Conventions

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Bidding

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Bidding the opponents’ suit


The alternative meaning of ‘cue-bid’, usually showing some sort of control in a new suit, is dealt with on its own pages.


The immediate cue-bid


Powerhouse game-force


Traditionally this bid was used to create a game-force on a powerhouse hand.

This is now less common as the hand is itself is a rarity in practice, and can in any case usually be dealt with quite adequately by doubling first and, if necessary, cue-bidding the opponents’ suit second.


Forcing for one round


If played to show a strong hand in this day and age then it is more likely to be played as forcing for one round and highly encouraging for a second.


At least such a hand might occur from time to time.


These methods are discussed briefly in the context of overcaller’s first bid.


Two-suited


Much more common in the hands of experienced partnerships is to use the bid as part of a system of two-suited overcalls.


Various possibilities are considered on their own pages.


Jump in the opponents’ suit


An immediate jump in the opponents’ suit will be something of a rarity, except when it is part of a system of two-suited overcalls as above.


One other possible, but rare, option is discussed briefly on the appropriate page.


Advancer bids the opponents’ suit


Once LHO has opened with one of a suit and partner has made a suit overcall the cue-bid in the opponents’ suit is used almost universally as ‘the unassuming cue-bid’ - that is to show a good raise (say 10 or more points) of partners’ suit.


Bidding the opponents’ suit as the auction proceeds


Clearly this is a forcing bid - almost invariably played as at least game-forcing.


If the bid is made below the level of 3NT it will be used in almost exactly the same way as ‘fourth suit forcing’, asking partner to describe his hand more fully, frequently with an emphasis on bidding no trumps with something of a stop in the opponents’ suit.


Beyond this level, or if the cue-bidder then makes a further bid beyond 3NT, it will in general indicate at least a slam interest - particularly if the suit has already been set.


Some play it as showing some sort of control in the opponents’ suit, but increasingly it is given the meaning of ‘a hand which is totally suitable for a slam try in the context of earlier bidding’.

Context  -  Acol bidding - conventions - cue-bids.

This page last revised 2nd Jul 2020