Rule of 11
In bridge, the rule of 11 is applied when the Opening lead is the fourth best from the defender's suit. The rule works because the defender is known to have three and exactly three cards higher than the card led.
| Q82 | ||
| KJ973 | W N↑ S↓ E | AT5 |
| 64 |
When West leads the Error: {{SS}} missing name (help)7 East applies the rule of 11. 11-7 = 4.
East can see four cards higher than the 7: The Error: {{SS}} missing name (help)Q8 on the board and the Error: {{SS}} missing name (help)AT in his hand. Accordingly if the dummy covers with the 8, East knows he can win the trick cheaply with the 10.
However, the declarer can apply the rule of 11, too.
| Q82 | ||
| KJ973 | W N↑ S↓ E | 64 |
| AT5 |
When West leads the Error: {{SS}} missing name (help)7 South can see the four higher cards in his hand and on the board. Accordingly he knows that the play of the 8 from the board will win the trick cheaply.
Since the rule of 11 helps the declarer more often than the defenders some people have begun experimenting with leads other than the fourth-best. Journalist Leads generally call for the lead of the third or fifth best (showing count) while others propose leading small from a suit the defender would like to see returned and high from a suit the defender doesn't want returned (showing attitude).