The right card aids partner’s defense
Voltaire wrote, “Each player must accept the cards life deals him. But once they are in hand, he alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.”
In a way, that is true, but sometimes a bridge defender must be careful with the card he plays in order to give partner the necessary information so that they can defeat the contract.
In this deal, for example, how should the defenders card to beat four hearts after West has led a low diamond?
North might have rebid four diamonds, a splinter bid showing at least four-card heart support and game-going values with a singleton (or void) in diamonds. But with all of those club losers, he settled for a less-revealing rebid. (If you employ two-over-one game-force, North would rebid three hearts, and South would raise to game with his minimum.)
At trick one, East can see two defensive tricks: the diamond ace and spade king. It is clearly right to shift to clubs, hoping to gain two winners there. But he must be careful to lead the club nine to deny an honor in the suit. Then, after South plays the king or queen, West ducks to keep communication with his partner. (If West takes this trick and returns his club eight, declarer can win with dummy’s 10.) When East gets in with the spade king, he can lead a second club to defeat the contract.
Often from 9-5-4-2, one would lead the five, second-highest from a weak suit, but here that would be very dangerous. West might think it was from H-9-7-5 and that his side could cash three club tricks.
Partnerships will be confusing if communications aren’t honest and free-flowing. It will be easy to get the wrong impression or to be misinterpreted if you don’t choose your words wisely this year. Maintain a fair and just approach to everything you do and everyone you deal with.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Don’t limit what you can do because someone deters you or puts up a fuss. You must be true to yourself if you want to avoid being controlled by someone else.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Keep your intentions secret for the time being. The less others know about your plans, the easier it will be for you to put everything in place.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Get involved in what’s going on in your community. Express your opinions and collaborate with people who share your ideals and principles.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Setbacks can be expected if you are unreasonable or come up against someone who opposes your every move. Don’t take on someone else’s responsibilities or fold under pressure.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Sticking to a strict budget, plan or schedule will help you accomplish all you set out to do. An unexpected party will want to join you or pitch in and help.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Put everything you’ve got into doing a good job and negotiating your position. Set up meetings and interviews or discuss your plans with someone in a position to help.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You’ll be confused about what you want or how you feel. Partnerships will face uncertainty. Take time to figure out your goals before you commit to anything or anyone.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Secrets will keep you from getting the facts you need to make a wise decision. Stick close to home and avoid unpredictable people trying to take advantage of you.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Receiving gifts, winning prizes and selling your belongings are all favored. Plan a garage sale. Clearing space at home will encourage you to use your skills to begin a lucrative venture.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Stick close to home and avoid dealing with institutions, government agencies or authority figures. Confusion and delays can be expected if you travel. Emotional deception is likely.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Travel plans can be made, but double-check the information you are given and secure the dates before you commit. A change of scenery will enhance your life and an important relationship.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Emotional deception regarding financial or contractual matters will develop if you don’t read the fine print. Don’t let anyone negotiate on your behalf. Trust your own instincts.