When opposed to the dealer, aim to give your partner as much information as possible. You certainly cannot expect to gain much by deceiving the dealer—he knows what is held against him—and it is a decided advantage for your partner to know where certain cards are and to understand what you are trying to do. The best method of indicating the cards you hold is to adhere strictly to the correct lead from each combination of cards.
From all other combinations, such as
| K | J | 7 | 5 | 2 | —lead the 4th best card. |
| K | 8 | 6 | 2 | ||
| Q | 9 | 7 | 5 | ||
| J | 6 | 5 | 2 | ||
| 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 |
Don't lead low from suits headed by an Ace.
The lead of an Ace followed by the King shows no more of that suit.
The lead of a King indicates the Ace, the Queen, or both.
With any three honours in a suit, your lead is always one of the honours.
Holding but 3 or 4 cards in any of the following suits avoid leading if possible. Wait until they are led to you.
| A | Q | x | x |
| A | J | x | x |
| K | J | x | x |
| K | x | x | x |