Historically the standard lead from AKx has been K. This is subject to some ambiguity as partner may not be sure if it is K from AKx or KQx.
Modern practice is to lead A from AKx which distinguishes these two scenarios. This creates a new ambiguity–is it A from AKx or from Axx? This new ambiguity is viewed as less common because players generally avoid leading an unsupported ace at trick one.
The caveat “players generally avoid leading an unsupported ace” is NOT TRUE—
- After trick one
- For a contract at the five level or higher
- For a trump lead
- For a lead of partner’s suit
A reasonable compromise–
- on trick one
- of a contract below the five level
- in a non-trump suit
- in a suit not bid by the defenders
lead A from AKx. Otherwise lead K from AKx. The lead of a ace after trick one denies the king. This is the advice of well-known bridge teachers Barbara Seagram, Eddie Kantar, Adam Parrish, etc.
Or keep it simple and always lead K from AKx. The AKx v KQx ambiguity is not much of a problem. Employing this simplier approach puts you in the company of Ely Culbertson, Oswald Jacoby, Charles Goren, Barry Crane, and Patrick Staley.
[Adam Parrish elaboration on lead from AKx]
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