Go down too much after overbidding
James Russell Lowell, a poet, essayist and diplomat who died in 1891, wrote, “Nature fits all her children with something to do: He who would write and can’t write, can surely review.”
That sounds like someone who received a less-than-flattering review for a poem or essay.
Bridge players like to have a fit with partner and recall the advice learned on grandma’s knee to support with support, especially in the majors. What do you think of the auction in this deal? How did the play go in four hearts?
In a duplicate, most Souths made a takeout double over two spades. This should have prompted West to respond three diamonds, but each West passed. Then, two Norths unwisely passed. The other Norths bid three hearts (not employing the Lebensohl convention, which would have allowed them to warn of a weak hand by advancing with two no-trump), and every South could not resist raising to four hearts.
When one South preferred to overcall three hearts, West nudged to three spades (trusting partner to have a good suit at the prevailing vulnerability), and North bravely or foolhardily, depending upon the outcome, raised despite having only 3 high-card points.
West led the diamond ace and continued with the diamond jack. East discouraged with the two, then played the 10 as a suit-preference signal for spades. West shifted to that suit (as he had intended to do all along), and East played three rounds of spades to promote West’s heart queen as a trick. The defenders took the contract down two, but plus 100 there instead of plus 140 in three spades was a less-good result.
Embrace mental and physical challenges with open arms. Your ability to drive your message home will put you in a leadership position. Don’t back down when you should be moving forward. Live up to your promises and stick to what you know. Avoid impulsive and unpredictable people.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Keep your money and possessions in a safe place, and don’t share information that could result in loss or damage your reputation. Protect your emotions and your passwords.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Relationships must be handled with care. Jealousy will surface, changing the dynamics of the way you or someone else feels. Don’t jump to conclusions. Honesty will be required.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Refuse to get involved in someone’s lofty scheme. You are best off taking a conservative approach and doing your own thing. Stick to what you know and do best.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don’t let someone being excessive or impulsive entice you into taking part in something that isn’t wise. Being a risktaker will not end well. Protect your life, money and possessions.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Uncertainty will arise if you have trouble getting the facts. Don’t rely on hearsay or promises being made if you don’t see concrete evidence to back up what’s being offered.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — An old idea will have a better chance of turning into something rewarding if you launch it now. Negotiate a deal to get what you want.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Look over important papers and make sure everything is up to date. An emotional partnership will need to be nurtured if you want to come to an agreement regarding how to move forward.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Patience will be required, along with the ability to look at every angle of a situation carefully before you take action. Overreacting and excessive behavior will lead to trouble.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Take hold of whatever situation you face. Your ability to get things done will give you an edge over any competitor. Romance will improve your life.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Don’t fear doing things differently. By taking a unique path, you will discover skills and traits that will help you excel in an area you least expected. Change is good.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — A problem with a friend, child or parent will get blown out of proportion. Look for a practical solution. Keep the peace to avoid interference. Only do what’s necessary.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Strive to get things done and keep the peace with the ones you love. Getting along will help you get your way in the end. Be humble, gracious and kind.