{"id":8405,"date":"2026-02-01T00:01:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T23:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/?post_type=publication&#038;p=8405"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:05:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T10:05:56","slug":"the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-1-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/publication\/the-aces-on-bridge-sunday-1-february-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, 1 February 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\">Say your partner opens one spade, and you hold <br><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> J-9-3, <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> A-Q-6-5-4, <span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\">\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span> A-2, <span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-clubs notranslate\">\u2663<\/span><\/span><\/span> 8-7-3. <br>What is your hand worth, 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>Working Cards, Hartford, 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-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\">It is time to force to game, given the fit with my partner, two aces and a useful five-card suit. I would bid two hearts, intending to jump to four spades next, thereby showing a minimum game-force. The problem with a forcing no-trump is that you may never get the trick-taking capacity of your hand across. In general, if you can describe your hand precisely by overbidding by a jack, do so!<\/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-340e475 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"340e475\"><style>.stk-340e475 {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-340e475:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-340e475 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-340e475-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-340e475-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-340e475-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4edb8c0\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4edb8c0\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-4edb8c0 {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-4edb8c0 {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-4edb8c0-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4edb8c0-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-a736671\" data-block-id=\"a736671\"><style>.stk-a736671 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-a736671 .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-7c700e2\" data-block-id=\"7c700e2\"><style>.stk-7c700e2 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Is it best to play system on after a one-no-trump overcall, just as if you had opened one no-trump? Or is there something better?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f228114\" data-block-id=\"f228114\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>System Guru, Dodge City, Kan.<\/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-67f25b5\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"67f25b5\"><style>.stk-67f25b5 {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-67f25b5 {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-67f25b5 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-67f25b5 {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-67f25b5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-67f25b5-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-9a41b39 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"9a41b39\"><style>.stk-9a41b39 {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-9a41b39:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2b45b3d stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2b45b3d\"><style>.stk-2b45b3d-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-2b45b3d {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-2b45b3d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2b45b3d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-79043bf\" data-block-id=\"79043bf\"><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-53a7139\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"53a7139\"><style>.stk-53a7139 .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-86fbe92\" data-block-id=\"86fbe92\"><style>.stk-86fbe92 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-86fbe92 .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-86fbe92\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-86-fbe-92-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-86-fbe-92-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-86fbe92\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-86-fbe-92-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-86-fbe-92-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-4ff6bf9 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4ff6bf9\"><style>.stk-4ff6bf9-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-4ff6bf9 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-4ff6bf9:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4ff6bf9-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4ff6bf9-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-e252ff1\" data-block-id=\"e252ff1\"><style>.stk-e252ff1 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">It is fine to play identical methods after your opponents open a minor, but playing normal Stayman after a one-heart or one-spade opening is inefficient. You are, in effect, just asking partner for four cards in the other major, while a transfer into their suit no longer exists. One option is to use a transfer to their suit as Stayman, and two clubs as a puppet to two diamonds, to play there or to show subsequently some other awkward minor-suit hand types.<\/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-62ba9f0 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"62ba9f0\"><style>.stk-62ba9f0 {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-62ba9f0:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-62ba9f0 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-62ba9f0-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-62ba9f0-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-62ba9f0-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3b95b0b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3b95b0b\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-3b95b0b {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-3b95b0b {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-3b95b0b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3b95b0b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9c6757f\" data-block-id=\"9c6757f\"><style>.stk-9c6757f {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-9c6757f .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-2d2d462\" data-block-id=\"2d2d462\"><style>.stk-2d2d462 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">If you are playing standard leads, does leading the nine always show shortness?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4d88359\" data-block-id=\"4d88359\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Non-sequential, Honolulu, Hawaii.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b699f54\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b699f54\"><style>.stk-b699f54 {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-b699f54 {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-b699f54 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-b699f54 {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-b699f54-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b699f54-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-c7a2d62 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"c7a2d62\"><style>.stk-c7a2d62 {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-c7a2d62:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2ef5d52 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2ef5d52\"><style>.stk-2ef5d52-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-2ef5d52 {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-2ef5d52-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2ef5d52-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-04282b5\" data-block-id=\"04282b5\"><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-8350242\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"8350242\"><style>.stk-8350242 .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-c9c96f1\" data-block-id=\"c9c96f1\"><style>.stk-c9c96f1 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-c9c96f1 .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-c9c96f1\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-c-9-c-96-f-1-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-c-9-c-96-f-1-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-c9c96f1\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-c-9-c-96-f-1-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-c-9-c-96-f-1-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-51775cb stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"51775cb\"><style>.stk-51775cb-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-51775cb {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-51775cb:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-51775cb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-51775cb-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-271f3ea\" data-block-id=\"271f3ea\"><style>.stk-271f3ea {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">No. On occasion, you might lead the nine from 9-8-x or from an internal sequence such as J-9-8-x, which is sometimes necessary for technical reasons. Alternatively, you could agree that the nine is either shortness or an alarm clock lead from length, requesting an unusual return. Zia Mahmood advocates this treatment.