ROMAN LEADS

The origin of these specific leads is an additional innovation to the Roman Discards method, and is an extension thereof. Roman Discards and Roman Signals were an integral part of the Roman System. It is a method of showing that odd-numbered spot cards are encouraging, and even-numbered spot cards are discouraging, and also to signify a suit preference signal.

The principle behind Roman Leads is to lead the second highest ranking honor of two touching honors, especially when on lead, and later when a partner plays a new suit. This form of, or principle behind, these leads is an extension of the Roman Discards method, which can be in effect when the first card is led and when a new suit is played.

Originally not a part of the Roman System. See: Rusinow Leads and Fourth Highest for comparison, which are generally only in effect when one partner leads to the first trick against a suit contract.

Note: Despite some similarities the bridge student must remain aware of the fact that the principle behind the Roman Leads is different from Rusinow Leads and Fourth Highest Leads in that the Roman Leads can be employed whenever a new suit is played, and it is not only limited to the opening lead.

Following is a summary of the principle behind Roman Leads. At the first occurrence of play in a suit:

1.	The lead of an Ace requests partner for a count in the suit. (Standard or Upside-Down as agreed by partnership ...)
2.	The lead of any other honor shows the presence of at least one additional honor in that suit and requests partner to play according to Roman carding or discard as the case may be. (Some partnerships have agreed to play the highest of touching honors.)
3.	The lead of an odd card encourages partner to continue in the suit being led. This play tends to show at least an honor, or at least implies and honor in the suit being played.
4.	The lead of an even discard discourages partner to continue in the suit being led. This play tends to show lack of an honor in that suit.

A relatively high even card suggests a shift to a higher-ranking suit other than the trump suit. A relatively low even card suggests a shift to a lower-ranking suit other than the trump suit.

Following is a simplified chart for Roman opening leads.

Card Lead		Card Combination
Ace		A-K - asks for count.
King		A-K-Q, A-K-J, A-K-x
Queen		K-Q-J, K-Q-10, K-Q-10
Jack		Q-J-10, Q-J-9, Q-J-x
Ten		A-J-10, K-10-9, Q-10-9, 10-9-x

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.

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