{"id":21832,"date":"2026-05-24T00:01:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T23:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?post_type=publication&#038;p=21832"},"modified":"2026-05-24T04:21:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T03:21:54","slug":"the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-24-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/publication\/the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-24-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, 24 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> 10-9-7-6, <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> K-Q-J, <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-9-7-6-5, <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> 5 after partner has opened one club, you have responded one spade and he has raised to two spades?<\/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>Power of Fil, Doylestown, 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-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 take a shot at game if I knew partner had four spades. However, in my style, partner can often have three-card support for this raise. So, I would ask with two no-trump, to find out if partner holds a minimum or maximum and how many spades he has. I agree with the original one-spade response. It is correct to bypass a longer diamond suit for a shorter major unless you have enough to issue at least a strong invitation to game.<\/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\">Why do so many people shuffle their cards at the end of play?<\/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>Shaken Up, Newark, N.J.<\/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\">If you put the cards back without shuffling, they remain in trick order, so a wily player who is about to play the board at another table might be able to infer something about the events at your table. This is unlikely, but it is considered good practice to shuffle regardless. Even if you are about to redeal, shuffling is desirable.<\/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\">I saw in a previous article that you recommend playing Texas transfers in competition. Can you suggest what methods are best when you open one no-trump and the opponents intervene with two no-trump, three clubs or three diamonds?<\/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>System On, Greenville, S.C.<\/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 like to play transfers when my opponents have bid three clubs. Three diamonds and three hearts show hearts and spades respectively, invitational or better, while three spades denotes a game-forcing hand with diamonds. Over intervention of three diamonds, I keep three hearts as a transfer to spades, so three spades has to show hearts (game forcing). A two-no-trump overcall is entirely different. I just use Stayman and ordinary transfers there.<\/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\">Should I consider bidding 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> 10-9, <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> 9-4-3, <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-K-9, <span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\">\u2663<\/span><\/span><\/span> A-Q-J-8-6, vulnerable against not, after my left-hand opponent opens three hearts and my right-hand opponent raises to four?<\/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>Intrepid Explorer, Twin Falls, Idaho<\/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 would think about bidding five clubs since it looks like partner is short in hearts, but I doubt I&#8217;d have the guts to do it. After all, my right-hand opponent ccould be raising on a good hand with a doubleton heart, and my left-hand opponent might easily have six hearts at this vulnerability. In that case, five clubs could incur a sizable penalty. I admire the gall of anyone who would bid here.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-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\">Would you ever underlead an ace against a suit contract? If so, when?<\/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>Taboo, Waterbury, Conn.<\/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\">I don\u2019t make a habit of it \u2014 even if you find the winning lead, partner will seldom expect it, and the defense may go awry. However, if I know dummy is going to be strong, I might try an ace underlead \u2014 when I can infer that declarer is unlikely to have the king. On occasion, it can be effective to underlead against slams too, most commonly if you know declarer does not have a control in the suit. This might force a king-jack guess at trick one.<\/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 10-9-7-6, \u2665 K-Q-J, \u2666 A-9-7-6-5, \u2663 5 after partner has opened one club, you have responded&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-21832","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\/21832","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=21832"}],"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=21832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21832"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=21832"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=21832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}