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Question
What is a Michael’s Cuebid?
Answer
Why
A cuebid of the opponent’s opening suit - for example (1♣) 2♣ - showing a two-suited hand
Why
It describes two 5+ card suits in a single bid, so partner immediately knows where ten of your thirteen cards are.
Question
Over an opponent’s minor-suit opening, what does a Michael’s Cuebid show?
Answer
Why
Both majors - at least five hearts and five spades
Why
So (1♣) 2♣ and (1♦) 2♦ each show 5+ hearts and 5+ spades.
Question
Over an opponent’s major-suit opening, what does a Michael’s Cuebid show?
Answer
Why
The other major and one of the minors, five or more in each
Why
(1♥) 2♥ shows 5+ spades and 5+ in one of the minors. (1♠) 2♠ shows 5+ hearts and 5+ in one of the minors.
Question
What are the main advantages of a Michael’s Cuebid?
Answer
Why
- It describes ten of your cards in one bid
- Two suits are safer for partner than one
- It takes away more of the opponents’ room
Why
Giving partner a choice of two suits is far safer than a one-suited overcall, especially if your left-hand opponent then competes.
Question
Partner cuebids over a major. How do you find out which minor they hold?
Answer
Why
Bid 2NT
Why
As advancer, 2NT asks partner: which minor do you have?
Question
In the “mini-maxi” approach, how many points does a Michael’s Cuebid show?
Answer
Why
- Mini: about 4-11 HCP not vulnerable, or 7-11 vulnerable
- Maxi: 16+ HCP
Why
Which point range you play is a partnership agreement. Agree on it before you play.
Question
Playing mini-maxi, you hold 12-15 HCP and 5-5 distribution. How do you show your hand?
Answer
Why
Do not use Michael’s - overcall your higher-ranking suit, then bid the other later
Why
This strength is between the mini and the maxi range, so it is better to bid your suits one at a time.
Question
What is the alternative to the mini-maxi approach?
Answer
Why
Play Michael’s in all point ranges
Why
This also works, but you and your partner must agree on it first.
Question
What are the disadvantages of a Michael’s Cuebid?
Answer
Why
- It commits you to at least the two level
- It describes your hand to the opponents as well as to partner
Why
If partner has no fit in either suit, you can be too high. And if the opponents win the contract, they now know a lot about your hand.
Question
As advancer, what should you keep in mind about the cuebidder’s strength?
Answer
Why
Their hand may be very weak
Why
Remember this before you bid any higher than you need to.
Question
The Michael’s bidder bids again on their own. What does that show?
Answer
Why
A strong hand, 16+, interested in game
Why
The first cuebid could have been weak. Bidding again on your own shows the strong hand.
Question
Is a Michael’s Cuebid alertable?
Answer
Why
No
Why
It is a common bid, so no alert is needed.
Question
Can a passed hand make a Michael’s Cuebid?
Answer
Why
Yes
Why
For example Pass - Pass - Pass - 1♥, and now 2♥ is still Michael’s.
Question
Can Michael’s be used in the fourth seat?
Answer
Why
Yes - 1♣ Pass Pass 2♣ is Michael’s
Why
One caution: with a weak hand, think about why you are reopening the bidding.
Question
After both opponents have bid, is a cuebid of opener’s suit still Michael’s?
Answer
Why
Yes
Why
For example 1♣ Pass 1NT 2♣ is still Michael’s, showing 5-5 in the majors.
Question
Why might (1♣) 2♣ be weaker than (1♠) 2♠?
Answer
Why
Over 1♣ you can still find your fit at the two level; over 1♠ you are pushing to the three level
Why
The higher the opening bid, the more strength you need, because you have to bid at a higher level.
Question
You are not vulnerable and the opponents are. How does that affect Michael’s?
Answer
Why
You can be more aggressive
Why
If the opponents find a game, going down in one of your suits may cost less than letting them play it.
Question
You are vulnerable and the opponents are not. How does that affect Michael’s?
Answer
Why
Be much less willing to bid
Why
Going down costs too much at this vulnerability. And if the opponents win the contract, you have told them where your cards are.
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