Print Friendly and PDF


Ace from Ace-King refers to the lead of the ace when holding AKx or longer. Playing standard leads, ambiguity occurs when partner leads a king because he might hold AKx or KQx. Leading the ace from AKx distinguishes these two scenarios.

The ace lead creates a new ambiguity - is it from AKx or Axx? - but this is theoretically less common since players often avoid leading an unsupported ace at trick one.


Other Considerations

If playing Ace from Ace-King, you should lead the king from an Ace-King doubleton. (This is the opposite of standard leads, in which the ace is led.) Leading the king followed by the ace tells partner that you have a doubleton (and may be able to ruff the third round of the suit).

See also

  • Fourth-best leads
    The practice of leading the 4th-highest card from a 4-card holding or longer.

  • Jack denies, Ten implies
    A lead agreement whereby the jack denies a higher honor, but the 10 does not.

  • Journalist leads
    A conventional system of leads used against no-trump contracts.

  • MUD
    The practice of leading the middle card from three small cards.

  • Rusinow leads
    The practice of leading the second-ranking honor from any two honors like A-K or K-Q.

  • Standard leads
    A table of standard leads against suit and no-trump contracts.

  • Third and fifth leads
    The practice of leading the 3rd or 5th highest card from a long suit.