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:

1. Lead dummy's side suit, if one has been bid
2. Lead declarer's side suit, if one has been bid
3. 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.

5432 653 AT9876 void

LHO 1 3 Partner Pass Pass RHO 2 6 You Pass Dbl1 1 A Lightner double. This requests a club lead because your right-hand opponent bid clubs.

762 void AT987 K9842

LHO 1 6 Partner 3 Pass RHO 3 Pass You 5 Dbl1 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

LHO 1 4NT 6 Partner Pass Pass Pass RHO 3 5 Pass You Pass Pass Dbl1 1 A Lightner double. Hopefully partner can find a heart lead.

• 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.

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