You're today's South. Perhaps questionably, you insisted on 3NT instead of supporting North's diamonds. West leads the queen of spades.

You can force out the ace of diamonds for eight tricks, but for nine you must also dislodge the ace of hearts. Since you must lose the lead twice, the defenders threaten to beat you with spade tricks: They may get three spades and the red aces.

Refuse the first TWO spades and win the third. When you lead a diamond next, your hold-up play will have done its work: East wins but has no more spades. If he leads a heart to West, you have nine tricks.

FIVE SPADES

If West had five spades and both red aces, you'd go down, but then no play would be likely to help you. Yes, West might give you a hard time by shifting to the queen of clubs at Trick Three. If West found that play against me, I'd pay off.

Declarers (and defenders) often decline to take a winner to break up opponents' communication. This week we'll see instances of holding up.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S Q J 10 9 8 H A 5 2 D 8 4 C Q 5 4. Your partner opens 1NT, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Even if your 1NT range is 15 to 17 points, this hand is almost worth forcing to game. If vulnerable, I'd commit to game. The best plan is to bid two hearts, a transfer. When partner bids two spades, jump to 3NT to offer a choice of games. An old-fashioned option is to respond two clubs (Stayman) or jump to three spades.

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