Michael Lawrence's Opening Leads

Be warned, this is a long, heavy, book. There are many bidding sequences where you have to visialize what the other 3 hands are holding. Its worth the effort, but its a big inventment in time. Expect to spend at least 2 weeks reading it. And it could easily be 3 or wven 4 weeks if you don't bear down. You will really get a lot out of it if you put in the effort. You will look at auctions differently, and improve your hand evaluation as well.

I did not think someone could top Easley Blackwood's classic treatise on opening leads. I was wrong! Lawrence has outdone himself with this fantastic book on opening leads. This book contains material that is not to be found anywhere else in bridge literature. The idea of leading the declarer's response suit at notrump is a truly counterintuitive idea that Mike's analysis proves is probably the correct move! His ideas on avoiding top-of-nothing leads from 10xx and 9xx are also solid suggestions. And not leading ace-empty suits vs. trump contracts! These concepts are only the beginning of the excellent advice to be found in this book. A great book for all bridge players, but novices and beginners should beware - this book is very demanding, and the material requires full understanding to really be valuable. (By the way, Blackwood's book is still worth reading, especially for his scientific approach to opening leads.)

This is not a quick list of formulas, such as lead 4th best. It asks many thought provoking questions about the bidding. Your lead should be heavily influenced by the bidding, not just your cards.Did pard bid? Did pard not overcall 1 Club? How about 1 Spade? Did pard not double an artificial bid (2 club response to Stayman)? What inferences can we draw from the opponents holding? Pards?The theme of the book is how to learn to think about whats going on, based on the bidding.This is not a quick read, it requires deep thought and study. The author also discusses the meaning of bidding sequences, and conventions, and what they imply about the opponents (and pards) shape and strength. I consider it an Intermediate level book, and a *MUST* read for anyone who wants to enjoy the game.I suggest first reading: Opening Leads by Robert Wene. Then "Improving your Opening Leads" by Hugh Kelsey. After reading these 2 you will be in the proper mindset to benefit from this one. This is much deeper than those 2, but is slower going becaus ethere is so much to consider.