M J Bridge

Conventions

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Bidding

Hands

Theory

Conventions

M J Bridge

Home

Bidding

Hands

Theory

The unassuming cue-bid


This is one of the most useful conventions that there is - arguably more useful than Blackwood or Gerber.


Quite simply, a lowest level bid of the opponents’ suit by advancer shows a good raise of partner’s suit to at least the next level.


Strength


As a basic rule of thumb, use a support bid such as this with at least three-card support and ten or more points (if partner tends to be honest and full-value for his overcalls then you might agree a minimum of nine), and make a direct raise with less than this.


Note that this bid promises some defensive strength which partner might rely on if considering a penalty double in the ongoing auction. With this thought in mind you will realise that offensive raises (usually direct raises or fit-jumps) which carry no promise of anything by way of defence can be made on hands with a low point-count and sufficient shape, but high card raises such as the unassuming cue-bid should not deviate far from the promised high card holding.

A 8 3

Q J 6 3

K 5 3

9 5 2

Bid 2 to show your good three-card (or better) raise to the two-level or higher.

Alternatively bid a constructive 1 provided that you have agreed that this bid can be made on a four-card suit following a pass from RHO.

LHO

Pard

RHO

You

1

1

-

?









A 3

K Q 3

K T 9 3

9 8 5 2

Bid 2♠.

Show your diamond support (to at least the three-level) and ten or more points.

LHO

Pard

RHO

You

1

2

-

?









Post-beginner and above

Overcaller’s rebid


Having shown support and strength either by way of an unassuming cue-bid or some other support bid you may bid again if holding additional length or additional strength.

Competing to the level of the fit will still be a relevant consideration, but a penalty double will also be a possibility in the continuing auction (it can’t be for take-out once you have agreed a suit).


Other support bids will be found under ‘the way ahead’.

Overcaller’s first bid

This page last revised 18th May 2021

Context - advancer - opponents opened one of a suit - partner made a minimum suit overcall - RHO passed - an improver’s method - support bids.