{"id":16608,"date":"2026-04-26T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T23:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?post_type=publication&#038;p=16608"},"modified":"2026-04-19T21:02:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T20:02:27","slug":"the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-26-april-2026","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/publication\/the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-26-april-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, 26 April 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\">With everyone vulnerable, you pick up <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-10-2, <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> 7-5-4-3, <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> A-10-4, <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-7-3, and your right-hand opponent passes. Say you pass and your left-hand opponent opens four diamonds, doubled by partner. What would you do now?<\/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>Going Plus, Honolulu, Hawaii<\/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\">I agree with passing a mundane balanced 11-count in first or second position. As for your second decision, four hearts is the most normal call, but partner might not always have four of them, and the suit is likely to be splitting badly anyway, after West&#8217;s preempt. There is a good case for passing the double. With your top cards, you will surely beat the diamond contract, probably by more than one, but you might not have a game on.<\/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-cc236fa stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"cc236fa\"><style>.stk-cc236fa {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-cc236fa:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-cc236fa .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-cc236fa-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-cc236fa-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-cc236fa-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-c14b5c7\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"c14b5c7\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-c14b5c7 {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-c14b5c7 {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-c14b5c7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-c14b5c7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-025c9f6\" data-block-id=\"025c9f6\"><style>.stk-025c9f6 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-025c9f6 .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-41d7db3\" data-block-id=\"41d7db3\"><style>.stk-41d7db3 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I had <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> 4-2, <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-7-6-4, <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> 10-7-4-2, <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> A-5-3, no one vulnerable, when my partner opened one heart and my right-hand opponent bid one spade. Is this the right type of hand for three hearts?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9a26ec0\" data-block-id=\"9a26ec0\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Jump Raise, Levittown, Pa.<\/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-3c288dc\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3c288dc\"><style>.stk-3c288dc {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-3c288dc {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-3c288dc {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-3c288dc {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-3c288dc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3c288dc-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-f339182 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"f339182\"><style>.stk-f339182 {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-f339182:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-ddcd109 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"ddcd109\"><style>.stk-ddcd109-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-ddcd109 {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-ddcd109-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-ddcd109-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-5b3649d\" data-block-id=\"5b3649d\"><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-bbf2387\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"bbf2387\"><style>.stk-bbf2387 .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-db03e16\" data-block-id=\"db03e16\"><style>.stk-db03e16 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-db03e16 .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-db03e16\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-db-03-e-16-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-db-03-e-16-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-db03e16\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-db-03-e-16-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-db-03-e-16-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-13ff89b stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"13ff89b\"><style>.stk-13ff89b-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-13ff89b {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-13ff89b:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-13ff89b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-13ff89b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-af486e1\" data-block-id=\"af486e1\"><style>.stk-af486e1 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Yes, the jump here is preemptive since you could bid two spades with a good hand for hearts. The questions are: How weak could this be, and is partner expected to bid on with a balanced 18-19? Some play this as wide-ranging, while others prefer a &#8220;mixed&#8221; raise of 7-9 or so. I think it is sensible to have it wide-ranging when nonvulnerable, since the cost of missing a game is less and the upside of preemption is greater. Vulnerable, I would want to promise enough values that partner would be free to bid again.<\/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-4c932ce stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"4c932ce\"><style>.stk-4c932ce {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-4c932ce:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-4c932ce .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-4c932ce-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-4c932ce-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4c932ce-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-541b3f0\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"541b3f0\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-541b3f0 {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-541b3f0 {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-541b3f0-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-541b3f0-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8728b6e\" data-block-id=\"8728b6e\"><style>.stk-8728b6e {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-8728b6e .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-42933c8\" data-block-id=\"42933c8\"><style>.stk-42933c8 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">When switching around to three small cards in dummy, which card should I play from Q-x?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2855b10\" data-block-id=\"2855b10\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Through Strength, Grenada, Miss.<\/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-024d1c4\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"024d1c4\"><style>.stk-024d1c4 {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-024d1c4 {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-024d1c4 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-024d1c4 {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-024d1c4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-024d1c4-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-038d7bc stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"038d7bc\"><style>.stk-038d7bc {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-038d7bc:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4f182e7 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4f182e7\"><style>.stk-4f182e7-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-4f182e7 {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-4f182e7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4f182e7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-79c3928\" data-block-id=\"79c3928\"><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-1f0d6fa\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"1f0d6fa\"><style>.stk-1f0d6fa .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-8257ffe\" data-block-id=\"8257ffe\"><style>.stk-8257ffe .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-8257ffe .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-8257ffe\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8257-ffe-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8257-ffe-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-8257ffe\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8257-ffe-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-8257-ffe-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-f9a5ad5 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f9a5ad5\"><style>.stk-f9a5ad5-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-f9a5ad5 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-f9a5ad5:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f9a5ad5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f9a5ad5-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-77f05da\" data-block-id=\"77f05da\"><style>.stk-77f05da {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">It seems natural to lead the queen in order to unblock the suit, and this could even be the right defense sometimes, but it might work better to lead small lest partner win and return the suit from A-10-x around to declarer&#8217;s K-J-9, playing you for the Q-J.