RUSINOW LEADS

Definition: The lead of the second highest of two or more touching honors

These leads were devised by Sydney Rusinow in the 1930's. 

The idea is to reduce the ambiguity of leads from ace-king or king-queen.  The second highest-ranking honor from a sequence of two or more honors is led rather than the highest. 

Thus from AKx(xx) lead the king - third hand signals with the queen or a doubleton.

From KQx(xx) lead the queen - third hand signals with the ace or jack (but not normally with a doubleton).

It applies also to lower honor combinations.

It applies only against suit contracts in suits not bid by the opening leader's partner.

It applies only on the opening lead.

More articles: Grosvenor Gambit • Morton's Fork Coup • Rusinow Leads • Schroeder Squeeze • Deschappelles Coup • Chinese Finesse • Merrimac Coup • Vienna Coup • Lavinthal • Devil's Coup

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