Two Equivalent Threats Opposite the High Card

Sometimes we have two equivalent threat cards opposite the high card.

We can lead a threat card. It does not gain a trick (because we are not leading towards our threats) – we could simply win with the ace and force the king out with the queen.

But it does allow us to make two tricks without losing the lead when the missing honour lies under the high card.

Here we lead ♠Q. If West has ♠K, he will play it and we will cover with the ace. If he doesn't cover our queen, we play low. Either way we make two tricks without losing the lead to West.