HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, March 9, 2023

ARIES — If you need to do errands, Aries, don’t drag others along with you. Complete your mission solo. You will find that you’re more efficient if you don’t have to carry the extra burden around. Not only will you get your chores done more quickly but you will also have time to think and process certain things without someone else’s energy influencing your thinking.

TAURUS — Don’t take no for an answer today, Taurus.

Chances are you won’t have to. People will be more understanding of your situation and have compassion for your cause. Your inner strength will show through loud and clear, and you have the desire to make anything happen you want.

GEMINI — It may be difficult to deal with people who seem spaced out and confused today, Gemini. This confusion can be contagious. You will find that no matter how much logic you apply to the situation, if it doesn’t feel right, it won’t happen. Things will flow naturally or they won’t flow at all.

CANCER — Take your mind off your stressful duties and responsibilities today, Cancer. This is a time for emotions and ego to connect in harmony. Don’t let other people’s problems ruin your good mood. There’s a need for you to consciously let your mind and body be at ease. Art and music will bring you a great deal of pleasure.

LEO — All the knowledge in the world will be no match for the emotional energy in the air on a day like today, Leo. You may be carried away into a mystical realm where feelings take precedence over facts. Let go of reality for a while and free yourself from the hectic pace of everyday life. There’s a strong pull toward the fantasy realm today, so feel free to go there.

VIRGO — Treat yourself to something special, Virgo, whether a gourmet meal, new outfit, or latest gadget. Today is your day and you shouldn’t deprive yourself of anything. There’s a remarkable synchronicity of events that will lead you to exactly the right place at the right time. There’s a special warmth and sensitivity in the air that will put your mind and emotions at ease.

LIBRA — There’s an emotional, sensual feeling to the day that is sure to tickle your heart, Libra. Try not to be too abrasive when dealing with others. The more serene you can be, the more doors you will be able to walk through. Be patient and don’t feel like you need to be first in line. If you aren’t sure of a situation, don’t jump in headfirst.

SCORPIO — The different parts of your personality should work harmoniously today, Scorpio. It’s important that there be an equal amount of give and take in your world. If for some reason there’s an imbalance in a certain area of your life, address the issue right away. It’s important that you maintain equilibrium within yourself and with the people around you.

SAGITTARIUS — You probably aren’t going to impress people with your fast talk and quick facts today, Sagittarius. You will likely get further if you express the emotions that lie behind your words. It’s more important to say what you feel than what you think. Even though this may go against your usual nature, you will find that it’s the best policy on a day like this.

CAPRICORN — Your ego should be strengthened by your emotions, and vice versa, today. Be yourself in every capacity and situation, Capricorn. Things should flow quite smoothly for you as long as you keep the energy moving within you. Share your feelings honestly with others and you will find that your inner vitality strengthens.

AQUARIUS — Like a surfer who wants to ride the endless wave, you must first prepare yourself before you jump into the ocean with your board, Aquarius. Sit on the real or imaginary beach for a while and contemplate the tide. Watch the currents and see how other surfers fare under the prevailing conditions.

PISCES — Your gracious, tender nature is likely to be extremely appreciated today, Pisces. You may feel as if your head is so far up in the clouds that you can’t get anything done. The truth of the matter is that the work you need to do is actually found up in those clouds. Trust that you’ve taken care of the foundation.

Daily Bridge

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, March 9, 2023

When I studied voice way back in another life, I was taught how to “embellish” notes in the baroque style: add ornamentations to supplement the vocal line and show off the vocalist’s technique. Something similar can happen in dummy play: Declarer can embellish his basic line of play to get an extra chance.

At today’s 3NT, South won the first spade with the jack and led the Q-J of clubs. West played low, of course, so South next tried the ace and a low diamond.

West won and led another spade to the king, and South led another low diamond. He hoped for a 3-3 break, but it wasn’t to be. He took only eight tricks.

OVERTAKING

South can embellish his play: He leads a low diamond at Trick Two. South wins the spade return and cashes the ace of diamonds, dropping West’s queen. South then leads the queen and jack of clubs, overtaking with dummy’s king.

No ace appears, but South can lead a third diamond toward his jack, winning two diamonds, two clubs, two hearts and three spades.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: Q 10 9 8

Q 8 A 8 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one spade

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

and he next bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: This problem is awkward. To pass would be timid; partner might have as many as 18 points. But a bid of 2NT would show a bit more strength and something in hearts, a raise to three clubs would promise four-card support and a rebid of two spades would suggest a better suit. Bid two diamonds.

dealer