UNIVERSAL CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Alphabetical
nickname
4 Belly, to a tot 7 Incoming
flight stat
10 Org. concerned with teeth
Schlep
Spanish for “one” *Rest against Zazie Beetz show set in Georgia’s capital
It’s hotter than a jalapeno
20 See 22-Across 22 With 20-Across, constructing a country’s identity ... or what’s happening in the starred answers? (Note: Read the extra letters in order for a bonus)
23 Make a
priest, say 25 Waterfall spray 26 *“Not a chance!” 29 Estimate 31 Lead-in to
“carte”
32 They were big
and woolly 35 Story with a lesson
“Good evening,” in Nice 41 Shortcomings 43 Sprinted 44 Washer cycle 45 *Longtime U.S.
airline 48 ___-Carlton 50 Andean relative of a camel *Misrepresent *Jones is a common one 58 Like Morehouse 60 Rode a bike 61 *Spain’s main
airline
62 Singer DiFranco 63 How technology quickly starts to feel
64 ___ cream social 65 Feature of “i” or
“j,” but not “k” 66 List-ending
abbr.
67 Plaything 13 14 15 17
19
39 52 54
DOWN
1 Chunk of marble 2 South African Nobelist Desmond Unattractivesounding fruit 4 Largely treeless
Arctic region 5 Not neat
6 Disney film whose title is Maori for “ocean” 7 Chi-Town trains 8 Future twentysomething
Jill who was The New York Times’ first female executive editor Mitchell or Nin Prohibition’s beginning?
Soon, quaintly Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera “That was ___ blow!”
21 Billion: Prefix 24 Desensitizes 26 Siesta
27 “Frozen”
snowman
28 ___ avis
30 Angsty rock style 32 Genius’
organization
3
9 10 11
12 16
18
33
“Hava Nagila” dance 34 Thailand, once 36 Expensive slot in the Super Bowl broadcast 37 Major snowstorm
“Fast & Furious 6” director Justin 40 Molecule in a cell 42 Hair goops 45 Source of life? 46 Tart to the taste 47 Granny
38 48 The Holy Grail,
for one 49 Exclamation of
amazement 51 Cocoon
occupants 52 Indonesian vaca
tion destination 53 Boy in “Call Me
by Your Name” 55 Tons and tons 56 NBA star Antho
ny, for short 57 Small whirlpool 59 Consume
In today’s deal, declarer must not bank on one out of two club finesses working. Instead, he must look for the 100% solution.
When North transferred to three diamonds, then showed a heart void with a slam try, South decided his three aces and the filling diamond queen were enough for slam. West led what he thought would be a passive heart king, and declarer could count eight trump tricks plus the three aces. If East held at least one of the missing club honors, the slam would be easy, but he looked for an extra chance.
South discarded the spade jack from dummy and won his ace. Next, he ruffed a low spade, then played a trump to the queen. This way, he would have an extra entry to hand if the diamond jack dropped. He ruffed a spade high and drew the remaining trump.
When declarer continued with a low club to the nine, West took his queen but was then endplayed. If West led a spade, then either the fifth card could be established or a ruffing finesse would be available if West exited with an honor from an original five-card holding. If West continued hearts, the jack would score, while a club would run around to declarer’s tenace.
It would’ve been a mistake to cash the spade ace before ruffing a second spade. That would free up a safe spade exit for West. The spade discard at trick one was vital to the success of this line.
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2021: It’s up to you to push for what you want. Call on people you know you can count on, and you’ll get the help and support you need to reach your objective this year. There is a time and place for everything.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Size up your situation, and make changes that fit your budget. Someone you know you can rely on will offer an exciting solution. Weigh the pros and cons, and get on with your plans. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Fix up your place, but don’t go over budget. A better space to work or to entertain will give you something to look forward to when it’s safe to mingle. Love is in the stars. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Think twice before you share your feelings. Someone will be eager to distort your words and cause a ruckus between you and someone you love. Look at your alternatives, and when in doubt, go directly to the source. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your skills creatively, and you’ll make a difference. The changes you bring about will be impressive. Make a gesture that will bring you closer to someone you love. Fix up your residence. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t be too quick to make a change. Bide your time, and consider the consequences of your actions. Look for an amicable way to move forward and handle partnerships with intelligence. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stop waiting for something to happen or to come to you; start putting your plans in motion. It’s up to you to take action if you want to get something done. Broaden your horizons. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Consider the changes you want to make and the most affordable way to get things done without going broke. Don’t let what others do or say get to you. Focus on what’s essential. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be afraid to lean on someone offering sound advice. You have more options than you realize, and with a little help from someone offering intuitive input, good options will unfold. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Listen, observe and don’t share personal information, passwords or possessions with anyone using emotional tactics to take advantage of you. Walk away from temptation and poor influences. 2 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Relax. Enjoy life and what you have worked so hard to achieve. Spend time with people who brighten your life and bring you joy. A romantic gesture will encourage plans that will bring you closer together. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t limit what you can do or take on more than you can handle. How you choose to spend your time and who you associate with will determine how easy or difficult it will be to get things done. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What you accomplish will make your life more efficient and less stressful. A promise you make will be taken seriously and can lead to ongoing talks and plans. Romance is encouraged. 3 stars