Lightner Double

A Lightner double is a lead-directing double of an enemy slam contract. It frequently implies a void, and asks partner for a ruff. Generally speaking, partner is asked to:

Lead dummy's side suit, if one has been bid
Lead declarer's side suit, if one has been bid
Make any other unusual lead - usually partner's longest suit to get a ruff

Additionally, the double asks partner to NOT lead any suit that your side has bid.

Examples

5432

653

AT9876

void



Opponent 1
1
3

Partner
Pass
Pass

Opponent 2
2
6

You
Pass
Double (1)

(1) A Lightner double. This requests a club lead because your right-hand opponent bid clubs.

762

void

AT987

K9842



Opponent 1
1
6

Partner
3
Pass

Opponent 2
3
Pass

You
5
Double (1)

(1) A Lightner double. This asks your partner to NOT lead a club (your side's suit) and to find an unusual lead (in this case, a heart).

A762

void

76

T876532



Opponent 1
1
4NT
6

Partner
Pass
Pass
Pass

Opponent 2
3
5
Pass

You
Pass
Pass
Double (1)

(1) A Lightner double. Hopefully partner can find a heart lead.

Other Considerations

The Lightner double is not in effect if the opponents are sacrificing at the 6- or 7-level. In those situations, it's more practical to use regular penalty doubles.
Playing Lightner doubles, the opening leader can also infer what to lead if his partner did NOT double. For example, if the opponents bid a side suit en route to a slam contract and partner does not double, the inference is that partner does NOT want a lead of the enemy side suit.

Origins

The Lightner double is named for its creator, American player Theodore Lightner.