Your Birthday
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017
You’ll be attracted to unusual people and places that offer mental, emotional and physical stimulation. Expand your horizons, delve into different cultures and find out more about your ancestry. It’s never too late to try something new. Keep moderation in mind.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Taking a trip to someplace you’ve never been will shed light on what you should be doing in the not-too-distant future. Learn what you can from this experience.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Promises will be broken or something will not be delivered as you expect. Get your facts straight before you agree to personal, domestic or work-related changes.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It’s OK to be different. Don’t shy away from an idea that is trendy or has the potential to break new ground. Take control and be detailed and precise to ensure success.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Think twice before you spend money or make a promise that you cannot keep. Keeping your balance is what you do best, and right now it’s important that you don’t start to waver.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Get involved and you will make a difference. Your strong beliefs and intense way of going about your business and getting things done will help you excel. Romance is highlighted.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — More creative input about how you earn your living will help you come up with a novel plan. Someone close to you will cause emotional turmoil.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Look at all the possibilities and choose something that won’t limit you. Partnerships will play an important role in your life. With someone you love, make decisions that will influence your life.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Make alterations at home that will help you lower your overhead, ease stress and add to your overall comfort. Make wise choices based on thought and consideration.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional matters will surface and should be addressed so that you can move forward with your plans. Be open with those you confront if you want to resolve unfinished business.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Children, siblings and people trying to convince you to do something should be monitored closely. Ulterior motives are present. Choose stability and greater security over popularity.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Network and get involved with people you find inspiring. Talks will lead to an opportunity to use one of your skills in a diverse setting.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Problems will stem from poor communication. Emotions will be difficult to control and can lead to regret if you act inappropriately. Concentrate on persaonal improvements, not on trying to change others.
A.A. Milne, in “The Red House Mystery,” wrote, “Like all really nice people, you have a weakness for detective stories, and feel that there are not enough of them. So, after all that you have done for me, the least that I can do for you is to write you one.”
Some bridge deals are like mystery stories — what is the winning play or defense? Others just have a baffling aspect. For example, in today’s deal, look only at the South hand. After three passes, South opens one club, West overcalls one heart, North passes, and East raises to two hearts. What should South do now?
Once you have decided, look at the North hand. Do you agree with the pass over one heart?
This deal was played at 16 Bridge Base Online tables. Over two hearts, an unbelievable 11 Souths rebid three clubs, which ended the auction.
Why would you bid only three clubs with such a powerful hand? Yes, it is possible that no game is makable, but you won’t know that until after you see the dummy, and they pay a big bonus for bringing home a vulnerable game. It should be clear to rebid five clubs or three no-trump, both of which are easy to make. With a lot of winners, go for game.
Finally, let’s look at North’s problem. With seven points, he wants to bid, but nothing fits the bill. If he cannot bring himself to pass, he should make a negative double despite the lack of a fourth spade — and slide the club seven into his spades! Here, he would survive this experiment unless partner decided to gamble on six clubs, which cannot make.