The origin of this conventional defense method is unknown. This conventional method is employed after the opponents have opened the auction with one of a Major suit. The rank of the Major suit is not relevant with the application of Specified Michaels.

The following overcalls contain the following information for the advancer, the partner of the overcaller:

Major Suit Opening Bid

South AQ1087 54 KQJ4 J6		North 43 AQJ76 8 KJ985
South		North		Meaning
1		2		An immediate cuebid of the Major suit opening by the opposing side promises the other Major suits and Clubs.

South AQ1087 KQJ4 54 J6		North 43 8 AQJ76 KJ985
South		North		Meaning
1		2 NT		An immediate cuebid of the Major suit opening by the opposing side promises both Minor suits.

South AQ1087 KQJ4 54 J6		North 43 8 AQJ76 KJ985
South		North		Meaning
1		3		An immediate cuebid of the Major suit opening by the opposing side promises the other Major suits and Diamonds.

Summary of Specified Michaels Over a Major Suit

Overcaller:		Meaning
Cuebid of Major opening:		Promises the other Major suit and Clubs.
2 NT:		Promises both Minor suits.
3 :		Promises the other Major suit and Diamonds

The principle of the Specified Michaels defense method covers also an opening bid in a Minor suit. With the proper values, distribution and strength, the player in the immediate position can make the following overcalls, providing the advancer, the partner, of the overcaller, with the following information:

Minor Suit Opening Bid

South AQ87 QJ6 K73 Q108		North 943 A105 8 AKJ985
South		North		Meaning
1		2		An immediate cuebid of the Minor suit opening by the opposing side promises a good 6-card plus suit in the Minor suit.

South AQ87 QJ6 K763 Q8		North 43 AK1095 8 AKJ95
South		North		Meaning
1		2 NT		Promises specifically Hearts and the other Minor suit.

South Q87 AQJ K65 Q1092		North AJ1095 43 AJ973 8
South		North		Meaning
1		3		Via the jump overcall North promises specifically Spades and the other Minor suit.

Summary of Specified Michaels Over a Minor Suit

Overcaller:		Meaning
Cuebid of Minor opening:		This is a natural promising a 6-card+ suit.
2 NT:		Promises Hearts and the other Minor suit.
3 :		Promises Spades and the other Minor suit.

Requirements

As with similar variations based on the original version of the Michaels Cuebid defense method, the basic parameters are establish a disciplined overcall on a sound 5-5 distribution with working values in the two suits by equal or unfavorable vulnerability. By favorable vulnerability the partnership can stipulate that the required distribution be reduced to a 5-4 distribution.

Continuances

Any and all continuances are a matter of partnership agreement. This is especially true if the opponent opens 1 Heart. A Super Michaels overcall can become confusing for the partnership without a solid partnership agreement. This is owing to the fact that a response by the advancer of 3 No Trump, normally the inquiry bid for the unspecified Minor suit, can also be interpreted as the final game contract.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.