9
« on: December 13, 2019, 02:33:09 PM »
I personally have never come across the lead of Queen from KQ10 x(x) against NT, asking for an unblock of the Jack, if it is held by partner. In the UK, I believe that the standard lead from that holding is the King. I have always taught my students never to lead an honour against a NT contract without three honours, (counting the 10 as an honour,) unless the suit has been bid or supported by partner. The lead of an Ace would promise a suit headed by AKJ10, (possibly just AKJ if 6 or more were held) and partner would be expected to unblock the Queen or give count. The lead of a King would promise a suit headed by KQJ or KQ10. On that basis, the same objective could be achieved, i.e. partner unblocking the Jack if it is held. Although not part of this discussion, the concept of "strong tens" should maybe be considered. With those, the lead of a ten shows an interior sequence type holding such as KJ10, AJ10, K109 etc. The lead of a Jack, then, denies holding any higher honour. The standard lead from a suit headed by 109 then becomes the 9. I have played them myself for many years. In a regular partnership, they work well. Food for thought, anyway.