Declarer can often disrupt the defenders’ communication with a “hold-up” play: refusing his first chance to take a winner. But it is rarely correct to hold up at the cost of a trick or when another suit poses a bigger threat.

Against today’s 3NT, East put up the king on the first spade, and declarer sagely played low. East then led the queen of hearts; he judged it unlikely that West had establishable spades plus an entry.

South won and lost a diamond to West’s ace. South won the heart return but had only eight tricks. When he let the nine of clubs ride, East took the king — and two hearts. Down one.

South held up at the wrong time. He should win the first spade and force out the ace of diamonds. If West leads a second spade to East’s ten, then South holds up.

South wins the next spade and finesses in clubs. When East wins, he has no more spades, and South is safe. If East did have a spade left, South would lose only two spades, a club and a diamond.

Daily question>> You hold: ? J 9 8 5 4 ? 9 7 6 5 ? A 2 ? 7 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, you respond (“advance”) one spade and he raises to two spades. What do you say?

Answer>> Partner has a big hand. With an average hand such as KQ62,104,K876,AJ3, he would pass one spade; you were obliged to bid and might have a bust. Since you actually have a five-card suit and an ace, game is likely. Bid four spades. Partner may hold KQ102,3,KQ65,AQ63.

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