LEAD WITH THE ACES
ANSWER: This hand is worth two-and-a-half spades on raw value. The fillers in partner’s club suit and the ruffing value are certainly a plus, but ask yourself this: If your partner has a balanced 12-14, will he enjoy struggling at the three-level? And if he has an unbalanced 15 or more, won’t he bid on over your simple raise? So just bid two spades and let partner make a move.
©2021 Dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication for UFS
Dear Heloise:
The inspector general of
Social Security has issued a warning about fraudulent letters. These letters inform people that due to the COVID-19 virus, there will be a suspension of Social Security benefits because the offices are now closed. The scammers then pretend to be you and notify Social Security that they are moving to a new address and ask to have all future Social Security payments made to the new address. Since you assume your benefits are on hold, and you know nothing about the scammer’s lies and schemes to steal your identity, you’re unaware that your payments are being illegally sent to the scammers.
— Henry H., Washington, D.C.
Dear Heloise:
You wrote about using mayonnaise on white water spots on wood furniture. At the time I thought it would never work, but when I found a white water mark on my antique dresser, I tried it.
I rubbed the mayonnaise on the water mark, left it over night and wiped off the area in the morning. The water mark was gone! Thanks for a simple, effective hint!
— Gracie W., Tulsa, Okla.