Partner can now bid one of the two suits shown at any level, depending on how good his support for the suit is. If the Michaels cue-bidder has shown an unspecified minor, partner can respond 2NT to ask which minor he holds. If he has clubs, he bids 3; if he has diamonds, he bids 3.

Partner can also raise the cue-bid suit as a game or slam try. For example:

(1) 2 Pass 3

3C shows game interest in hearts or spades. The Michaels cue-bidder is expected to bid his cheapest suit at the cheapest level (in this case, 3) with a weak hand of around 0-10 points. All other bids show at least 10 points and are game forcing.

When the opponents have bid two suits, a cue bid of opener's suit promises the other two suits, while a cue bid of responder's suit is natural, showing an extremely good suit and a decent hand.

Over an opening weak two bid, a cue bid promises two unspecified suits and a good hand, with at least five cards in each suit.

Since Michaels applications can get confusing, here are some examples of bidding sequences:

1 2

2 is Michaels, showing hearts and spades.

1 Pass 1NT 2

Again, 2 is Michaels, showing hearts and spades. Notrump responses do not affect the cue bid.

1 Pass 2NT 3

3 is Michaels, showing hearts and spades. Note that since partner is being forced to bid now at the three-level with a major suit fit not guaranteed, the cue-bidder should have a very good hand.

1 Pass 1 2

2 is Michaels, showing diamonds and hearts.

1 Pass 2 2

2 is Michaels, showing hearts and spades.

2 3

3 is Michaels, but since it is over a preempt it only promises a good hand with two suits other than diamonds. Partner is expected to bid 3 with heart tolerance. Hopefully the cue-bidder can clarify which two suits he holds at his next opportunity; if he has spades and clubs, for example, he can now bid 3.

1 Pass 1 2

2 is not Michaels. It shows a very good spade suit of at least six cards, and a good hand overall that is worth a two-level overcall.

Tips on Michaels

1. Some players only use Michaels on weak hands (around 0-10) and strong hands (around 16+). With the intermediate two-suiters of 11-15 points, they bid the higher-ranking suit first and hope they can rebid the other suit at their next turn. Other players simply use Michaels on hands of all point ranges, believing that it is more important to immediately show shape than to only show one suit first and then hope the auction allows them to show the other suit and their 11-15 point range. I agree with the latter.

2. When responding to Michaels with equal length in both of the cue-bidder's suits, bid the cheapest suit first, especially when holding only two doubletons. If partner shows hearts and spades and you hold Kx xx, do not make the mistake of bidding spades, thinking that your king will make spades a better trump suit. If you get doubled in 3, there is no turning back, whereas if you bid 3, you can run to spades if necessary.