When to duck

Ducking the opening lead, otherwise known as a hold-up play, is an important tool for declarer. The timing of the duck can create subtle differences in the play. Today’s hand is from the recent North American Championships held in Dallas, Texas. The given auction was typical, with South accepting North’s invitational threediamond bid in the strain most likely to produce game — three no trump. West defenders routinely found the winning club lead, but simply finding the right lead was not enough. They had to continue accurately as well. Many declarers ducked the opening lead — a reasonable start. The downside to the duck is that it often gives the defence the idea that they have started on the right suit. West eagerly continued with the jack of clubs. South won the second club and led a low diamond toward the dummy. West, on full alert, rose smartly with his ace to play a third club. The defence was in control. They had established East’s long clubs and left him with an entry to cash them. At some tables, South casually won the first club and led a low diamond. The right defence was not clear to West in this case. South seemed unconcerned about clubs, perhaps holding ace-king-10 in the suit and hoping West would continue clubs. When West played low on the first diamond, declarer was home! East won and continued clubs, but South now ducked the second club and East was cut off from his long clubs. The fortunate lie of the spade suit gave South his nine tricks.