Two Suited Overcalls - Michael’s

Michael’s

Michael’s is an overcall in the Opener's suit (cue bid) to show a two suited hand with at least 5-5 in each suit.

The Michael‘s convention can be used with a (usually) weak (6 - 10 HCP) or strong (16+) hand but not with an intermediate hand (Make a natural overcall, preferably a Major).

If the overcaller bids at 2 level over opposition’s minor suit such as 1C - 2C or 1D - 2D, then the overcaller has 5 cards in both majors.

If the overcaller bids at 2 level over opposition’s major suit such as 1H - 2H or 1S -2S, then this shows 5 cards in the other major and an unspecified minor suit. If responder bids 2NT, he is asking you to bid your minor and probably has just a singleton or void in your major suit.

If your partner uses the Michael's bid, you must respond however weak your hand. Michael’s is usually preemptive. So assume a weak hand with poor defensive values and respond by either raising to the level of the fit (with 4+ card support) [maybe one less than level of the fit if vulnerable or with a non distributional hand] or give preference (2/3 card support) to one of partner‘s suits.

Most of Overcaller’s points should be in the two overcalled suits. If vulnerable or if partner will have to show preference at the 3 level then suit quality is more important.

Unless Responder bids 2NT (asking for the unspecified minor) or cue bids opener’s suit (invitational hand or better ), the (Michael’s) overcaller does not bid again unless he has the strong (16+) type of hand.

Michael’s is similar to the Unusual No Trump (UNT) overcall which shows the two lowest unbid suits.

Two Suited Overcalls - UNT

Unusual No Trumps

Unusual NT is a convention which overlaps with Michael's. This is usually a preemptive bid so only use at favourable vulnerability, and have at least two honours or most of your points in the suits you are describing.

If Opponents have opened at the one level, the 2NT bid is used as an overcall showing at least 5 cards in the two lowest unbid suits. Only use with Weak (6-9 HCP) or Strong (16+ HCP) hands.

1S - 2NT means Clubs & Diamonds

1H - 2NT means Clubs & Diamonds

1D - 2NT means Clubs & Hearts

1C - 2NT means Hearts & Diamonds

Without intervention, your partner (the Advancer) must respond.

With a weak hand and little support she chooses from these unbid suits, either her longest suit or, if her suits are of equal length, her cheapest bid.

With 3 or more card support (a fit!) she bids according to her strength taking account of Losing Trick Count. She can reasonably assume the 2NT Overcaller has a seven loser hand.

With a Weak hand the Overcaller passes. With a Strong hand the Overcaller raises the bidding to invite to game. The Advancer then decides the final contract.

However, with a strong hand (16+) and an interest in game or slam, the Advancer would have cue bid the opponent's suit. This bid is forcing.

With stops in the Opponents suit and game points (19+), the Advancer would have bid 3NT to play. Stop there!

Watch out - there are two exceptions if partner overcalls 2NT:

1. 2NT over a preemptive Opening Bid shows Stops and 18+ HCPs

2. When the Opening Bid is followed by 2 passes a bid of 2NT is Natural showing a balanced hand of 19-22 HCP.

NFB QUIZ - UNUSUAL NT

Two Suited Overcalls - CRO

CRO COLOUR - RANK - OTHER

CRO is like Michaels - a system for bidding 2 suited hands. These are immediate bids over an Opposition 1 level bid.

The cue bid C is for Colour

1C - 2C or 1S - 2S, shows 5+ H, 5+ D

A 2NT bid is for Rank

1C - 2NT or 1D - 2NT shows 5+ H, 5+ S

A 3 Club bid is for Other. There will always be a major, and a minor

1C - 3C shows 5+ S (Major in the same colour) H, 5+ D (the other Minor)

1D - 3C shows 5+ H (Major in the same colour) H, 5+ C (the other Minor)