A four-letter word that may work well
In bridge we have an unpopular four-letter word. Any guesses?
Look at the South hand in today’s diagram. In a pair event with East-West vulnerable, North opens one heart, and East passes. What should South do?
He might respond one spade. But if he writes off spades, he could bid one no-trump forcing, planning to rebid in diamonds to try to get into his longest suit. Or, if North-South like weak jump shifts, South could jump to three diamonds.
Oh, yes, another possibility is today’s four-letter word: pass.
In a Bridge Base Online duplicate, 12 players bid one spade, and only four passed.
Those who bid one spade faced a second nightmare when partner rebid two clubs. Now two diamonds would have been fourthsuit game-forcing, so South was sunk ... another four-letter word!
When South passed over one heart, West balanced with one spade, and North rebid two clubs. Then East had to choose between pass and two no-trump.
At the time, each East passed, giving South a new problem. But this one was easier. Bidding two diamonds rated to work out best. South would get some trump tricks, and his partner’s high cards would still be winners.
At one of those tables, West led the club ace and shifted to his low trump. Declarer won with dummy’s jack and played the club queen, covered and ruffed. After a trump to the ace, South pitched three spades on the clubs, took the heart ace, ruffed a heart and cashed his two trump winners for two overtricks. Plus 130 was a cold top.
Pass is not a dirty word in bridge.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021
If you take the initiative, good things will happen. Wheel and deal until you feel you have what you want. It’s up to you to follow through with your plans. Take opportunities as you see them to avoid regret. Now’s the time to jump right in! You can find what makes you happy.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) – You can make your money work for you if you set priorities and avoid being too generous with others. Don’t be fooled by a fast talker. Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) – Keep your personal and professional lives separate. If you let your emotions interfere with your responsibilities, you will fall short of your expectations. Physical activity will pay off.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – Put things in perspective, sort out what you must do and get busy. Discipline and intelligence will help you stay on track until you reach your destination. Be a leader.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – Don’t share your thoughts or intentions. Help those in need, but don’t pay for someone else’s mistake. A change you make will help you further your career or start a new one.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) – An unexpected change in a relationship will leave you at a loss. Take a moment to rethink your steps and figure out the best way to move forward. Put your energy where it counts.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) – Inconsistency will be the enemy. Don’t share your thoughts before you are sure you can deliver. Put more effort into personal goals, physical improvements and being diplomatic.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – Do what matters most. Rearrange things at home or work to make your space promote efficiency. Reach out to someone who grounds you; you’ll gain insight into something that will help your progress.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) – An emotional matter is best dealt with quickly. Don’t let situations fester until they spin out of control. Challenge yourself and concentrate on being and doing your best.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) – Refuse to let others stifle your creativity or stop you from enjoying life. Deal with the inevitable by doing things that engage your mind with people who share your concerns. Keep a positive attitude.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) – Concentrate on things that matter. Take care of domestic situations to avoid upsetting a neighbor, relative or loved one. A change of plans will favor you. Don’t make a fuss; time is on your side.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) – You’ll be able to convince others to see things your way if you are firm in your assertions. Set your plans in motion, and finish what you start. Get things done instead of worrying about others.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) – Be careful whom you trust. An emotional situation will lead to instability and a falling out. Don’t let anger set in when diplomacy and a cool head are what’s needed.