By Peter Rhead
The Overcalls that show two suits: Michaels Cuebid
Last week we looked at the regular Overcall made when you have a good suit and want to compete in the auction. This week we look at the first of two Overcalls that show two suits at the same time.
What if you went into a department store and found just what you were looking for was on sale “two for the price of one”. Well in Bridge, sometimes you have a legal opportunity to have two bids for the price of one bid.
Consider if the opponents have opened the bidding, but you have good values in a two-suited hand (at least 5-4 in the two suits). If you can find partner with one of these suits, you have a good opportunity to compete. As with the simple Overcall, you need at least eight points at the one level and at least 11 points at the two level to consider competing. You have two conventions for entering the bidding at this point to show the two suits. We still will call them an Overcall bid, but they are Overcall conventions that show two suits. They are called the “Michaels Cuebid” and the “Unusual Two No-Trump”.
You use these Overcall bids for three reasons. You want to compete for a part-score or game. You want to suggest a possible lead for partner. You want to obstruct the opponent’s bidding.
This week we will discuss Michaels Cuebid and next week the Unusual Two No-Trump.
Michaels Cuebid is used only if the opponents open with a major suit (Hearts or Spades), and you have the other major as one of your two suits. If they bid One Heart, you bid Two Hearts to show a two-suited hand holding Spades and an undeclared minor. The opponents can ask the meaning of your bid and your partner is obliged to explain it to them “My partner’s hand is two-suited with Spades and an unknown minor suit and about 10 points.”
If the opponents continue bidding, your partner is off the hook. Otherwise your partner must bid in response to your Two Hearts. If partner can tolerate Spades, he bids Two or Three Spades, or Four Spades if he has enough points for game. Partner assumes you have about 10 points but you may have as few as 8 points. Unless partner has a big hand with 15 points or more he bids just Two Spades competing for a part-score. With 15 points, partner may invite game by jumping in your suit or possibly go direct to game with 17 points. If partner jumps in your suit, you, the Overcaller, forces to game with 10 points or more. You pass with less and settle on competing for a part-score.
Michaels Cuebid is made only below game level. This Overcall is made only when partner has not yet bid. This Overcall is made only immediately after the opponent’s opening, or after two Passes.
For more information, read “Michaels Cuebid” and “Unusual Two-No-Trump” in Barbara Seagram 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 127
Next Week: Another Overcall That Shows Two Suits: Unusual Two No-Trump
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to [email protected] and I will try to include it in this column.
SOCIAL BRIDGE GAME IN HUNTSVILLE
AT THE SUMMIT CENTRE FOR ACTIVE LIVING, THURSDAYS 7PM
In the multi-purpose room 2nd floor (elevator) (back entrance of Summit Centre)
Just come – with or without a partner. Please arrive 10 minutes before game time. For information, contact Donna or Peter Tikuisis at 647 471 1774 or [email protected].
This game will be played following Chicago Rules (allowing both fast and slow games). You will keep your same partner for the entire evening. Cost is $1.50 per person. Parking is outside the North Entrance opposite Heritage Village Railway Station.
PORT CARLING SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB
Games for the Port Carling Social Bridge Club for the Winter are Monday afternoon 1pm at the Port Carling Community Centre, 3 Bailey Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time.
For information, contact Andree or Scott 705-764-3827 [email protected]
Results for Monday, Dec 2, 2019 1. Susan & Ted Daglish 4500 points; 2. Louise Kirbyson and Enid Powell 3470 points; 3. Anita & Jerry Cross 3170 points
HUNTSVILLE DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Games are Tuesday 7pm Trinity United Church 33 Main Street. Please arrive with your partner at least 10 minutes before game time. For partnerships and information call Jan Roberts 705 635-2522 or email [email protected]
The following winners are for Tuesday, Dec 3, 2019 with five pairs playing a Howell Movement 1. Vern Foell and Rod Dixon; 2. Helen Pearson and Jim Smith; 3. Susan Marshall and Jan Roberts
MUSKOKA DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB (Bracebridge)
Games for the Bracebridge Club are Mondays 7pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Road. Please arrive with your partner 10 minutes before game time. For information contact Brian at 705-645-5340 [email protected]
The following winners are from Monday, Dec 2, 2019 with 13 pairs playing a Howell movement. 1. Gail Lederer and Jane Insley; 2. Joanne Garvey and Jim Smith; 3. Betty Rintoul and David Bryce; 4. Mary Luke and Donna McIntosh; 5. Betty Fagin and Brian Brocklehurst; 6. Mary Mitchell and Susan Maddocks
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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