When forced to open single-honor suits, the lead of the lowest card shows an honor as good as the Queen, while the lead of an intermediate card denies such an honor, as in the following examples: hearts trumps:—
| ♡ 10 8 3 2 | ♣ K 6 | ♢ Q 7 6 4 | ♠ Q 5 4 |
From this we should lead the four of diamonds; but holding
| ♡ 10 8 3 2 | ♣ K 6 | ♢ J 8 7 4 | ♠ Q 5 4 |
we should lead the seven of diamonds.
From hands containing four trumps and three three-card suits, we use our own judgment, sometimes leading the trump, and sometimes a plain suit. We prefer the plain suit if it is a desirable one to open, such as hearts trumps:—
| ♡ K 8 3 2 | ♣ J 10 4 | ♢ A 10 3 | ♠ 8 4 3 |
From this we would open the Jack of clubs; but from
| ♡ K 8 3 2 | ♣ J 3 2 | ♢ A 10 3 | ♠ Q 6 3 |
we should lead the deuce of trumps. If in this hand the club suit were Q J 3, the Queen of clubs would be the best opening.