Michaels cue-bid is a convention.
Michaels cue-bid is a defensive convention for showing a two-suited hand. There is not a commonly accepted strength range, it is a matter of partnership agreement.
Convention[]
A cue-bid of RHO's suit when only one suit has been bid shows either (at least) 5-5 in the majors if the cue-bid is a minor, or else 5-5 in the unbid major and an unspecified minor. Thus,
- 1♣-2♣ and 1♦-2♦ both show ♥ and ♠.
- 1♥-2♥ shows ♠ and either ♣ or ♦.
- 1♠-2♠ shows ♥ and either ♣ or ♦.
With strength outside the agreed range, bid a simple overcall.
This bid is artificial and forcing.
Responses[]
After a 2-level minor suit cue-bid (showing both majors):
- other minor: sign off, very good suit
- 2 of a major: sign off
- 2NT: invitational to 3NT
- raise the cue: game interest in one of the suits
- 3♦ (after 2♣): very long ♦ and forcing
- 3 of a major: preemptive
- 3NT: sign off
After a 2-level major suit cue-bid (showing the other major and an unspecified minor):
- other major: sign off
- 2NT: ask for minor
- 3 of the minor: very good suit, non-forcing
- raise the cue: game interest in one of the suits
- 3NT: sign off
Overcaller rebids[]
- After a raise: bid his cheapest suit at the cheapest level if weak, all other bids are strong
- After 2NT minor ask: bid the minor
Interference[]
If the cue-bid shows the other major and an unspecified minor, it is vulnerable to aggressive preempts:
South | West | North | East |
---|---|---|---|
1♥ | 2♥ | 4♥ |
Now, East does not know which minor West holds.