GOREN ON BRIDGE
Today’s deal is from
a pairs competition in
Europe, where the weak
no-trump is popular. North
cheated by a point on his
no-trump range, as many
weak no-trump players do,
and North-South bought
the contract in two spades.
It looks like declarer can
make two spades if he
picks up the trump suit for
one loser. Even if he fails
by a trick, it will still be a
good score compared to the
easy club partial available
to East-West.
East was Scandinavian
expert Steen Moller. Moller
won the opening club lead
with his ace and found the
incredible shift to a low
heart! Dummy’s queen
won the trick and declarer,
who believed that East was
short in hearts, made the
reasonable decision to run
the 10 of spades. West won
with his jack and returned
his remaining heart.
South, of course, believed
that West held the king of
hearts and he played low
from dummy. Moller won
with his king and fired
back a heart for partner
to ruff.
That was down two for
a score of minus 200 for
North-South — a very poor
score. Hats off to Moller
for his imaginative play!
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
A preference for the limelight without rolling up your sleeves to do the work may not be an option. You may have to surrender to the current need and dig into your trove of self-discipline to get the job done.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
You could be a sympathetic sounding board for someone struggling with a personal issue. Spend time with an old or brand-new friend.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Avoid sharing potentially confidential information. Even with good intentions, voicing criticisms could do much more harm than good.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Outdoor activities, sports or exercise could help you blow off steam and loosen up. Don’t initiate a heart-to-heart talk to bring you both closer if you can’t process the past now.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Choose to buy quality rather than following a fad. Apply an eye for detail to any potential purchase and you will probably find flaws.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You may be given insights into what is going on in your subconscious mind or receive timely help. You may take a dim view of a directive that doesn’t seem to make sense.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Sharing a sense of camaraderie can make the possibility of an affectionate merger a reality. Analyze your budget and think carefully about finances.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Amuse yourself with a hobby or enjoy some belly laughs with friends or associates. Meeting new people and discussing their views could teach you something of value.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your life can be enriched by amusements and hobbies as well as by learning new skills. Gather knowledge and expand your horizons through as many means as possible.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Avoid taking on extra obligations. You might be tempted to flaunt bougie trappings of success by spending more than you can afford.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You may benefit from listening to inner guidance as well as good advice from others. Get reassurance from reliable sources if you are anxious or feeling stuck on a treadmill that is going nowhere.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Impress people with your warmth, charm and gentle spirit. Attractive new contacts may tempt you to take a break from a current crush, but don’t break a commitment.