The most underrated cards in the deck

Helena Bonham Carter, an English actress, said, “I do think imperfection’s underrated.”

At the bridge table, two cards are badly underrated: the twos (or deuces, if you prefer) and the 10s. The former because there is no card lower than a two, so if being used as a signal (discouraging, or an odd number, or suit-preference for the lowest-ranking of the relevant suits), it cannot be misconstrued — as long as the defenders are on the same page. The 10s because they give finessing possibilities. For example, an entryless dummy has the A-4-3-2, and declarer has K-Q-10-5. To maximize the chance of four tricks, declarer cashes his king before crossing to the ace. If lefty discards, there is a marked finesse of the 10 to deliver four tricks.

How is a 10 useful in today’s deal? South is in six no-trump, and West leads the club 10.

Declarer starts with 11 top tricks: three spades, three hearts, one diamond and four clubs. The initial reaction is probably to take two diamond finesses. This is more likely to work (76%) than to try for four heart tricks by cashing the king and finessing the 10 (50%). However, those major-suit 10s can be put to better use as long as East does not have more than four clubs.

South takes the first three tricks with the club ace, club queen and club king. After East discards a heart, declarer runs the diamond eight to East’s queen and claims!

As declarer explains, whatever East returns now, it gives South a 12th trick. A spade to dummy’s 10 supplies a fourth spade, a heart to the 10 a fourth heart, and a diamond to declarer’s 10 a second diamond.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023 Pay attention to

detail, leave no room for error and proceed with confidence. Question anything that sounds far-fetched to ensure that you don’t get caught up in a scam or lie. Form alliances with experts and people you respect. Take a close look at contracts and documents. If you choose quality over quantity, you’ll end up saving money. Trust your instincts.

-- Take the high road, regardless of the path others choose. Embrace selfimprovement and increase your knowledge and qualifications to meet personal or professional demands.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) CANCER (June 21-July

22) -Take a novel approach to work and money. Update your skills and qualifications to suit what’s trending in the job market. Get in touch with people who can provide professional insight.

LEO -- Anger will disrupt your day. Give yourself a chance to rethink your next move, and try to keep the peace, regardless of what others do or say. Overindulgence will leave you at a loss.

VIRGO (Aug. -Don’t ignore an opportunity to learn something new. An open discussion with someone doing something you want to pursue will give you the information you require to make your dream come true.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Add to your qualifications. Update your resume and take an interest in something that’s trending. Staying informed will keep you current and enable you to move up the ladder quickly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Spend more time at home.

(July 23-Aug. 22) 23-Sept. 22)

Make your place comfortable and convenient. Get involved in something you find stimulating and innovative. Branching out in a new direction will lead to an opportunity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

-- Avoid a run-in with someone you need in your corner. Working alongside others will be better than fighting your way up the ladder. Be wary of anyone offering something too good to be true.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

-Stop dreaming and start doing. You have more going for you than you realize, and with a bit of ingenuity, you can make some needed improvements. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 19) -- Set boundaries and bypass conversations that can easily lead to an argument. Focus on personal improvements, health and fitness,

20-Feb.

and you’ll feel good accomplishments.

PISCES (Feb. -Manage your money sensibly. You may want to help someone, but paying for their mistakes won’t help your situation. Changing how you handle your cash will lead to peace of mind.

ARIES (March 19) -Stick to the truth and do your best to make a difference. Give others the reinforcement they need. Seek entertainment that you can share with a loved one.

(April -Keep your plans neat and tidy. Set yourself up for success and popularity. Have a budget and plan in place before you begin your journey. Get to know your opponents before you enter a competition. about your

20-March 20) 21-April TAURUS 20-May 20)

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