Robert (Bob) Crosby, who died in 2012, was a bridge player of Edmonton, as well as being a coach and a prolific bridge writer. In this series of articles we pay our tribute for his fruitful and generous work, in which he shared his knowledge of bridge with everyone. Source: The Bob Crosby Memorial Library
One of the most basic applications of patterns is the hold up play . As we all know, the hold up play can be done by declarer or defenders. In all cases though, an application of patterns is necessary. The opponents lead the deuce of spades against your 3NT contract.
 3 2 A 3 2 K Q J 10 2 Q 3 2 |
| A 5 4 5 4 8 7 6 5 4 A K 3 |
Do you hold up ? patterns to the rescue . LHO has a 4 card suit so the spades are 4-4-3-2 . Holding up is silly as they can only cash 3 spades when you knock out the diamond Ace. If you hold up in spades they may switch to a heart and +600 just flew out the window.
You are defending 3NT and the board comes down with Click here to continue reading