Quins ground out an "ugly" 22-17 win over Bristol in torrid condition as The Stoop.
Head of Rugby Paul Gustard praised his side's versatility as they ventured away from their expansive game after a first 40 that bore no success.
Keeping a more narrows structure the quartered colours were rewarded as a 9-9 half-time score turned into victory thanks to Martin Landajo nudging a perfectly-weighted kick in behind the Bristol defence for Joe Marchant to grab the decisive try.
"It was an ugly game, with small margins," admitted Gustard.
"It was about who could control territory better, the set-piece and handling the pressure and I'm obviously delighted we've come up on the right side.
"It's a great try and that's what you get with an 84-cap Argentinian (Martin Landajo).
"But there were some other great performances, and the four guys in the back-row were excellent - Tom Lawday in particular.
"We were guilty of trying to bring a style to our play in the first half and we didn't respect the weather, which is something we talked about before the game.
"That allowed Bristol, who are a good side, to put pressure on us and we had to ride it out.
"We've got five points from a possible 10 (this season), which isn't great but at the same time it isn't too bad.
"This league continues to get better and better, and every side in the division can beat any other on their day."
Bristol remain above Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership table thanks to their opening-day obliteration of Bath and while they did not reach those heights at the Stoop, there were positives for Bears director of rugby Pat Lam to take.
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