<\/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-ff9a67d stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"ff9a67d\"><style>.stk-ff9a67d {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-ff9a67d:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-ff9a67d .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-ff9a67d-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-ff9a67d-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ff9a67d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-97ebdf5\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"97ebdf5\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-97ebdf5 {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-97ebdf5 {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-97ebdf5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-97ebdf5-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5209af6\" data-block-id=\"5209af6\"><style>.stk-5209af6 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-5209af6 .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-8133fac\" data-block-id=\"8133fac\"><style>.stk-8133fac {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I opened one no-trump, and my partner transferred to spades. I duly bid two spades, which went back around to my right-hand opponent, who balanced with three clubs. I had a useful club holding and doubled for penalty. My right-hand opponent looked aghast and told me I was &#8220;not allowed&#8221; to double, having already shown my hand while partner could have a 0-count. What do you think?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-f085522\" data-block-id=\"f085522\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>Hogwash, Elmira, N.Y.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e649239\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e649239\"><style>.stk-e649239 {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-e649239 {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-e649239 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-e649239 {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-e649239-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e649239-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-622277d stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"622277d\"><style>.stk-622277d {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-622277d:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-95138b6 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"95138b6\"><style>.stk-95138b6-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-95138b6 {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-95138b6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-95138b6-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-fb91b8d\" data-block-id=\"fb91b8d\"><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-be80270\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"be80270\"><style>.stk-be80270 .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-800b71c\" data-block-id=\"800b71c\"><style>.stk-800b71c .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-800b71c .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-800b71c\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-800-b-71-c-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-800-b-71-c-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-800b71c\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-800-b-71-c-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-800-b-71-c-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-f489942 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f489942\"><style>.stk-f489942-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-f489942 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-f489942:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f489942-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f489942-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b612707\" data-block-id=\"b612707\"><style>.stk-b612707 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">You can make any legal call you like. It is a common agreement for opener&#8217;s double to be for penalty, even though this carries some risk, since the transfer bidder could indeed have nothing. Your holding in the intervenor&#8217;s suit must be robust. Alternatively, you can agree that the sequence is defensive but also promises a three-card fit for partner.<\/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-4b86a53 stk-block-background stk-entrance\" data-block-id=\"4b86a53\"><style>.stk-4b86a53 {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-4b86a53:before{background-color:var(--stk-global-color-66386, #f2f9ff) !important;}.stk-4b86a53 .stk-container{overflow:visible !important;}.stk-4b86a53-column{--stk-columns-spacing:0px !important;--stk-column-gap:24px !important;row-gap:24px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-4b86a53-column{row-gap:16px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-4b86a53-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-494b881\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"494b881\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-494b881 {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-494b881 {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-494b881-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-494b881-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-db68902\" data-block-id=\"db68902\"><style>.stk-db68902 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-db68902 .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-b4d32a7\" data-block-id=\"b4d32a7\"><style>.stk-b4d32a7 {margin-bottom:32px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">What would you bid 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-10-7-5-3, <span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-hearts notranslate\">\u2665<\/span><\/span><\/span> Q-J-9-4, <span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\"><span class=\"card-suit suit-diamonds notranslate\">\u2666<\/span><\/span><\/span> A, <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> 9-4, no one vulnerable, after your right-hand opponent opens a strong no-trump?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-00f74ff\" data-block-id=\"00f74ff\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-right\"><em>One or Both, Grand Junction, Colo.<\/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-41f4ad6\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"41f4ad6\"><style>.stk-41f4ad6 {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-41f4ad6 {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-41f4ad6 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(100% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 0 \/ 1 ) !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-41f4ad6 {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-41f4ad6-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-41f4ad6-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-6dfaf40 stk-block-background is-style-colored\" data-block-id=\"6dfaf40\"><style>.stk-6dfaf40 {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-6dfaf40:before{background-color:#ffffff !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3a92b35 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3a92b35\"><style>.stk-3a92b35-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;}.stk-3a92b35 {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-3a92b35-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3a92b35-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-11bc9dd\" data-block-id=\"11bc9dd\"><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-968e897\" id=\"read-the-answer\" data-block-id=\"968e897\"><style>.stk-968e897 .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-ef85f2b\" data-block-id=\"ef85f2b\"><style>.stk-ef85f2b .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-ef85f2b .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-ef85f2b\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ef-85-f-2-b-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ef-85-f-2-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-ef85f2b\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ef-85-f-2-b-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ef-85-f-2-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-4c26ab7 stk-block-background stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4c26ab7\"><style>.stk-4c26ab7-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-4c26ab7 {background-color:#fffffe !important;}.stk-4c26ab7:before{background-color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4c26ab7-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4c26ab7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b788ec8\" data-block-id=\"b788ec8\"><style>.stk-b788ec8 {margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">I usually bid the six-card suit first with this sort of shape, but what can go wrong if I start with a Landy two clubs to show both majors here? If partner bids two diamonds, I bid two spades. If he bids two hearts, even better \u2014 I can remove to two spades to show extra values with long spades and four hearts, bringing partner in on the decision.<\/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: Say your partner opens one spade, and you hold \u2660 J-9-3, \u2665 A-Q-6-5-4, \u2666 A-2, \u2663 8-7-3. What is your hand worth,&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-8405","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\/8405","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=8405"}],"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=8405"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8405"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8405"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=8405"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=8405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}