Some new players are reluctant — even terrified — of leading from a king. The prospect of finding declarer with the A-Q and giving a free finesse is daunting. But not leading from a king can be more dangerous.

In today’s deal, West led the ace of clubs against four hearts, winning. Shifting to a diamond from the king looked scary, so West led a second club — handing South his contract. South threw a diamond on dummy’s king, cashed the K-A of trumps and ran the spades. He lost one diamond and a trump to West’s queen.

If West recalls the bidding, he will see that leading a diamond at Trick Two can’t cost and may be essential. South’s bidding — a “transfer” to spades followed by a natural heart bid — suggests five cards in each major.

If West shifts to a diamond and finds declarer with A-x, West has lost nothing since South would discard his low diamond on dummy’s king of clubs anyway. But if East has the ace of diamonds, West had better lead a diamond, else South could make an overtrick.

Daily question >> You hold: ? 8 6 4 2 ? 5 4 ? A 8 7 4 ?Q 10 3. Your partner opens one spade, you raise to two spades and he bids three clubs. What do you say?

Answer >> You have only six high-card points, but this decision is close. Partner’s three clubs asks you to bid game with any sound raise or with a fair raise including help for his second suit. Since you have four trumps, a club honor and an ace, bid four spades. Partner might hold A K 1 0 5 3, A 7 2, 3, K J 7 4.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable

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