{"id":13510,"date":"2026-03-01T00:01:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T23:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?post_type=publication&#038;p=13510"},"modified":"2026-03-27T10:48:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T09:48:54","slug":"the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-1-march-2026","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/publication\/the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-1-march-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, 1 March 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-db98e3b stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"db98e3b\"><style>.stk-db98e3b {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;margin-top:64px !important;margin-bottom:56px !important;overflow:visible !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-db98e3b:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-db98e3b .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-db98e3b-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-db98e3b-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-db98e3b-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-45e8798\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"45e8798\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-45e8798 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-45e8798 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-45e8798-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-45e8798-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-7e1c2e3\" data-block-id=\"7e1c2e3\"><style>.stk-7e1c2e3 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-7e1c2e3 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dear Mr. Rigal:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a446ab7\" data-block-id=\"a446ab7\"><style>.stk-a446ab7 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">What is the best way to play a trump suit of K-J-10-5-4-2 facing a singleton?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-24cbb88\" data-block-id=\"24cbb88\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Card Combination, Danville, Ill.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-91980e4\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"91980e4\"><style>.stk-91980e4 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;align-items:center !important;padding-left:16px !important;display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-91980e4 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-91980e4 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-91980e4 {border-top-width:1px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-91980e4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-91980e4-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-ebf1734 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"ebf1734\"><style>.stk-ebf1734 {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-ebf1734:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-99a852e stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"99a852e\"><style>.stk-99a852e-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-99a852e {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-99a852e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-99a852e-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-dd2dc3e\" data-block-id=\"dd2dc3e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-1b6aae1\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"1b6aae1\"><style>.stk-1b6aae1 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Read the answer<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-da92b8a\" data-block-id=\"da92b8a\"><style>.stk-da92b8a .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-da92b8a .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-da92b8a\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-da-92-b-8-a-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-da-92-b-8-a-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-da92b8a\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-da-92-b-8-a-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-da-92-b-8-a-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ff4dce4 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ff4dce4\"><style>.stk-ff4dce4-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-ff4dce4 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-ff4dce4:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-ff4dce4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ff4dce4-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-cadec76\" data-block-id=\"cadec76\"><style>.stk-cadec76 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">All else being equal, I will play up to the king. If that loses, I will continue with the jack. If the king wins, I will continue with a low one, thus gaining a trick against A-x onside or Q-x offside. The alternative of finessing the jack (and then continuing from the top) picks up the same 3-3 splits but only gains against one 4-2 layout, namely Q-x onside.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-9bea048 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"9bea048\"><style>.stk-9bea048 {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;margin-top:64px !important;margin-bottom:56px !important;overflow:visible !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-9bea048:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-9bea048 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-9bea048-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-9bea048-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-9bea048-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b0079e9\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b0079e9\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-b0079e9 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-b0079e9 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b0079e9-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b0079e9-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b59dcf7\" data-block-id=\"b59dcf7\"><style>.stk-b59dcf7 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-b59dcf7 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dear Mr. Rigal:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a1b83c7\" data-block-id=\"a1b83c7\"><style>.stk-a1b83c7 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Say your one-no-trump opening is doubled and partner passes. How likely are you to run?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fd565f1\" data-block-id=\"fd565f1\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Dangerous Territory, Staten Island, N.Y.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-82e6469\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"82e6469\"><style>.stk-82e6469 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;align-items:center !important;padding-left:16px !important;display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-82e6469 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-82e6469 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-82e6469 {border-top-width:1px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-82e6469-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-82e6469-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-ddeb31a stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"ddeb31a\"><style>.stk-ddeb31a {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-ddeb31a:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c437c53 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c437c53\"><style>.stk-c437c53-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-c437c53 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-c437c53-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c437c53-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-847525e\" data-block-id=\"847525e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-bcfa9ee\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"bcfa9ee\"><style>.stk-bcfa9ee .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Read the answer<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-4138041\" data-block-id=\"4138041\"><style>.stk-4138041 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-4138041 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-4138041\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-4138041-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-4138041-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-4138041\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-4138041-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-4138041-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8969f41 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8969f41\"><style>.stk-8969f41-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-8969f41 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-8969f41:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8969f41-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8969f41-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-aa57f84\" data-block-id=\"aa57f84\"><style>.stk-aa57f84 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I would normally bid if I had a five-card suit of my own, or maybe with two good four-card suits. (I could redouble with that.) Otherwise, I would await the sight of dummy. Partner could have run ahead of me if he had his own suit. I would certainly take into account whether my right-hand opponent had shown signs of discomfort before passing, and the question of whether I had quick tricks in my long suit might also affect the issue.