Unusual 2NT

         Unusual 2NT is a convention which allows you to show certain two-suited hands after the opponents have opened the bidding. Here's how it works:

After the opponents open, a 2NT overcall shows
at least 5-5 in the two lowest unbid suits.

 

         When is 2NT Unusual?      A bid of 2NT is Unusual when:

1.     The opponents have opened the bidding, and
2.     There are at least two unbid suits, and
3.     Neither you nor your partner has previously bid or doubled.

Also, a bid of 2NT is not Unusual after a preemptive opening. (It is instead similar to a 1NT overcall.)

         EXAMPLES:     All of the following 2NT bids are Unusual:

(1) — 2NT    
(1) — 2NT    
(1) — Pass — (1) — 2NT
(1) — Pass — (2) — 2NT
(1) — Pass — (1) — Pass — (1NT) — 2NT


The Michaels Cuebid

        The Michael's Cuebid is another convention that allows you to show certain two-suited hands. Here's how it works:

After the opponents open a minor suit, a cuebid
of their suit shows at least 5-5 in the majors

 

         When is a Cuebid Michaels?      A non-jump cuebid of the opponents' suit is Michaels if:

1.    The opponents have opened the bidding in a minor suit,
2.    They have bid only one suit so far, and
3.    Neither you nor your partner has previously bid or doubled.

        EXAMPLES:    All of the following cuebids are Michaels:

(1) — 2    
(2) — 3    
(1) — Pass — (2) — 3
(1) — Pass — (1NT) – 2