Best Opening Leads
The first trick sets the tone - make it count
The Two Golden Rules
Picker Leads Trump
As picker, lead your highest trump to pull trump from defenders and establish control.
Defenders Lead Fail
As defender, lead fail suits to force the picker to trump and expose the partner.
Opening Leads as Picker
Lead Q♣ (The Boss)
If you have the Queen of Clubs, lead it first. This is almost always correct because:
- • You're guaranteed to win the trick
- • All 4 opponents must play trump
- • 5 trump out of play in one trick!
Lead High Trump in Sequence
Lead your trump from the top down: Q♣ → Q♠ → Q♥ → etc.
Each high trump lead pulls trump from defenders. After 2-3 trump leads, defenders are often out and your remaining cards win free.
Exception: Delay Called Suit
Don't lead the called suit early! If you called hearts:
- • Leading hearts forces your partner to play the Ace
- • This reveals them to defenders immediately
- • Let your partner stay hidden while you pull trump
Opening Leads as Defender
#1: Lead the Called Suit
If you have the called suit, lead it! This is the best defensive opening:
- • Forces the partner to play their Ace (reveals them!)
- • The picker cannot win (they have the hold card, not the Ace)
- • If you have A or 10 of that suit, you might take 20+ points!
#2: Lead Your Strongest Fail Suit
If you don't have the called suit, lead a fail suit where you have strength:
- • Lead from Ace-Ten combinations (you might win both)
- • Lead a suit you have multiple cards in
- • Forces picker to trump or lose the trick
NEVER Lead Trump as Defender
This is the #1 mistake defenders make. When you lead trump:
- • The picker has more trump - they win the attrition war
- • You deplete your fellow defenders' trump
- • You're doing the picker's job for them!
Opening Leads as Partner
If you're the secret partner and have the opening lead, you're in a tricky spot. You want to help the picker without revealing yourself too early.
Strong Signal: Lead Q♣
Leading Q♣ as non-picker is a clear "I'm the partner" signal. Only do this if you want to coordinate openly with the picker.
Stay Hidden: Lead Neutral Fail
Lead a fail suit that isn't the called suit. This looks like normal defender play and keeps your identity secret.
Avoid the Called Suit
Don't lead the called suit - that's what defenders want to do! Avoiding it is a subtle tell that you might be the partner.
Specific Situations
You have A-10 of a fail suit
Lead the 10 first (not the Ace). If it wins, lead the Ace next. This can net you 21 points in two tricks.
You're void in a suit
As defender, don't lead a suit you're void in (you can't follow if it comes back). As picker, being void lets you trump when others lead it.
Picker led trump on trick 1
If you win trick 2 as defender, now lead the called suit! The picker already showed their trump - time to expose the partner.
Quick Reference
As Picker
- 1. Lead Q♣ if you have it
- 2. Lead highest trump
- 3. Avoid called suit early
As Defender
- 1. Lead called suit
- 2. Lead strong fail suit
- 3. NEVER lead trump
As Partner
- 1. Lead Q♣ to signal
- 2. Or lead neutral fail
- 3. Avoid called suit