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-b8f6280 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"b8f6280\"><style>.stk-b8f6280 {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;margin-top:64px !important;margin-bottom:56px !important;overflow:visible !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-b8f6280:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-b8f6280 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-b8f6280-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-b8f6280-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-b8f6280-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9cebdb7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9cebdb7\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-9cebdb7 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-9cebdb7 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9cebdb7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9cebdb7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8256d4d\" data-block-id=\"8256d4d\"><style>.stk-8256d4d {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-8256d4d .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dear Mr. Rigal:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-46b6168\" data-block-id=\"46b6168\"><style>.stk-46b6168 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">What is the best way for a partnership to test out new methods?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f0226ea\" data-block-id=\"f0226ea\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Bidding Practice, Selma, Ala.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-376a4c5\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"376a4c5\"><style>.stk-376a4c5 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;align-items:center !important;padding-left:16px !important;display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-376a4c5 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-376a4c5 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-376a4c5 {border-top-width:1px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-376a4c5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-376a4c5-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-aed035b stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"aed035b\"><style>.stk-aed035b {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-aed035b:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-27eb5f6 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"27eb5f6\"><style>.stk-27eb5f6-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-27eb5f6 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-27eb5f6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-27eb5f6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-80226de\" data-block-id=\"80226de\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e63fb26\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"e63fb26\"><style>.stk-e63fb26 .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Read the answer<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-8b2d8c5\" data-block-id=\"8b2d8c5\"><style>.stk-8b2d8c5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-8b2d8c5 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-8b2d8c5\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8-b-2-d-8-c-5-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8-b-2-d-8-c-5-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-8b2d8c5\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8-b-2-d-8-c-5-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8-b-2-d-8-c-5-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3264bbe stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3264bbe\"><style>.stk-3264bbe-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-3264bbe {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-3264bbe:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3264bbe-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3264bbe-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2ba53c8\" data-block-id=\"2ba53c8\"><style>.stk-2ba53c8 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Some bridge websites provide good tools for this, particularly BridgeBaseOnline. You can create a private table and get the software to deal hands to a certain specification (such as one hand being 15-17 balanced) for you to bid on. You could also meet up in person and deal out some hands, but that probably won&#8217;t be as efficient.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4f70634 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"4f70634\"><style>.stk-4f70634 {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;margin-top:64px !important;margin-bottom:56px !important;overflow:visible !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-4f70634:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-4f70634 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-4f70634-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-4f70634-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4f70634-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0e65238\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0e65238\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-0e65238 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-0e65238 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0e65238-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0e65238-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-0b89ffc\" data-block-id=\"0b89ffc\"><style>.stk-0b89ffc {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-0b89ffc .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dear Mr. Rigal:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b2c534f\" data-block-id=\"b2c534f\"><style>.stk-b2c534f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">You hold <span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\">\u2660<\/span><\/span><\/span> 4, <span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\">\u2665<\/span><\/span><\/span> Q-J-10-8-3, <span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\">\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span> Q-10-7-6-2, <span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\">\u2663<\/span><\/span><\/span> K-5 and transfer to hearts over partner&#8217;s strong no-trump. What next, after he completes the transfer?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b595745\" data-block-id=\"b595745\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Fighting Fit, Willoughby, Ohio<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-490ea49\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"490ea49\"><style>.stk-490ea49 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;align-items:center !important;padding-left:16px !important;display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-490ea49 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-490ea49 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-490ea49 {border-top-width:1px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-490ea49-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-490ea49-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-8a43d3f stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"8a43d3f\"><style>.stk-8a43d3f {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-8a43d3f:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0fffcfc stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0fffcfc\"><style>.stk-0fffcfc-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-0fffcfc {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0fffcfc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0fffcfc-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-3399c61\" data-block-id=\"3399c61\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e6a9b1e\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"e6a9b1e\"><style>.stk-e6a9b1e .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Read the answer<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-1b4defe\" data-block-id=\"1b4defe\"><style>.stk-1b4defe .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-1b4defe .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-1b4defe\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1-b-4-defe-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1-b-4-defe-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-1b4defe\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1-b-4-defe-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-1-b-4-defe-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-08a01a9 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"08a01a9\"><style>.stk-08a01a9-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-08a01a9 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-08a01a9:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-08a01a9-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-08a01a9-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-93c905e\" data-block-id=\"93c905e\"><style>.stk-93c905e {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">You could force to game and show both suits, or invite by bidding two no-trump now (in which case you will be unhappy to hear partner pass, even though that could easily be right). A third option involves the road less traveled. Incidentally, my choice would have been to make a Texas transfer to hearts at the four-level. Hearts could easily be right, even facing a doubleton. My long diamonds might act as surrogate trumps here.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-4fbbef2 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"4fbbef2\"><style>.stk-4fbbef2 {background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;margin-top:64px !important;margin-bottom:56px !important;overflow:visible !