Michaels And Unusual No Trump

* Michaels* Michaels is a cuebid and it shows 5-5 or better distribution.

What does this cuebid tell partner? 1. 1C, 2Cs = I’m 5-5 or better in the majors, pick one. 2. 1D, 2Ds = I’m 5-5 or better in the majors, pick one. 3. 1H, 2Hs = I have 5 spades and 5 of a minor, pick one 4. 1S, 2Ss = I have 5 hearts and 5 of a minor, pick one

Requirements : • Do not alert. • Opponents have bid only 1 suit. • Partner has not bid. • Must have 5/5 or better distribution. • Must have weak (mini) or strong (maxi) hand. With mid-range, open or overcall. • Points should be predominantly in 2 implied suits. • Partner cannot pass.

J 10 x x x Q 10 9 8 x 10 x x x x A Q J 9 x J x x x A K

With a strong hand, make a Michaels cuebid followed by a second, non- forcing call. A K 10 9 x Q 10 9 8 x x X K J 10 8 7 K Q x A J 9 x x x

K Q 10 x x x J A Q 10 x x Q 4 Q J 10 8 7 6 Q x x x x x

Opponent opens 1 of minor A Q x x x K Q 10 x x K Q 10 x x K Q 10 x x X Q x Q x A IF… 1. Opponents have bid only 1 suit 2. Partner has not bid 3. It’s our 1 st chance to bid A cuebid is Michaels.

Cuebidding a preempt is also Michaels

A K x x x Q J 10 x x x A K 10 x x x Q J 10 x x K Q 10 x x __ X x x A x x x ___ K J x x x

Responses to Michaels: 1. A preference bid 2. Cuebid of opener’s suit is game or slam try. 3. A new suit is not forcing. 4. When cuebid is a major suit, 2NT says I have both minors. Pick one. 5. 3 NT is to play.

*The Unusual No Trump*

Unusual No Trump = RHO opens and you jump directly to 2NT. Point count and shape follow the same guidelines as Michaels. 1. Do not alert. 2. It shows length in 2 lower-ranking, unbid suits. 3. Suits should be 5-5 or better 4. Normally you have a hand weaker than an opening bid or a very strong hand. 5. For intermediate hands, start with a normal overcall 6. With strong hands, start with UNT and bid again after partner chooses a suit 7. Partner must bid.

x x x x K Q 10 x x ______K Q 10 x x x Q J x x x x A J x x x

x x 5 K Q J x x K Q 10x x A Q J 10x x x A Q J x x x

Balancing Seat: A cuebid in the balancing seat is still Michaels. 1D, pass, pass, 2D is Michaels.

A jump to 2NT in balancing seat is not Unusual Notrump. 1D, pass, pass, 2NT shows a balanced hand with 19-21 HCP.

Preempt Bids: Cuebidding a preempt is still Michaels. 2NT over a preempt bid is not UNT.

Responses to Unusual NT: 1. A preference bid 2. A jump preference (usually preemptive) 3. A new suit is not forcing 4. 3NT, to play 5. 4NT, ace asking Summary

Requirements: Michaels and Unusual NT 1. Do not alert. 2. Must have 5/5 or better distribution. 3. Must have weak or strong hand. With mid-range open or overcall. 4. Points should be predominantly in 2 implied suits. 5. Partner cannot pass. 6. Partner has not bid.