1. This cue bid of an
opponent’s suit can be made over both minor and major suits e.g. 1§-2§ and 1ª-2ª. Strength varies
according to partnership agreement but is usually 8-15 or 10-15 HCP. The
meanings are as follows:
Ø
Over a minor. At least 5-5
distribution in the majors.
Ø
Over a major. At least 5
of the other major and 5 of an unspecified minor.
2. Responses &
continuations over a major opening
are:
Ø
With 3 or more of
partner’s major support it at the appropriate level.
Ø
With a weak hand & 2
or fewer of partner’s major bid 3§. Partner will correct or pass.
Ø
With an invitational
hand (11-14 points) bid 2NT to enquire about partner’s hand. Partner rebids 3§=minimum (10-12) & clubs as a second suit, 3¨=minimum & diamonds, 3©=maximum (13-15) and clubs as a second suit, and 3ª=maximum & diamonds.
Ø
With 15+ points bid game
direct or bid the opponent’s suit to ask for a stop in that suit for 3NT e.g. 1©-2©-P-3©. If partner has a stop he
bids 3NT & if no stop he bids the second suit at the 4 level.
3. Responses &
continuations over a minor opening
are:
Ø
With a weak hand support
the longer major – if of equal length bid the stronger holding. Partner will
usually pass any bid at two or three level unless at least 16 points.
Ø
With an invitational
hand bid 2NT as an asking bid. 3§ is a minimum hand, 3¨ is maximum, 3© is 6 hearts and 3ª is 6 diamonds.
Ø With a strong hand bid game direct, bid the other minor as natural and forcing, or bid the opponent’s suit to ask for a stop on that suit for 3NT.
1. Michaels cue bids can also be made over weak two opening
bids e.g. 2©-3©. They are based on strong hands of 16+ HCP and/or 5
LTC with a 5-5 distribution showing the other major and an unspecified minor. A
response of 3NT is to play, a 4§ bid is corrected if clubs is not the long minor and 4NT asks for the long
minor to be bid at the 5 level.
2. “Leaping Michaels” bids are also used over weak two
opening bids where a jump raise is made. Once again distribution is at least
5-5 and strength is usually the same as standard Michaels i.e. 8-15 or 10-15
HCP according to partnership agreement. The bids and their meanings are:
Ø
2 Major - 4§ shows clubs and the unbid major
Ø
2 Major - 4¨ shows diamonds and the unbid major
Ø 2 Major – 4 Major shows both minors.
3. These bids are self-consistent and so both may be used
on the same convention card, the weaker leaping Michaels providing a
pre-emptive element.