Adopting new bidding definitely represents a commitment in time and effort, but it's nothing like the commitment we make in adopting a kitty (and it's National Adopt a Cat Month!). A well-cared for house cat can live 17-20 years. Here's some interesting info for potential cat owners.

31 percent of new cats come from shelters, 3 percent from breeders. The rest? They "appear" in people's lives, either by wandering in on their own or from friends and relatives. The main reason a cat is in a shelter is not because they were running loose or surrendered for bad behavior, but because their former owners had a change in housing and can't have pets any longer. Interestingly, the color cat least likely to be adopted is the Tuxedo Cat, black and white.

If you're thinking of adding a new cat, think in twos. Cats form bonded pairs and get into much less trouble and are less likely to destroy your house. Oh, and you better be nice to your bridge partner, since you'll be required to have more references than are needed to buy a house.

Bidding over Preempts can be even more problematic than a wild kitty. Preempts are designed to make our lives miserable, and they do their job. Decisions must be made!

Let's look at some basic concepts. If we're entering the auction with a suit at the two-level, we need a sound opener AND a nice suit. Both, do you hear?

If you're overcalling with a minor at the three-level, your real goal of course is to urge your Pard to find a way to bid No-trump. You've got to have an even sounder hand.

This is going to require judgment and thinking. Just remember, the Preempter has a weak hand and is trying to steal us blind. We won't stand for it!