[awm]

I like 3♥. It is true that 3♣ might play better, however bidding 3♣ is more likely to help opponents find their diamond fit (if we have a club fit they have a big diamond fit) and also more likely to lead to opponents doubling for penalty (3♣...3♥ sounds like a grudging preference, direct 3♥ sounds like a real fit).

[655321]

I think Han is the only poster who has properly addressed the subject.

[peachy]

ArtK78, on Oct 13 2008, 11:03 AM, said:

I checked out 10 web sites that discussed Michaels Cue Bids.

The first nine stated that 2NT requests partner to bid his minor suit. No further discussion followed (other than example hands).

The tenth stated that 2NT over 1♥ -2♥ - P showed invitational values IN SPADES. This tenth website also stated that 3♣ would be pass or correct. Again, no further discussion followed (other than example hands).

So, while I continue to assert that the 2NT = bid your minor suit is the most common agreement, and is likely the default agreement (and is also the way that Mike Michaels originally wrote up the bid - see the article on the ACBL website), I cannot dispute that there are players who use 2NT as invitational and 3♣ as pass or correct. I have never seen it in North America (but I don't get around much anymore) and this is an SAYC or 2/1 Forum.

The funny thing is that those who play it one way do not seem to recognize that there is another way of playing it.

My point was to disagree that the agreement to use 3C as p/c and 2NT to "BOTH ask for the minor AND show a strong hand" is an UNUSUAL AGREEMENT. It is not unusual IMO, I have seen it used that way by others and use it myself with one partner.

[skjaeran]

Add me in on 3♣ p/c, 2NT=asking showing values. That's how I've always played it (though these days I play 1M-2M as OM+♣), and it's more or less standard where I play, I believe.

It's the same thing as playing 2-suited 2M openings showing the bid major and a minor. You should play 2NT as a valueshowing (inv+) asking bid and 3♣ as p/c.

This is an approach where you give yourself space to investigate and at the same time involve partner (essential if opps bid).

[benlessard]

I think 3C as P/C is superior because it doesnt allow a free double of 2Nt.

(1S)----2S------(P)-------2Nt
????


allowing the almost free double here is costly.