{"id":20586,"date":"2026-05-17T00:01:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T23:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?post_type=publication&#038;p=20586"},"modified":"2026-05-17T10:44:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T09:44:07","slug":"the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-17-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/publication\/the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-17-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, 17 May 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 would you do 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> 4-3-2, <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> K-8-5-4-3, <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> K-8, <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> J-10-7 after your left-hand opponent opens one club and your partner overcalls one no-trump, vulnerable?<\/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>Ode to Meckwell, Orlando, Fla.<\/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 would invite game facing a one-no-trump overcall. Partner\u2019s range is more like 16-18 here, and he has the advantage of knowing where most of the defenders\u2019 high cards are. My five-card suit should come in handy, but I wonder whether I should even show it \u2014 this looks like a no-trump hand. I would therefore bid Stayman, in case we have nine hearts, and then follow up with two no-trump if partner bids two diamonds or two spades.<\/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\">When, if ever, should responder bypass a major to respond at the two-level in a minor?<\/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><strong>Dazed and Confused, Madison, Wis.<\/strong><\/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\">There is no reason not to bid your major if you have five cards in the suit. You should also respond in the major at the one-level whenever you have less than game-forcing values \u2014 even if you have a longer minor. Similarly, with 4-4 of any hand strength, you normally bid a strong major if a 4-3 fit looks plausible from your perspective. With 4-4 in a major and a minor, responding in the minor and then bidding the major as necessary should get the job done. After a red-suit opener when your minor is longer and you have enough for game, you bid the minor first, to show your shape properly.<\/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\">Would you overcall two hearts 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-Q-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> K-10-7-4-3, <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> 10-8-6, <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-2, at favorable vulnerability, after your left-hand opponent has opened one club and your right-hand opponent has responded one spade?<\/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>Modern Trend, San Luis Obispo, Calif.<\/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\">I would pass. I think a game is unlikely when the opponents have responded vulnerable. However, I think two hearts would be a popular call nowadays. It suggests a good lead to partner and might allow us to compete the part-score.<\/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\">A friend of mine often takes out his phone while he is dummy. Is that allowed?<\/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><strong>Bad Practice, Mitchell, S.D.<\/strong><\/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\">This is rude to say the least. Dummy need not be fully invested in the play, perhaps to conserve energy, but he should at least show some interest and turn the cards in a timely fashion. I\u2019m of the opinion that there is no place for telephones at the bridge table, but I\u2019m a Luddite and proud of it.<\/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\">You recently mentioned some \u201cset\u201d rules regarding which honor a defender should follow with in terms of sequences. I understand that one leads from the top and follows in third seat with the lower or lowest of a sequence. In second seat, what do you recommend from a two- or three-card sequence, and why?<\/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><strong>Tops and Bottoms, Tucson, Ariz.<\/strong><\/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\">Similar rules apply in second seat as in third seat. A defender should split from the lower of two equals. This allows partner to place the card immediately below with declarer. However, a common arrangement is to split with the highest from a three-card sequence. The combination of these two agreements will often tell partner how long your sequence is.<\/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 would you do with \u2660 4-3-2, \u2665 K-8-5-4-3, \u2666 K-8, \u2663 J-10-7 after your left-hand opponent opens one club and your&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-20586","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\/20586","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=20586"}],"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=20586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20586"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=20586"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=20586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}