HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

ARIES — Your dreams might be especially intense now, and some could even be prophetic. You may have recently dreamed of an old friend you haven’t seen for a while. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear from this person, Aries. You might also come up with some previously unknown ideas for advancing yourself professionally.

TAURUS — Social events involving both old and new friends could prove especially satisfying at this time, Taurus. You will be able to catch up with those you haven’t seen for a while. You might also be introduced to new people who prove valuable business contacts in the future.

GEMINI — Today you might decide to get some annoying but necessary chores done, Gemini. You have the energy and stamina to finish them and probably will, although you may go crazy from boredom in the meantime. Your mind should be especially active, so don’t be surprised if during the course of doing your chores you find the answers to questions you’ve been asking yourself for a long time.

CANCER — Some information that you’ve been seeking for a long time might finally be unEarthed today through your diligent efforts, Cancer. This is going to increase your ability to take on whatever challenges you’re planning to address. Your already sharp business acumen is likely to be enhanced by whatever you discover.

LEO — Leo, some volatile emotional matters that may have reared their heads over the past few days could finally be settled to the satisfaction of all involved. The subject of money may come up. Happiness reigns in the home, as all the members of your household are basically pleased with the way their lives are going.

VIRGO — Some solid, honest communication between you and those you love is likely to clear up some confusion. Roles are more clearly defined, emotional problems clarified, and chores are more fairly allotted. This is going to make a big difference in your daily life. The removal of relationship issues will guarantee that the atmosphere is more harmonious from now on.

LIBRA — Today you might

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

It’s said that adversity introduces a man to himself. If you’re declarer at four spades and seem to have three trumps and a heart to lose, how do you react?

Today’s auction looks odd, but some players believe in bidding when it’s their turn. I might have opened as South had the long suit been a major. North had 12 good points and was unwilling to stop below game, though he might have seen South’s “opening bids” before.

FUTILE

West led a heart, and South’s situation looked grim. He took the ace and knew that leading a trump was futile. So South cashed the Q-K of clubs and next led the ace. West ruffed with his low trump; if he ruffed with the ace, dummy would pitch the heart loser.

Declarer overruffed in dummy, ruffed a diamond and led another club. West had to discard again, declarer threw dummy’s last heart and East ruffed.

South ruffed the heart return in dummy, threw his last heart on the ace of diamonds and led a trump: queen, nine, ace. He lost one more trump to the king, making four. What’s the problem?

You hold: feel the need to get as much done as possible. You’re especially energetic, Libra, and you have stamina and focus, and so you should be able to accomplish whatever you want. Tasks and chores you may have put off finally get done today. Don’t work too hard, however. You will want to save some energy for tomorrow.

SCORPIO — You might need to do some of the less exciting chores involved with creative or artistic projects today, Scorpio. You’re in the right frame of mind to get them done. Your efficiency is at a peak. A practical, nononsense manner marks all your interactions. By day’s end you should feel more than satisfied with what you’ve done.

SAGITTARIUS — You may have let household tasks and chores go for a few days, Sagittarius, so today you might decide to get them all done at once. You have the energy and the stamina to do it. However, take care not to get too caught up in little details that only you tend to notice. This can keep you from getting the most important chores done.

CAPRICORN — Some letters and calls that you may have agreed to do for a group you’re affiliated with might have to be taken care of today, Capricorn. Don’t be surprised if you spend a lot of your time on the phone. It might take a little persistence, as some of the people you need to reach may not be in. But you’re likely to get everything done.

AQUARIUS — You may need to take care of paperwork related to financial matters today, Aquarius. You will pay bills, make deposits, or balance checkbooks. Whatever you need to handle, you will get it done, and done well. You might even find that you’re better off financially than you thought you were. In the evening, go to a movie and forget about money for a while.

PISCES — You should be especially efficient in whatever work you need to get done today, Pisces. Your natural eye for detail is especially sharp. You’re also feeling industrious, energetic, and efficient, so don’t be surprised if others give you some admiring compliments. When the work is all done, you might reward yourself by making some definite plans for a vacation you’ve been dreaming about for a while.

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

your right, opens one club. After two passes, your partner bids one heart. The opening bidder passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner may have “balanced” with a light hand.

Actions in the “passout” seat may be shaded, to prevent the opponents from buying the contract cheaply. If partner had an opening bid or more, he might have started with a double. Settle for a raise to two hearts. South dealer