Exercise 2N17 Main

This Is a Holdup!

by Richard Pavlicek

How well do you know the holdup play? Answer each question about the play.
Assume you, South, open 1 NT and partner bids 3 NT on each deal.

1. A 8 4
None vul K 2
J 10 4
A 10 9 8 7
Table
Lead: 7 East plays Q

10 3
A Q J
A Q 9 8 7
3 NT South Q J 4

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the A? (1 2 3)

In which suit(s) will you finesse for the king?

2. 9 3 2
None vul 9 5 4
K
K Q J 10 5 4
Table
Lead: 6 East plays J

A 7 5
K 6 3
A J 6 4 3
3 NT South A 2

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the A? (1 2 3)

Which suit do you plan to lead first?

Quit
Top This Is a Holdup!

3. 9 6 2
None vul A K J
6 3 2
Q J 10 2
Table
Lead: 5 East plays J

A K 7
Q 4 3
A K Q 8
3 NT South 9 7 4

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the spade lead? (1 2)

Which suit do you plan to lead first?

4. 6 4
None vul Q 4
7 6 2
A Q 10 9 3 2
Table
Lead: Q East plays K

A 7 5 3
A 7 3
K J 5
3 NT South K J 4

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the A? (1 2 3)

Will you lead a diamond to the Jack, or to the King?

Quit
Top This Is a Holdup!

5. 8 5 3
None vul A 6 2
Q 10 4
A 10 9 7
Table
Lead: Q East plays 2

A K 6
K 7 3
K J 8
3 NT South Q J 8 3

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the spade lead? (1 2)

Which suit do you plan to lead first?

6. J
None vul A Q 10
7 6 5 4 2
K Q J 10
Table
Lead: 5 East plays K

A 7 4 3
K 9
A K Q
3 NT South 9 6 5 2

How many top tricks do you have?

On which round do you win the A? (1 2 3)

What do you discard from dummy as spades are led?

Quit
Top This Is a Holdup!