Diversions

Thought for Today

“If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.”

— Elon Musk

Horoscope

By Horoscope.com

Monday, March 13, 2023

Aries: An unexpected release of tension could come today, Aries. Something that has been restricting you and limiting your growth is going to disappear, and you will want to run through the streets shouting. From here on out, certain desires that have eluded you could start to manifest in your life.

Taurus: Some strange but wonderful things could be happening to you now, Taurus. Sheer luck could well be in the picture. Have you wanted to move to a nicer place? If so, now you probably can. Have you been expecting a bonus or settlement? Today it could be yours! Even your dreams are apt to be vivid, powerful, and very beautiful. The only downside is if one of the events involves money, don’t overspend!

Gemini: A rather black mood that’s been plaguing you since early morning could suddenly disappear when a business or romantic partner brings wonderful news your way, Gemini. It could involve a goal that finally manifests that you may have given up long ago.

Cancer: If you’ve been concerned about your health for any reason, Cancer, today your medical professional could give you a clean bill of health. You will believe it, because you’re likely to feel wonderful. Stress has vanished, at least for now, and your energy and enthusiasm are higher than they’ve been for a long time. Enjoy yourself.

Leo: Creative energies are flowing like a river today, Leo. Ideas for projects should come thick and fast. You can’t wait to get started. You may even formulate plans to market them once they’re done. Love and romance should also be going well for you, as intellectual discussions could bring you and a current or potential love partner closer.

Virgo: Dreams should shed light on some difficult issues you’ve been trying to resolve, Virgo. You can finally make the problems disappear. This should be more than a relief to you - it’s a blessing! Your friends might want to take you out to celebrate, but you will probably want to sit home and enjoy your newfound contentment.

Libra: More than one call could come today with absolutely wonderful news! Exciting and wonderful changes are in the wind, Libra, but you need to bear in mind that with the good news comes the unknown. Your life may be turned upside down. Consider if you really want to stay in the same rut for the rest of your life. Gird your loins and look forward to an adventure!

Scorpio: A sizable sum of money could come your way today, Scorpio, probably as a surprise. This is a significant day for you. The money will open up new doors, particularly where creativity is concerned, so the situation definitely calls for a celebration. Don’t gamble or consider any kind frivolous of investment for at least two months.

Sagittarius: Today you may wake up feeling energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic, and very happy, Sagittarius. You may not be able to trace this to anything logical, so don’t even try. Make the most of what’s happening and use that energy to create the life you want. You might feel like you can move mountains, but for now you’d better concentrate on molehills.

Capricorn: Have you been feeling psychic lately, Capricorn? Has a recent dream or premonition come true? Any insights that you receive today aren’t likely to be clothed in complex symbolismthey should be easily understood. Write them down!

Aquarius: Today you might gather with some very smart friends at a coffee house for an intellectual conversation, Aquarius. Some fascinating ideas and useful information could be exchanged. Much of what is said could inspire new creative projects.

Pisces: A fabulous career break could come your way today, Pisces. It could be a raise, promotion, or even a new job in a new field. It could also involve a completely different location. The work you will be doing may be unlike anything you’ve ever done before, and that’s a challenge. Don’t worry! Change is necessary if you’re to reach your maximum potential.

Daily Bridge

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Monday, March 13, 2023

Unlucky Louie has raised nine kids. He says it’s a sign of maturity when they realize that the volume knob also turns counterclockwise. It’s a sign of maturity at bridge when you don’t rush to draw trumps.

At today’s four spades, South betrayed a streak of immaturity when he won the first heart with the ace and let the queen of trumps ride. When East won and returned a heart, the defense got the minor-suit aces plus a heart trick.

CLUB WINNER

A more mature — and less impatient — declarer surveys the situation before he plays a card.

South has a possible loser in each suit but can set up a club winner to pitch a heart from dummy. He must do that promptly: If he loses an early trump finesse, the defense will gain time.

South wins the first heart in dummy, saving the ace as an entry to his hand, and leads a club to his king. East wins the next club and returns a heart, but South wins and discards dummy’s last heart on the high club. Then he can lead trumps.

This week: timing.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: K 4 10 8

9 4

8 5 3. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two

Sudoku

Codeword Puzzle

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

Crossword Puzzle

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid.

Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

Puzzle

clubs, he bids two hearts and you try 2NT. Partner then rebids three hearts.

What do you say?

ANSWER: In theory, you should pass. Your 2NT invited game, and partner’s three hearts says he likes neither game nor notrump; he has a minimum two-suiter. Still, you have aces and a useful king of spades, and some players would have forced to game. Bid four hearts. South dealer