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Bridge 7/30
Split the ranges after an opening
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    When partner opens one no-trump, you probably use transfers into the major suits. A two-diamond response shows at least five hearts with any point-count, and a two-heart response promises at least five spades.
    Transfers are highly recommended. However, suppose an opponent opens one of a suit and partner overcalls one no-trump. What effect does that have?
    It is still sensible to use transfers. But obviously if the opening bid was one of a major, it is not logical to transfer into that suit to show at least five cards there. Why choose a trump suit where an opponent has at least five cards?
    There are a few worthwhile methods, but I like the following plan: If you transfer into the unbid major, it shows either a weak hand with no game interest or a strong hand worth at least game. But if you transfer into opener's major, you show at least five cards in the other major and game-invitational values — as in the diagram.
    After East opens one heart and South overcalls one no-trump, showing a good 15 points to an average 18, North transfers into hearts to show eight or nine points with five or six spades. South, with four-card support and a near-maximum, jumps to game.
    Against four spades, West leads the heart seven. Declarer can see four losers: one spade, two hearts and one club. But after winning the first trick, he immediately cashes three diamond tricks, discarding a heart from the board. Then South plays a trump, and claims shortly thereafter.
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Astrograph 11/7
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    Organization and proper planning will greatly strengthen your possibilities for success in the year ahead, and they will be the major reasons for you making such leaps and bounds in both your personal and work-related life.
    SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Make plans to engage in a recreational activity with friends or family. Getting your mind off all the serious things in life will do wonders for your outlook.
    SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) This is an excellent day to gather the information you need on a matter of importance, whether it is work-related, personal or homework. You'll have an easier time doing so than usual.
    CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Quality, not flamboyance, is what you should be looking for in companions. A comfortable, compatible friendship will be more enjoyable and fulfilling than spending time with garish, flashy people.
    AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) If you have to make a choice between profit and pride of accomplishment, choose the latter. Acquiring self-esteem will be more valuable and long lasting than procuring material wealth.
    PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) One of your better assets is your ability to communicate effectively. You're not only good at gathering facts but also at disseminating them to those who will put them to fruitful uses.
    ARIES (March 21-April 19) By remaining optimistic and keeping your expectations within realistic bounds, you will gradually gain ground on your goals. Because you don't expect more than you should, you won't give up.
    TAURUS (April 20-May 20) One of your best assets is being a good listener, and this will prove to be an advantageous trait. You will learn about something that you'll put to good use at this time.
    GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Keep your goals and desires in proportion to your abilities, and you will have more possibilities for success than most people do, regardless of your field of endeavor.
    CANCER (June 21-July 22) You have what it takes to accomplish your goals. You'll not only be an efficient worker; you'll also know how to interact with others to make them effective as well.
    LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Handling small details could be more significant than usual, particularly in domestic matters. Paying attention to even meaningless family activities will greatly please your loved ones.
    VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Associates, friends and family will be more willing to listen to what you have to say if you keep your conversations brief. The absence of boring small talk will make what you say far more interesting.
    LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Even a small, minor development can turn out to be profitable if done in conjunction with what is already on the table. You will have many good things going for you at this time.
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