MICHAEL’S CUEBID – A FUN CONVENTION
Would you like to be able to show TWO suits at the same time, after your opponent has opened the bidding?
Let’s say this is your hand:
S AJxxx
H KJ1Oxx
C x
D xx
your RHO has opened 1 CLUB
If you bid 2 CLUBS (CUEBID OF OPPONENT’S SUIT) —
YOU TELL PARTNER YOU HAVE 5 HEARTS AND 5 SPADES – THIS IS CALLED THE MICHAEL’S CUEBID CONVENTION
If you didn’t have this “tool” in your competitive bag – you would have to overcall one spade. If partner of opener bids 1 no trump, pass by your partner , and opener bids 3 no trump ——now if you show your hearts – you are too high and will get doubled for penalty.
—-OK – YOU DON’T GET THE FINAL CONTRACT but from a defensive point of view, if you use Michael’s Cue Bid – partner will know you have 5 hearts as well as 5 spades and if her hearts are longer than spades, she will lead the longest major suit between the two hands>Good chance to defeat the opponent’s contract!
The playing strength of two-suited hands is well known to all bridge players and WHEN announcing two suits you have a much better chance to find a fit and steal a part-score!
HERE IS THE BIDDING”|:
RHO opens 1 ♣️ – 2 ♣️ Shows spades and hearts
RHO OPENS 1 ♦️ – 2 ♦️Shows spades and hearts
RHO OPENS 1 ♥️ – 2 ♥️Shows spades and a minor
RHO OPENS 1 ♠️ – 2 ♠️Shows hearts and a minor
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO USE MICHAEL’S CUE BID?
- ABSOLUTELY must have two FIVE CARD SUITS
- LESS THAN 10 POINTS OR MORE THAN 16 POINTS —THIS IS REFERRED TO A “MINI-MAXI MICHAELS!
- WITH A HAND IN THE 11-15 POINT RANGE – OVERCALL THE HIGHER-RANKING SUIT
HOW TO RESPOND TO MICHAEL’S CUE BID:
With a fit for one of partner’s known suits simply raise to the appropriate level.—-assume partner has a weak hand (mini-Michaels) and if partner bids again you know —it is the “maxi michaels!
What if partner has one major, (which you know) and a minor – which you don’t know?
SIMPLE_____ JUST BID 2 NO TRUMP WHICH ASKS PARTNER TO BID HER MINOR SUIT