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-4fbbef2:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-4fbbef2 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-4fbbef2-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-4fbbef2-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4fbbef2-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-391b200\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"391b200\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-391b200 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-391b200 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-391b200-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-391b200-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-348db5e\" data-block-id=\"348db5e\"><style>.stk-348db5e {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-348db5e .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dear Mr. Rigal:<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2013e7f\" data-block-id=\"2013e7f\"><style>.stk-2013e7f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I opened one diamond with <span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-spades notranslate\">\u2660<\/span><\/span><\/span> A-K-4, <span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\">\u2665<\/span><\/span><\/span> 8-7-5-2, <span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\">\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span> A-J-10-9, <span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\">\u2663<\/span><\/span><\/span> 7-2 and raised partner&#8217;s one-heart response to two. He went to three, and I passed, missing a good game opposite his five solid hearts. Should I have done more?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3deeeb5\" data-block-id=\"3deeeb5\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Points Schmoints, Cedar Rapids, Iowa<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-27c3e29\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"27c3e29\"><style>.stk-27c3e29 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:1px !important;align-items:center !important;padding-left:16px !important;display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-27c3e29 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(50% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-27c3e29 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-27c3e29 {border-top-width:1px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-top:16px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-27c3e29-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-27c3e29-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-f44f57f stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"f44f57f\"><style>.stk-f44f57f {background-color:#ffffff !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-f44f57f:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-24815b0 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"24815b0\"><style>.stk-24815b0-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-24815b0 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:20px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;padding-left:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-24815b0-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-24815b0-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-7f466c4\" data-block-id=\"7f466c4\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2ded2ec\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"2ded2ec\"><style>.stk-2ded2ec .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;line-height:34px !important;font-weight:600 !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Read the answer<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-edc030f\" data-block-id=\"edc030f\"><style>.stk-edc030f .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-edc030f .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper stk--has-icon2\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-edc030f\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edc-030-f-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edc-030-f-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"stk--inner-svg stk--icon-2\" style=\"display:none\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-edc030f\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edc-030-f-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-edc-030-f-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-6236edb stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"6236edb\"><style>.stk-6236edb-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}.stk-6236edb {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-6236edb:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-6236edb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6236edb-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-d59a8b2\" data-block-id=\"d59a8b2\"><style>.stk-d59a8b2 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">You had a minimum in high cards for your opening, but your cards were all working \u2014 hard values and a source of tricks in diamonds, thanks to the supporting spot cards. The doubleton in clubs could also be useful as a ruffing value. What&#8217;s more, based on his bidding, partner probably had five hearts (you could have had three, and he might have made a different call with only four), in which case holding nothing in trumps might not be a terrible thing \u2014 the more trumps you have, the fewer honors you need. Note that some play partner&#8217;s three-heart call as noninvitational. Make sure you and your partner agree!<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider has-text-align-left stk-block stk-bb8d5fc\" data-block-id=\"bb8d5fc\"><style>.stk-bb8d5fc hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--stk-global-color-85642, #e1edfa) !important;height:2px !important;width:60% !important;}.stk-bb8d5fc {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ab9c86c\" data-block-id=\"ab9c86c\"><style>.stk-ab9c86c {margin-bottom:40px !important;}.stk-ab9c86c-column{max-width:800px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:16px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ab9c86c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-dc257fc stk-block-background stk-entrance stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"dc257fc\"><style>.stk-dc257fc {background-image:url(https:\/\/bridge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Barry-Rigal-_bloc-Aces-e1771248268553.jpeg) !important;border-top-left-radius:16px !important;border-top-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:16px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:16px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:64px !important;padding-right:64px !important;padding-bottom:64px !important;padding-left:64px !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(-32px) !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-dc257fc {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(25% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-dc257fc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-dc257fc-inner-blocks\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4707aff\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4707aff\"><style>.stk-4707aff {align-self:center !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-4707aff {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(75% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4707aff-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4707aff-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-a8167db stk-entrance\" id=\"barry-rigal\" data-block-id=\"a8167db\"><style>.stk-a8167db {margin-bottom:0px !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-delay:0.25s !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-a8167db .stk-block-heading__text{color:var(--stk-global-color-51802, #00024e) !important;}<\/style><h4 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Barry Rigal<\/h4><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e824948 stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"e824948\"><style>.stk-e824948 {margin-bottom:12px !important;--entrance-transform:translateX(32px) !important;--entrance-delay:0.3s !important;--entrance-duration:0.75s !important;}.stk-e824948 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-e824948 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Barry Rigal is an English-born bridge player, author, commentator, and journalist who has won major national titles in both the UK and the United States and served as a VuGraph commentator for decades at European and World championships. He has written and edited numerous bridge books and articles and has been President of the International Bridge Press Association, contributing widely to the game\u2019s literature and education.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Mr. Rigal: What is the best way to play a trump suit of K-J-10-5-4-2 facing a singleton? Card Combination, Danville, Ill. Read the answer&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":15517,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[]},"categories":[228],"tags":[],"language":[],"level":[],"class_list":["post-13510","publication","type-publication","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aces-on-bridge"],"acf":[],"publication_lang":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication\/13510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/publication"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13510"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=13510"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=13510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}