Lightner Doubles

A form of lead-directing double of a final voluntary slam contract (as opposed to sacrifices). Many players also use it against game contracts in non-competitive bidding (E.g., 1NT pass 3NT dbl). The double requests an unusual lead, usually the dummy's first bid side suit, or leader's longest suit. Typically, the double is based upon a void. Although the decision of which suit varies by partnership agreement, here is a list of priorities I found: There are several variations, as I have discovered when getting plastered at the tables. The one below seems very common, but I'd strongly suggest you work out the details with your partner. Against Suit Slams (and suit games if you play them there as well), choose your lead under the following declining set of priorities. If dummy has bid a suit different than that of the final contract, LEAD THAT SUIT. This is the most common situation If you have bid a suit, LEAD THAT SUIT. If you've bid more than one suit, lead your first suit. If declarer has bid a suit other than that of the final contract, lead that suit. If declarer has bid more than one suit besides the final suit, lead the first suit. If partner has bid a suit, DO NOT LEAD THAT SUIT. Search for another lead -- partner may have a void or KQ in another suit and is concerned about losing it. have seen some show the double to request the lead of the suit, but since that would be a normal lead, it does not seem to fit into the intent of the Lightner Double request of an unusual lead. Decide for yourself. If only one suit has been bid naturally, lead your longest suit. If you have no other clue, lead a spade (unless spades are the contract, then lead a club). This is your basic default lead to point to when partner begins yelling at you for failing to lead another suit. Against Notrump. If dummy has bid a suit different than that of the final contract, LEAD THAT SUIT. This is the most common situation If you have bid a suit, LEAD THAT SUIT. If you've bid more than one suit, lead your first suit. If declarer has bid a suit declarer's first suit. If partner has bid a suit, DO NOT LEAD THAT SUIT. Search for another lead -- partner may have a void or KQ in another suit and is concerned about losing it. have seen some show the double to request the lead of the suit, but since that would be a normal lead, it does not seem to fit into the intent of the Lightner Double request of an unusual lead. Decide for yourself. If only one suit has been bid naturally, lead your Shortest suit. If forced to choose, choose a major. For example, after 1NT pass 3NT double, responder's failure to use Stayman suggests partner has a long major instead of a long minor. If you have no other clue, lead a spade (unless spades are the contract, then lead a club). This is your basic default lead to point to when partner begins yelling at you for failing to lead another suit.