‘The hold-up’ can minimize opponents’ tricks

Let us explore the “the hold-up” play. Using this technique, you can effectively sever the communication link between your opponents and that minimizes the number of tricks they can take. And, if the opponents take fewer tricks, that means you take more tricks – clearly a good thing.
Let’s explore an example of the hold-up play. Let’s assume you hold a total of eight cards in one suit in a notrump contract. Also, let’s assume you hold the AKxxx in dummy and three small in your hand, but no other entries to dummy. If you take your AK immediately, the third trick will be won by your opponents, thereby stranding your last two winners in the dummy – a real loss, especially if you need those two extra tricks to make your contract. But we can fix that. You should assume the opponents’ cards split three-two, so you can solve this problem by “ducking” either the first or second trick, thereby eliminating the opponents’ ability to control the third round of that suit. So, after you regain control, you lead and win the third round with your king, leaving your remaining two cards as the only cards left in that suit, and therefore winners.
But what if you hold the Axxxx in dummy and xxx in your hand? Looks dismal, but the “hold-up” play still works. You just have to hold up twice, then use your ace entry into dummy on the third round allowing you to collect your two small winners – three tricks instead of just one. Still a good deal.
An interesting twist on this technique can be used by the defenders. For example, suppose, as the defender, you see the KQJxx in a side suite in dummy, and you hold the Axx in the same suit. You can assume the remaining five cards in that suit will split three-two. So, if you use your ace to take the king in the first round, then declarer will still have an entry to dummy and will be able to win a total of four tricks in that suit. However, if you “hold-up” the first two rounds, and play your ace on the third round, then declarer will no longer have an entry to dummy to collect the final two cards in that side suit. Thus, you will have denied the declarer two tricks by turning their winners into discards – always a good thing, so long as you are the defender.
One of the most exciting auctions in bridge is bidding for slam – not always the most comfortable process … so that will be the topic of my next column.
Good luck and good bridge.