HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Saturday, March 18, 2023

ARIES — Money matters might require your attention today, Aries. Concerns involving the home are on your mind. You may need to work on the household accounts or balance the records of a home business. You may put in more time than necessary. Don’t assume the worst! All should be basically well, so you probably could just balance the accounts and move on.

TAURUS — Deep thought that occupies your time today could lead to some fascinating conversations with a close friend or partner, Taurus. Lots of deas and useful information could be discussed and lead to new projects, perhaps involving writing or teaching. You will want to research every possible contingency before making definite plans, so get busy.

GEMINI — Today your imagination is likely to be flying high, Gemini, drawing on past images and events that you may have forgotten. You may wonder about the commercial potential of your thoughts. A conversation with a friend who knows this subject could prove enlightening.

CANCER — A friend could put forth some ideas regarding incorporating the arts into a business enterprise, Cancer. A lot of discussion could result, though it’s unlikely that any final decisions will be made now. More ideas should come over the next few days. Some intense research on your end should shed some light on the workability of the project. Go to it!

LEO — Imagination and insights definitely advance a project today, Leo. Discussions, perhaps involving money, spur you and your collaborators on to new innovative projects that might prove to be of great benefit to all. Don’t let your inspiration stop there. Let the ideas and images spur you on toward new enterprises and horizons.

VIRGO — Friends who have been traveling or live far away could bring some interesting news your way that hasn’t yet broken in your area, Virgo. This might make you curious to do some research on the subject. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt until you determine the facts for yourself. Things can

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Saturday, March 18, 2023

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on basic technique and logical thinking.

One of the world’s top players is a nobleman from a small European principality, Count Yurtrix. Though not well known beyond his area, he’s a capable declarer who never boots an easy contract.

The Count was declarer at today’s four hearts, and West led the jack of clubs. The Count always counts winners and losers before he touches a card. He saw four losers: a spade, the ace of trumps, a diamond (if the finesse lost) and a club. But declarer could set up dummy’s jack of diamonds as a winner for a club discard.

CLUB LOSER

The Count won the first club with the ace and continued with the A-Q of diamonds. West won and led another club, but declarer won in dummy and pitched his club loser on the jack of diamonds. The contract was safe. Players would do well to emulate Count Yurtrix. Count your winners (generally, at notrump) and losers (generally, at a high-level suit contract) to help plan your play.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: Q 7 6 Q 8 7 6 5 A Q A 6 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart get garbled in translation when you hear things second or third hand.

LIBRA — Today you might give some thought to career matters, Libra. You’re probably trying to brainstorm ingenious ways to advance professionally and increase your income. A number of different options might present themselves, some workable, some not. It might not be easy to put them into action, but keep trying.

SCORPIO —Your partner may return from a journey today, Scorpio, and a deep conversation could follow. Your friend will share stories of the trip, which could lead to talk about the relationship’s future. Nothing is apt to be decided. The discussion is more likely to focus on generalities than specifics.

SAGITTARIUS — Today you may feel a little out of sorts, Sagittarius, but your creative energies are likely to flow freely. Inspiration could come from deep within you. You’re probably more focused than usual, and therefore can spend considerable time working on a task or project without getting restless. Give free rein to your ideas.

CAPRICORN — The survival of a partnership could depend on some open and honest communication today, Capricorn. Conflicting issues may be simmering and need to be aired in a sensitive and caring way. It’s vital to express the affection you feel for your partner and the importance of this partnership to you.

AQUARIUS — A book, letter, or other important piece of paperwork that was misplaced might finally be found today, Aquarius. This is important, as it may relate to financial concerns or a creative project that you’ve been working on. The information it contains should motivate you to move ahead and put this matter to rest.

PISCES — Discussions with close friends could lead to ideas for creative projects of some kind, Pisces. Although the projects themselves may center on writing, music, drama, graphics, or teaching, today’s brainstorming is likely to center more on business and marketing than artistic matters. Nonetheless, you could walk away feeling inspired and motivated.

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-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Sunday’s Life section.

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

and he bids one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s hand is not well defined. He may have 12 points or 18, balanced or unbalanced. You have a club stopper and could bid 3NT, but it’s better to let him continue to describe his hand. Bid two clubs, a forcing “fourth-suit” call. If partner holds A K J 2, 10 4, K 8 6 5 4, Q 3, he should be declarer at notrump.

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