My friend the English professor defines “diagnostic” as someone who doesn’t know whether there are two Gods. Opening leads may involve guesswork, but sometimes the best lead will be clearly indicated.

When East-West got to four spades, South saved at five clubs. In fact, North could have beaten four spades with most any lead. But against five clubs doubled, West led the king of spades, then shifted to the ace and a low trump.

South won in dummy, ruffed a spade, led a diamond to the queen and ruffed dummy’s last spade. He led a second diamond king, ace drew West’s last trump and claimed 11 tricks.

South’s “sacrifice” won’t be a make if West diagnoses the correct opening lead. East-West have most of the high cards; North-South are bidding on shape. Then a trump lead is clear to stop declarer from winning extra trump tricks.

If West leads a trump, he can get back in with a spade to lead the ace and a third trump. South loses two hearts and a trump.

Daily question >> You hold: ? A K 10 9 4 ? K 7 6 ? K 4 ? A 7 4. You are the dealer. West in today’s deal opened one spade with this hand. Do you agree with that call?

Answer >> West’s hand was too strong to open 1NT, showing 15 to 17 points. West had all primary honors and a five-card suit with good intermediate cards. Expert opinion varies on whether to open 1NT with, or despite, a five-card major, but there would be little disagreement here.

North dealer

E-W vulnerable

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