A double by your partner indicates some strength in trumps as well as
in the side suits. It does not necessarily imply a desire to get the
trumps out, nor should you invariably lead trumps when your partner
has doubled; your play must be influenced by the general character of
your own hand.
If you hold a short suit it is obviously a better lead than trumps.
You may be able to ruff with your small trumps.
It is also bad play to lead trumps up to the maker. This would place
your partner’s high cards in a position to be easily captured by the
dealer.
When dummy is the maker, the trump lead from weakness through the
strong hand gives your partner the advantage of position; but it is
safer play to win the first trick, if possible, and decide on your
subsequent play after seeing the dummy hand.
Avoid leading trumps to your partner if you hold the ace, the king,
or the queen of trumps guarded; your partner may have doubled on high
suit cards with but little strength in trumps.
In leading trumps from weakness always lead the highest card, so that
your partner can discover the distribution of the suit, and place the
dealer’s trumps.
As a doubled spade make does not of necessity show strength in
trumps, it is not as a rule the custom of good players to lead
spades, except from strength, before seeing the dummy hand. If
you hold trump strength your partner has probably doubled on his
suit cards, and your trump lead will insure the safety of his high
cards. Should you hold a strong suit hand, your partner’s double is
presumably an indication of trump strength, and the trump opening
would be advisable.
With only fair strength in the side suits and weak trumps, especially
where you hold a short suit, do not be tempted to lead the trump
originally. Wait until you learn more of the position of the cards.