follows:   If you have bid a suit, lead it.   If doubler has bid a suit, lead it.   If neither of you has bid, lead dummy's first bid suit. So lead a ♠, certainly not a lead you would have made without the double. Partner immediately establishes 4 ♠ winners and he has the ♦A for an entry. With any other lead declarer will make the contract.  Deal 18
♠ 4 ♥ 10 9 8 4 ♦ 8 6 3 2 ♣ K 8 7 2		♠ K Q J 10 8 ♥ 7 5 2 ♦ A 5 ♣ 9 6 3
	♠ 5 3 ♥ K Q J ♦ Q J 10 9 7 ♣ A 10 4