MODIFIED MICHAELS CUEBID

The origin of this conventional method is unknown. This variation is played mostly in Canada, especially around the area of Quebec and has been submitted to us by Mr. Lyse Mercille, Mr. Pierre Gauthier and Mr. Kamel Fergami, to whom we owe our thanks for contributing this variation of the Modified Michaels Cuebid convention for presentation on this site. The concept is to use a cuebid in the suit of the opponent, who has opened the auction, to show a two-suited hand. As with all conventions, there are variations which satisfy the bridge partnership better in some fashion.

Michaels Cuebid is used as a cuebid in the suit of the opponent to show a two-suited holding.

Using Michaels Cuebid in the following example:

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

the overcaller would show a two-suited holding with Spades and Hearts, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

Using the Modified Michaels Cuebid in the same example:

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

the overcaller would show a two-suited holding with Spades and Diamonds, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

Using Michaels Cuebid in the following example:

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

the overcaller would again show a two-suited holding with Spades and Hearts, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

Using the Modified Michaels Cuebid in the same example:

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

the overcaller would show a two-suited holding with Spades and Clubs, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

The continuing features of the Modified Michaels Cuebid are as follows, and the following two illustrations do not differ from the original Michaels Cuebid convention, when a Major suit is cuebid.

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

The overcaller is again showing a two-suited holding with Spades and an unknown Minor suit. The unknown Minor suit can be discovered by the partner of the overcaller by bidding 2 No Trump.

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2

The overcaller is again showing a two-suited holding with Hearts and an unknown Minor suit. The unknown Minor suit can be discovered by the partner of the overcaller by bidding 2 No Trump.

The Modified Michaels Cuebid can show both Major suits after a Minor suit opening in the following manner.

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

3

By jump cuebidding, the overcaller shows a holding of both Major suits, Spades and Hearts, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

The same is true with the overcall in the following example:

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

3

By jump cuebidding, the overcaller shows a holding of both Major suits, Spades and Hearts, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

However, the use of the idle 2 No Trump overcall, after a Minor suit opening by the opponents, can be used to show the other suits and a two-suited holding.

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2 NT

An overcall of 2 No Trump informs the partner of the overcaller that the holding promises the two lower-ranking suits, Diamonds and Hearts, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

Opener

 

Overcaller

1

 

2 NT

Again, an overcall of 2 No Trump informs the partner of the overcaller that the holding promises the two lower-ranking suits, Hearts and Clubs, and a distribution of 5-5 by unfavorable vulnerability and at least a distribution of 5-4 by favorable vulnerability.

The other features of the Modified Michaels Cuebid correspond with the original version of the Michaels Cuebid convention, such as an overcall of 2 No Trump after an opponent opens in any Major suit to show a two-suited holding in both Minor suits.

The Modified Michaels Cuebid convention is quite easy to learn. The differences in this variation are minimal, but definitely effective. The use of the Jump Overcall on the three level can obstruct the line of communication between the opponents, but can also show additional values as well.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.
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