Play of the Hand
The Holdup Play
The holdup play is a time honored method to sever communications between the defenders.
1. Guideline: Take the total cards in both hands; subtract them from 7. That is the number of times to hold up – i.e. 5 cards in your hand and dummy’s, you hold up twice.
Let’s look at the following example.
Opening Lead: 5ª
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S W N E
1¨ P
2NT P 3NT P
P P P
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Hold Up Problem
Opening Lead: 5ª
2. When not to hold up.
< >You don’t want the defenders to switch to another suit.You hold Ax vs. 9xxxWhen you want to promote a second trick in the suit – i.e. you hold AJT and right hand opponent plays the King or Queen.
ª K10
© QT92
¨ T876
§ 732
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S W N E
1♦ 2♣ P
2NT P 3NT All Pass
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Open Lead 6♠
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