Great thinkers and inventors know, perhaps intuitively, that the solution to a problem might lie in something better known in another context. On today's deal South made a difficult contract by applying a widely-used notrump technique - the hold-up play - in a suit contract.

North-South vulnerable South deals

K 7 3 7 6 3 9 8 5 2 A J 6

9 6 9 5 4 2 A K Q J 10 8 4

Q 10 8 5 2 A 6 4 3 7 5 3 2

A J 4 K Q J 10 8 7 K Q 10 9

West	North	East	South
			1
2	2	3	4
End

 

Opening Lead: K

 North's voluntary raise to two hearts is the normal action, even with such meagre trump support. With two "prime" values (the K and the A) it is dangerous to pass; both sides may be able to make a partial and South might not be able to sensibly bid a second time facing a potentially weak hand. Here North's raise improves South's hand enough to merit a jump to game.

 Put yourself in declarer's seat after West leads two high diamonds against 4. Suppose that you ruff and lead a high trump. East wins the ace and leads another diamond and the contract is doomed. If you ruff and take your high trumps, West ruffs a black winner and cashes two diamonds. If you cash one high trump and play on the black suits, West ruffs in and forces out your last high trump with a fourth diamond, promoting his 9 for the setting trick.

 You can make 4 but it requires an unusual play. On the second diamond, discard a spade. Ruff the third diamond and lead the K. East wins but has no more diamonds. Win the black-suit return, draw trumps, and claim.

 The idea behind a hold-up play is to attempt to exhaust an opponent of the "danger suit" so he can do no damage if he later gains the lead. Typically, a high-card stopper is withheld (ducked) at notrump, aiming to cut the internal link between the opponents' hands. Declarer can apply this idea to make 4, but the "stopper" he withholds is . . . a trump.

 There is good reason to find the winning play? The main danger to the contract is a four-one trump break. Diamonds seem to be five-three on the bidding and if West has the high diamonds, East is likely to hold the A. If the ace is singleton, the unusual hold-up play is necessary.