Discussion #3: April 2021 - Michaels Cue Bid
Michaels Cue Bids
After the opponents open one of a suit most players use an immediate cue-bid of that suit to show a two-suited hand, as follows:
The Michaels Cue-Bidder should be at least 5-5 in two suits. This is a very powerful tool to use in competitive auctions, but one must be more careful when you are vulnerable and the opponents are not. There is a down side in that, if your opponents win the contract, you have described the shape of your hand. However, it can often be right to sacrifice over opponents when you know you have good fit/s and right vulnerability.
Strength?
The most common approach is for the Michaels cue bidder to be either weak or strong (6+ points), but not somewhere in between. With middle-of-the-road hands, the recommended approach is simply to overcall naturally and, if possible, to bid the second suit next time around.
Hand A: With this one you can use Michaels Cue-Bid at all vulnerabilities except when unfavourable. Your points are all in your long suits, so Michaels Cue-Bid is most descriptive.
Hand B: You should not use Michael's Cue bid here just because you have the right shape and are trying to jam the opponents’ auction. With this hand, pass and perhaps compete later if the auction is about to die at a low level.
Hand C: With this hand you have great playing strength, so here I suggest you double and cue the opponent's suit later. This suggests a strong hand.
Hand D: This is the perfect time to employ 2NT, showing the minors.
Hand E: Pass and come in later if you can. Points are in the wrong suits.
