There is sound logic to leading from your longest suit v notrumps – in an effort to exhaust the opponents of their cards and so establish length winners. However you should not necessarily lead the customary fourth from the top.

If you have length but no strength (no picture card), you should lead a high card [eg an eight or a nine, but not a ten which is an honour lead, promising the nine and possibly a higher honour – not the jack)] to convey this message to partner.

Exercise: The opponents have bid 1 NT-3 NT. What would you lead?

Answers:

With (i) lead ♠ 4, the traditional fourth highest of the longest suit.

With (ii) lead ♠ 8, ‘partner I have length but no strength’ [partner will have to scrutinise the spades he can see to decide whether this is high for hate, or fourth from the top: he’ll usually be able to work it out].

With (iii) lead ♥ 9, choosing the major over the minor because the opponents would normally search for a major suit fit, but not a minor, so if in doubt lead a major after an auction such as 1 NT-3 NT.

With (iv) lead ♥ K, not ♥ 5. You must force out ♥ A, not let them win a cheap trick with, say, ♥ 10.

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