Tuesday, March 01, 2005 2:57 AM
Hand Evaluation - Visualization ( Hold Up Play )
PITBULLS:
One of the most basic applications of patterns in Bridge 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.
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J |
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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 so +600 just flew out
the window.
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You are defending 3NT
, the board comes down with ♠xxx ♥xxx
♦x ♣KQJ10xx . Partner leads a suit won by declarer , a club
is lead with partner playing the deuce ( upside down count ) & you have Axx. You apply
the pattern , say 6-3-2-2
& take your club the 2Nd round. If you get careless & take
your club the 3rd round , you have just
given declarer his 9th trick as she has a long diamond suit.
Playing with a tormentee
tonight against a weak declarer in 3♥ , the board hits with
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9 |
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Your partner leads a diamond with you
winning your Ace. You return the club queen , declarer
plays low. You continue a club & declarer wins the Ace. Declarer who an
overcalled a heart leads a small heart to the queen ,
you have Axx. Now what
? Here is word of invaluable
advice. You apply the pattern so
you know the trumps are 5-4-3-1. Never & I mean never take your trump Ace the
1st round. In this case , declarer should never have been leading a trump in the first
place , as this is cross ruff hand. If declarer leads another heart thinking
they are 2-2 you win the Ace , return a 3rd
heart so she goes down one in a contract cold for 4. The Ace of trump is very
important for timing
& control. It is better
that you have that control for as long as possible. When you know partner has a
singleton trump from the bidding, never take your Ace 1st round
in any trump contract. It is deceptive so lets
you control further proceedings. The applications for applying patterns are seemly endless in
the game of Bridge. Applying patterns is how you play Bridge.