<\/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-77fe71e stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"77fe71e\"><style>.stk-77fe71e {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-77fe71e:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-77fe71e .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-77fe71e-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-77fe71e-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-77fe71e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b12d392\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b12d392\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-b12d392 {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-b12d392 {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-b12d392-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b12d392-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-612d921\" data-block-id=\"612d921\"><style>.stk-612d921 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-612d921 .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-37ce1e9\" data-block-id=\"37ce1e9\"><style>.stk-37ce1e9 {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> 6, <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-9, <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> 7-5, <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> A-K-Q-J-9-7-5-4. At love all, your left-hand opponent opens one diamond. Partner bids two diamonds to show the majors, and the next hand passes. What is your call?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-cc07a7a\" data-block-id=\"cc07a7a\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Self-supporting, Memphis, Tenn.<\/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-f7ee0df\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f7ee0df\"><style>.stk-f7ee0df {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-f7ee0df {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-f7ee0df {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-f7ee0df {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-f7ee0df-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f7ee0df-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-469b7af stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"469b7af\"><style>.stk-469b7af {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-469b7af:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a3071ac stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a3071ac\"><style>.stk-a3071ac-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-a3071ac {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-a3071ac-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a3071ac-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-7c4fe22\" data-block-id=\"7c4fe22\"><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-79cbb94\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"79cbb94\"><style>.stk-79cbb94 .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-ed2f6ea\" data-block-id=\"ed2f6ea\"><style>.stk-ed2f6ea .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-ed2f6ea .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-ed2f6ea\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ed-2-f-6-ea-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ed-2-f-6-ea-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-ed2f6ea\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ed-2-f-6-ea-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ed-2-f-6-ea-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-63888da stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"63888da\"><style>.stk-63888da-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-63888da {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-63888da:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-63888da-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-63888da-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2da1666\" data-block-id=\"2da1666\"><style>.stk-2da1666 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I want my eight-card suit to be trumps. I would bid three clubs, which I play as constructive and nonforcing. I am aware that some pairs use three clubs as an artificial raise of some sort. In that case, you would have to stretch to four clubs instead.<\/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-e671461 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"e671461\"><style>.stk-e671461 {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-e671461:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-e671461 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-e671461-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-e671461-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-e671461-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-be40255\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"be40255\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-be40255 {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-be40255 {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-be40255-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-be40255-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-36e0ba7\" data-block-id=\"36e0ba7\"><style>.stk-36e0ba7 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-36e0ba7 .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-0918c7f\" data-block-id=\"0918c7f\"><style>.stk-0918c7f {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Why is it common practice to hold your card face down before leading?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-eeec642\" data-block-id=\"eeec642\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Any Questions, Vancouver, Wash.<\/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-4a8ca92\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4a8ca92\"><style>.stk-4a8ca92 {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-4a8ca92 {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-4a8ca92 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-4a8ca92 {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-4a8ca92-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4a8ca92-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-48f6067 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"48f6067\"><style>.stk-48f6067 {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-48f6067:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f7ec7af stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f7ec7af\"><style>.stk-f7ec7af-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-f7ec7af {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-f7ec7af-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f7ec7af-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-0ce7604\" data-block-id=\"0ce7604\"><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-41d3b82\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"41d3b82\"><style>.stk-41d3b82 .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-914d70b\" data-block-id=\"914d70b\"><style>.stk-914d70b .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-914d70b .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-914d70b\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-914-d-70-b-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-914-d-70-b-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-914d70b\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-914-d-70-b-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-914-d-70-b-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-7286db3 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"7286db3\"><style>.stk-7286db3-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-7286db3 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-7286db3:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-7286db3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7286db3-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-16e36b8\" data-block-id=\"16e36b8\"><style>.stk-16e36b8 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">This is to allow partner to ask about the auction before the dummy is revealed, while also giving nothing away by asking questions in the middle of play. If instead he were to ask before you had chosen your card, that might give some unscrupulous individuals the chance to signal their desired lead to their partner. So, obviously, you cannot change your card after putting it face down unless misinformation (or a failure to alert) comes to light from partner&#8217;s questions.<\/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: With everyone vulnerable, you pick up \u2660 A-10-2, \u2665 7-5-4-3, \u2666 A-10-4, \u2663 K-7-3, and your right-hand opponent passes. Say you pass&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-16608","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\/16608","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=16608"}],"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=16608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16608"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=16608"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=16608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}