CHARLES GOREN SAYS: DON'T LEAD WITH YOUR CHIN

December 23, 1968

No single play does more to decide the fate of any hand than the opening lead. No single skill counts more in deciding whether you are a winning player. And the science of leading has progressed a long way from such simple guiding precepts as "fourth highest from your longest and strongest suit" or "top of touching honors." Study the bidding of these hands before selecting your lead. If you score below 50 you're too often leading with your chin, 50 to 60 means you're missing too many opportunities to get the jump on the opponents, 61 to 79 puts you on the plus side and 80 or better indicates you rate among bridgedom's leading ladies and gentlemen. As West in all but the last two deals, which card would you choose to lead?