HOLDING UP BY THE NON-DEALERS
Holding up is a strategy resorted to at “no-trump.” The idea is to retain a high card until one hand is exhausted and cannot lead the suit to the opposite hand. Holding up does not often gain when the hand with the long suit contains an entry card except at such times as the dealer does not or cannot overtake; usually it is better play to take the trick and trust that your partner can eventually stop the suit. Do not hold up a high card if you can block the suit later, or if there is a possibility that your partner holds an honour in the suit.
The following are examples of holding up:
(The underlined card indicates the lead.)
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In this case, dummy holds no entry card. The ace should not be played by B until the dealer has no card of the suit.
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If dummy holds no entry card, B should not take the first trick.
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B should pass both the queen and the knave. By passing the second trick, if the dealer fails to overtake, or if the dealer does not hold two re-entry cards, the suit cannot be made.
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Y has an entry card. B should refuse to win the trick, trusting that Z has no other card to lead.
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A should refuse to cover the honour. If he waits until the third round, the suit is blocked. Z may have no re-entry card.
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In this case, the honour should be covered. If Z holds the ace, the suit is blocked.
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A should cover the ten led. It may establish the king and nine in B’s hands. If Y has no card of re-entry B can then hold up.
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As Y has no other card to lead, B should refuse to part with the ace. Z cannot make the suit without two re-entry cards.