Michaels Cuebids
One of the most popular conventions in modern bridge is the Michaels Cuebid.
The requirements for a Michaels Cuebid are
a Two-suited hand.
In this context, "Two-suited" means a "5-5 or better" Two-suiter, although an occasional 4-5 two-suiter is permissable.
Any cuebid of a Major suit shows 5-cards in the unbid major and an undisclosed 5-card minor.
| RHO | You | |
1
| 2
| – 5+ Spades & a 5+card minor |
Any cuebid of a Minor suit opening bid shows 5-5 or better in the majors.
| RHO | You | |
1
|
2
| – 5-5 or better in the majors. |
Opposite a major suit cuebid, Advancer (partner of the Michaels Cuebidder) can bid 2NT to ask for the minor.
| LHO | Pard | RHO | You | |
1
| 2
| Pass | 2NT | – "Minor ?" |
Any jump in a promised major by Advancer is invitational.
| LHO | Pard | RHO | You | |
| 1
| 2
| Pass | 3
| –"4, or pass ?"
|
It is a good idea to NOT use any 2-suited overcall, if your Higher ranked suit is the stronger of the two.
A K Q x x
Q x x x x
x x
x
Q x x x x
A K Q x x
x x
x
This tendency to use 2-suited overcalls, only when the lower ranked suit
is as strong or stronger than the higher ranked suit is called "LOTUS" (Lower Of Two Usually Stronger).
LOTUS is the reason why it may be permissable to
use Michaels with a 4-5 two-suiter, but not a 5-4 two-suiter.
If the 5-card suit is the higher ranked,
bid it and show the 2nd suit later, if possible.
There is one problem with the particular
auction: 1♠-2♠-Pass.
How can Advancer invite game in
Hearts ?
2NT, asking for the minor, followed by 3♥
will not suffice, since that may show a hand which
is disappointed by the Overcaller's minor suit and
is now retreating to 3♥.
Some pairs solve this problem by employing "Lover's Leap", where your 3♦ in this auction invites 4♥:
| LHO | Pard | RHO | You | Lover's Leap |
| 1
| 2
| Pass | 3
| – "3 or 4?"
|
Note that 3♦ is NOT required for a natural sign-off, since Advancer could bid 2NT to ask for Overcaller's minor and THEN, over a likely 3♣ bid by Overcaller, bid 3♦ to stop. Because Lover's Leap is NOT Standard, you would have to discuss it with your partner first.