You know that it’s usually unwise to take the first trick in the enemy’s strong suit when you have A-x-x of the suit. Would you recognize this hold-up play if it came along wearing a beard?
South dealer Both sides vulnerable
Opening lead — 6
East plays the queen of hearts at the first trick, and let’s say you win with the king. Since you have only seven immediate tricks you need two more; and you try the diamond finesse. Unfortunately, East takes the king of diamonds and leads his other heart. Down one.
SPADES DON’T HELP
You could make your contract by guessing how to take the spade finesse, but it would be foolish to finesse toward the dangerous opponent; and if you lose the spade finesse you still need a second diamond trick. The best play is a hold-up in disguise: refuse the first heart trick. East returns a heart, and West gets his ace. When you later lose the diamond finesse, East cannot lead a heart. If East had another heart West would get only three heart tricks, and you would still be safe.