FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE® by Lynn Johnston

THE BORN LOSER by Art Sampson

GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schorr

PEANUTS by Charles M. Schulz

BEETLE BAILEY® by Mort Walker

CLOSE TO HOME by John McPherson

THE LOCKHORNS by Bill Hoest

BLONDIE® by Dean Young

ALLEY OOP® by Dave Graue and Jack Bender Astrograph your options. Nothing ven- what’s important to you. Con- tured, nothing gained. A sider your motives and follow romantic encounter will boost through with your plans. your morale. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- -- If you step outside your MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 Do things at a speed that comfort zone, you’ll discover Take the initiative and make feels comfortable. If you rush something that not only your dream a reality. Focus to do something that you feel intrigues you, but helps you and determination will lead to uncertain about, you’ll fall choose a path that offers per- success. The right attitude short. An emotional issue will sonal and spiritual growth. and lifestyle will bring peace spin out of control if you let it. Romance is on the rise. of mind and the happiness CANCER (June 21-July 22) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. you deserve. Change begins -- Do things your way. Share 21) -- Refrain from making a within. Choose your path and your thoughts and put a group snap decision. Back away follow through. ® together that will help you from anyone pressuring you FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) achieve your goal. Changes at to commit. Getting angry won’t -- Share your feelings and dis- home will be advantageous. help matters. Chill out some- cuss your intentions. Reach Don’t fight the inevitable. where you feel safe. out to like-minded people and LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Do CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. work in unison with them. your research before you 19) -- Make a decision or Romance is favored. commit. A change of heart will move that will bring things to a ARIES (March 21-April 19) be telling. When someone head. Address joint finances -- Be conscientious and add challenges you, stand tall and and changes that aren’t work- detail and depth to whatever don’t budge. ing. A work-related matter will you do. The little extras will VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- turn into a new opportunity. count. If you present yourself Talk to someone with experi- AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. and your intentions with preci- ence. A neighbor or good 19) -- A change is worth con- sion, you will come across as friend will shed light on a situ- sidering. Don’t let your emo- intelligent and efficient. ation you face. A good idea tions get in the way of doing TAURUS (April 20-May 20) can turn into a profitable what’s right. A partnership will -- Observe a certain situation arrangement. take an unexpected turn. HAGAR THE HORRIBLE® by Dik Browne and prepare to make chang- LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Make a change to your living es. Discuss your intentions Think about the past. Remem- arrangements. with someone knowledgeable. ber why it’s so important to Take the plunge and explore take a break and to nurture Bridge CAN WEST GET BACK ON king; a moment later, declarer LEAD? claimed his contract. In many deals, either the At the second table, when declarer does the right thing West overtook and returned the and makes his contract, or he spade eight, East got the suit- doesn’t & he doesn’t! But there preference message. He made a are some deals that give both spectacular play, discarding the sides a chance for good play. diamond king. Now South Today’s is an example that could do no better than take his occurred in a three-table pairs eight top tricks. ® event. At the third table, South GARFIELD by Jim Davis Every West led the spade correctly won trick 2 with his queen against three no-trump. spade ace. He crossed to dummy Each East made the textbook with a club & led a low diamond, play of overtaking with the but East smoothly played the king. After the Souths ducked, nine -- second hand low! back came East’s second spade. Declarer won with his queen, At the first table, South then led a low diamond. ducked again. West overtook If West had played the 10, with the spade 10, then declarer would have known to returned the spade eight, his duck in the dummy. But West middle spade. Oblivious, East did well, putting up the jack. discarded a low club. Needing Now South had a guess. Playing East to hold the diamond king, East for three diamonds, declarer played a club to declarer won with dummy’s dummy’s 10, then he led a low ace and led a third round. West diamond. East went in with the cashed out for down one.