Monday, May 08, 2006 8:55 AM

Defense – Michaels/Unusual 2NT

 

PITBULLS:

 

          Whenever partner opens a minor , you should be thinking 3NT. If the opponents interfere with Michaels , you should build your defense around to getting to 3NT . When partner opens a major and they Michaels , you can show either 4 card support for partners major or 3 card support. Here is a defense suggested by Kiz Fung

 

A.      Anti Michaels

1.      If the opponents have shown two known suits, you play the same as unusual vs. unusual with some slight changes.  In the auction 1¢À-2¢À, 1¡§-2¡§, you know the opponents have the majors so:

a.     cheapest cue bid 2¢¾ = limit raise or better, shows heart stopper
b.      higher cue bid 2¢¼ =     limit raise or better, shows spade stopper
c.      simple raise =  competitive, 6-9 HCP
d.      3 of a major=           splinter (shortness)
e.      jump to game =  to play, might be preemptive
f.      jump to 4 of a suit =    preemptive with five Trumps
g.      2 NT = natural,         Invitational to 3 NT
h.      double = 10+ HCP;  defence for one of the majors.  Same as unusual
i.      bid of 4th suit =  natural, forcing one round

2.      When you know one of their suits (1¢¾-2¢¾ or 1¢¼-2¢¼), you only have one cue bid available.

a.      2 NT = 4+ card limit raise or better (Jacoby responses on)
b.      3 of a minor = natural, forcing one round
c.      cue bid = 3 card limit raise or better
d.      simple raise =  competitive, 6-9 HCP
e.      jump to 4 =     preemptive
f.      double = same (defence for other major)

B.      Unusual Vs.  Unusual

1.      When the opponents bid unusual 2 NT, you know the two suits they have.  Therefore, you have to cue bids available.  A cheaper cue bid and a higher cue bid.

a.      Cheaper cue bid =       shows lower ranking major
b.      higher cue bid =        shows higher ranking major
c.      simple raise =  6-9 HCP, just competing.
d.      Jump to game =          preemptive
e.      double of 2 NT =        defence to one or both minors and :

i.      10+ HCP and no fit with partner; or
ii.     GF with fit and defence 
iii.    You can double one of their suits.  After double of 2 NT, the opponents cannot play the hand undoubled

f.      bid of 4th suit =       natural non forcing