Two-Suited Bidding - Answers

Exercise 1 – Michaels Cuebid over a Minor

1) 2♦. (Michaels Cuebid) The immediate Cuebid of the opponent’s minor suit shows both major suits and, typically, a weak hand.

2) 2♦. (Michaels Cuebid) Although the Cuebid usually shows a weak hand with both major suits, it can be used with a very strong hand. East plans to bid again after hearing which major suit West prefers.

3) 1♠. The distribution is not right for a Michaels Cuebid. This hand is also a “tweener”

12-16 points is the wrong point count.

Exercise 2 – Michaels Cuebid over a Major

1) 2♥. (Michaels Cuebid) The Cuebid shows spades and a minor suit.

2) 2♥. (Michaels Cuebid) East doesn’t need much strength to get into the auction with a two-suited hand with such good distribution. With 6-6, East should be willing to compete in whichever suit West prefers.

3) 1♠. This is the right distribution for a Michaels Cuebid but it is a “tweener” 12-16 points.

Exercise 3 – Responding to a Michaels Cuebid

1) 2♠. East is showing at least five spades and five cards in a minor suit.

2) 3♠ (or 4♠).

3) 2NT. West doesn’t like spades; 2NT asks which minor suit East holds. West intends to pass whether East bids 3♣ or 3♦.

4) 3♥. With an excellent fit in spades and a strong hand, West expects to make at least 4♠. Slam is still a possibility. Cuebidding the opponent’s suit shows at least game invitational values.

5) 4♠. If 4♠ doesn’t make, the opponents will have at least a game – and maybe a slam – in hearts.

6) 4NT. Whichever minor suit East holds, there is a tremendous fit.

Exercise 4 – Responding to Michaels with Interference

1) Pass. The opponent’s 3♣ bid has let West off the hook.

2) 4NT. West asks East to bid the minor suit at the five level. If E-W can’t make 5♣ or 5♦, the opponents can probably make 4♥.

3) Pass. East’s 3NT is to play!

4) 4♥. East’s subsequent Cuebid shows a strong hand. East’s wants to play in a major suit at the game level. West shows a preference for hearts.

5) 3♥. Michaels Cuebid.

Exercise 5 – The Unusual Notrump

1) 2NT (Unusual 2NT). This shows the two lower-ranking unbid suits, clubs and diamonds.

2) 2♦. East settles for an overcall in the good five-card diamond suit holding the “tweener” point count (12-16 points).

3) 1♠. This is the right distribution for the Michaels Cuebid but the wrong points.

Exercise 6 – Responding to the Unusual Notrump

1) 3♥. East’s Unusual 2NT shows the two lower-ranking unbid suits, clubs and hearts. Since West prefers hearts to clubs, the suit is bid at the cheapest available level.

2) 3♣. East is showing hearts and clubs. West likes clubs.

3) 4♥. East is showing hearts and clubs, so West has an excellent fit for both suits.

4) 4♥. West has only three hearts, but East has at least five. There also are some fitting cards in clubs and the useful ♠A.

5) 5♣. West has a tremendous fit for clubs and some help for hearts. 5♣ may be a good sacrifice.

6) 4♠. West isn’t interested in either of East’s suits but doesn’t need much from East to make game, even if East is void in spades.

Exercise 7 – More Unusual Notrump

1) 5♦. East’s jump to 2NT shows diamonds and clubs. Even if 5♦ doesn’t make, the opponents will likely make their 4♥ game.

2) 3♣. East passed over 1♥, so the 2NT bid is unusual. With a preference for clubs, West bids 3♣.

3) 2♥. East passed originally, so the 1NT bid can’t be natural. It is a light takeout for the unbid suits, hearts and diamonds and tends to show at least five cards in each suit. West has a preference for hearts.

4) 3♦. With a strong hand, East would have doubled the opponent’s 1NT opening, so the 2NT bid is unusual. West assumes it is for the lower two unbid suits, diamonds and clubs, and shows the slight preference for diamonds.

5) 5♦. West shows a preference for diamonds.