One of the most popular conventions in modern
bridge is the Michaels Cuebid. The requirements for
a Michaels Cuebid are 8+ HCPs (10+ if vulnerable)
and a 2-suited hand. In this context, "2-suited"
means a 5-5 or better 2-suiter, although an occasional
4-5 2-suiter is permissable. Any cuebid of a MAJOR
suit shows 5-cards in the unbid major and an
undisclosed 5-card minor.
RHO You
1H 2H - 5+ Spades & a 5+card minor
Any cuebid of a MINOR suit opening bid shows
5-5 or better in the majors.
RHO You
1D 2D - 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
1S 2S Pass 2NT - "Minor?"
Any jump in a promised major by Advancer is
invitational.
LHO Pard RHO You
1H 2H Pass 3S - "4S 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.
s- AKQxx h- Qxxxx d- xx c- x
If RHO opens 1C or 1D, overcall 1S. Do NOT
use a Michaels cuebid. Switch the majors, though,
and Michaels is in order. 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 2-suiter, but not a 5-4
2-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: 1S-2S-P. How can advancer invite game in
Hearts? 2NT, asking for the minor, followed by 3H
will not suffice, since that may show a hand which
is disappointed by the Overcaller's minor suit and
is now retreating to 3H. Some pairs solve this
problem by employing "Lover's Leap", where 3D in
this auction invites 4H:
LHO Pard RHO You
1S 2S Pass 3D - "4H or pass?"
Note that 3D is NOT required for a natural
signoff, since Advancer could bid 2NT to ask for
Overcaller's minor and THEN, over a likely 3C bid
by Overcaller, bid 3D to stop. Because Lover's Leap
is NOT Standard, you would have to discuss it with
your partner first.
