Direct Cuebid

1-2 or 1-2 show both majors. Cue-bidding a major shows 5-5 in the other major and either minor. At least 5-5 is expected. Vulnerability and suit-quality are key. The presumption is that this is a preemptive bid. Using Michaels and bidding again shows a very good hand (like AKJxx AQJ10x in our suits). After the Michaels Bid, 2NT asks for the minor (if it started 1-2 or 1-2). If it started 1-2 or 1-2, then 2NT is a game try (opener signs off in 3 with a minimum). The partner of the Michaels bidder can jump, but it is a preemptive (not invitational move).

Vs Opening Preempt Double Is

Takeout, of course. Even a double of 4 is "takeout," but in quotes since it will often be left in. Doubling a preempt never is meant as a command for partner to leave it in. At a high level, the partner of a takeout doubler will leave it in with balanced garbage.

Lebensohl is checked, but should be used only by experienced player. This means that after a weak 2-bid is doubled, a bid of 2NT is a relay to 3 to show a weak hand. A direct 3-level bid is a better hand (invitational).

West	North	East	South
2	Dbl	Pass	2NT

So: In this auction, 2NT is artificial (alertable) and requests that the doubler bid 3. (The doubler can do something else with a "big" double). This convention is on if the partner of the doubler is a Passed Hand [ P (2) X (P) 2N ], but not if the doubler is a passed hand [ such as P (2) P (P) X ]. In that latter case, 2NT would be scrambling for the minors. As to the difference between 2NT-relay then a cue-bid as opposed to a direct cue-bid: Don't define the difference for the once a year it will come up.

For a full LC Standard Convention Card and a prettier version of this series, see Bridge Winners.