This article accompanies the quiz 'Playing the third hand'

In general, when partner leads a low card and then dummy also plays low; you, as the third hand should play HIGH.

However,

• You should play the lowest card of a touching sequence if first and second hand have played low.
  Example:
  - Play the J from KQJx
  - Play the Q from AKQx
  - Play the Q from KQx
  - Play the J from QJx
  - Play the 10 from QJ10x
• You should play high or even overtake when you know partner lead from a sequence. It's to avoid blocking.
  Example:
  - Partner lead Q from QJ10xx, dummy plays the K from Kxx. If you hold Ax, play the A.
  - Partner lead Q from QJ10xx, dummy plays the A from Axx. If you hold Kx, play the K.
  - Partner lead K from KQ10xx, dummy plays the A from Axx. if you hold Jx, play the J.
• If dummy’s honors complete your sequence you should try to win with the lowest possible card in order to keep hold of your honors.
  Example:
  - You have KJx, dummy has Qxx - dummy has the 'Q' to your 'KJ', so if dummy plays low you can just play the J, it's already high enough and you need to keep the K for dummy's Q.
  - You have AQx, dummy has Kxx - dummy has the 'K' to your 'AQ'; so if dummy plays low you can just play the Q as it will win. You need to keep the A for dummy's K.
  - You have KJ9, dummy has Q10x - dummy has the 'Q10' to your 'KJ9', so if dummy plays low you can play the 9 as it's already high enough. Keep your K to take dummy's Q.
  

Have a go at putting this into practice

About the Author

Oren Lidor is considered one of the best bridge teachers in Israel, is the author of 5 bridge books, and teaches bridge to people from all over the world on BBO.