HOROSCOPES: FEB. 25, 2021
MOON ALERT: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Leo.
IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Actress Tea Leoni (1966) shares your birthday. You are intelligent, honest and energetic. You often feel misunderstood. Exciting changes and opportunities await you this year. Count on new adventures! If you can, explore opportunities to travel. Do whatever you can to expand your world through learning. Welcome change! Your personal freedom is your goal this year.
Aries (March 21-April 19): Today you feel restless and you might not know why. Don’t worry. The sun is “hiding” in your chart and it is being stimulated by the electrical, unpredictable energy of Uranus. This makes you feel like you’re all dressed up with no place to go. Talk to someone younger for an interesting diversion.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): This is an interesting day because you might encounter someone unusual either in person or online. This fascinating meeting could introduce you to new facts or hi-tech ideas? Alternatively, you might be surprised by someone you already know?
Gemini (May 21-June 20): You value your freedom and don’t want to be told what to do, especially by parents or bosses. (Your individuality feels important.) Nevertheless, you might impress others because you will be alert, quick-witted and lively! (Let’s face it, this is who you are!)
Cancer (June 21-July 22): Today you have a strong urge to do something different because you want to broaden your horizons. You want more out of life! You want to meet new and interesting people, and above all, you want to learn new things because you need to explore your sense of adventure and discovery!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): This is a good day for discussions about inheritances, shared property, debt or insurance issues because things might suddenly veer off in a new direction and reveal a new way of doing things. Whatever the result, you will likely benefit. Ka-ching!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Very likely, a partner or close friend might do or say something that surprises you today. Alternatively, some of you might meet someone who is unusual and different. This means this will not be a boring day because people will be stimulating and interesting!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Something unusual or illuminating might occur for you today. It could be related to your health. It might even be related to a pet. Some of you might find a new job or see new ways to improve your job. Others will meet someone unusual through your job. Modern technology could play a role.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Social plans will change today. You might receive an invitation to someplace or an event, perhaps even online. Conversely, something that you expected to do might be canceled or changed. Meanwhile, kids will also be a source of surprise today. Keep your eyes open because this is a mildly accident-prone day.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your home or your family situation might surprise you today. For example, something to do with a parent might occur that is unexpected. You might feel the need to assert yourself with a family member? You might buy something unusual to beautify your home. A fun choice.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your routine will change today for whatever reason. Many of you will be in a situation where you suddenly encounter new places, meet new faces or have new and different conversations. Basically, this is a lively, stimulating day, and you’re also full of new ideas!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You might have excellent, money-making ideas today? You might also spontaneously buy something, especially something high-tech or perhaps dealing with modern art? Keep an eye on your possessions because you could lose something because of damage or theft. Be alert.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You will find it relatively easy to act freely today because restrictions seem to be removed. This is why you might want to make changes to your immediate surroundings. You’re eager for new experiences, especially any kind of experience that will give you greater insight into the world around you.
“I’m hanging a map of the world on my wall with colored pins to show all the places I’ve visited. But first I have to visit Alaska, the North Pole and Greenland — so I can hang the map.” — graffiti
Test your own timing in today’s deal. West leads the ten of hearts against your 3NT, and you win and cash the A-K of diamonds. Alas, the queen doesn’t fall. Indeed, West discards a heart. What next?
The actual South led a club to dummy’s ace and a spade to his queen. The finesse won, and when he continued with the ace and a low spade, the suit broke 3-3.
Down two: But South still went down: East led the jack of clubs, and the defense took three clubs, West’s ace of hearts and East’s queen of diamonds.
At Trick Four, South must lead a low spade. Say East wins and leads the jack of clubs: four, six, ace. South then leads a spade to his queen and takes the ace. He forces out the ace of hearts and has four spades and nine tricks in all, and East-West can take only four tricks.
Daily question:
You hold: ♠ 1073 ♥ A10974
♦ 3 ♣ K 6 5 2. Both sides vulnerable. The dealer, at your left, opens two spades (weak). Your partner doubles, and the next player bids three spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner’s double promises a hand worth at least 16 points and suggests support for the unbid suits, especially the other major suit. Your hand is worth a bid of four hearts. You may not make it if partner’s hand is unsuitable, but this is your gamble to take.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable