A "cuebid" is a bid of the opponent's suit.
This is not the same as a "control" bid as in this auction:
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
Pass | 3![]() |
Pass |
4![]() |
Here 4 shows the ace or king (or a singleton or void) in diamonds and slam interest.
We should use the term "cuebid" only when bidding a suit which the opponents have bid.
These cuebids come in many flavors, the main ones being:
Michaels Cuebid
This popular convention uses the following scheme:
West | North | |
---|---|---|
1![]() |
2![]() |
MAJORS |
1![]() |
2![]() |
MAJORS |
1![]() |
2![]() |
![]() |
1![]() |
2![]() |
![]() |
There is more on Michaels bids by clicking on it.
Cuebid after our takeout double
West | North | East | South |
---|---|---|---|
1![]() |
Double | Pass | 2![]() |
South can't want to play in clubs (he could have passed the double). This bid shows a good hand with no clear direction. Partnerships need to discuss how high this bid is forcing.
Western cuebid
This term causes a lot of confusion. To read more about this so-called "Western" cuebid, click the link.