The origin of this conventional method is unknown. Any additional information about the author or authors would be greatly appreciated.
The concept is based on other cuebid defense methods, whereby a two-suited holding can be communicated to partner. The upper suits cuebid, however, must be employed in the immediate seat following an opening suit bid by the opposing side.
Parameters of the Cuebid
As with the universally accepted defense method designated as Michaels Cuebid the upper suits cuebid also shows a two-suited holding. A huge difference between the two concepts is the fact that a Michaels Cuebid over a Major suit shows the second Major suit and an unspecified Minor suit. This is not the case with upper suits cuebids since the cuebid specifies exactly which two suits are intended.
The general guideline is that the distribution should be a minimum of 5-5 in both suits by equal or unfavorable vulnerability. This guideline has been relaxed when the state of vulnerability is favorable to a possible distribution of 5-4, whereby the working values are located in both the known suits.
Since the cuebid shows a certain shape, then the number of high card points becomes irrelevant. This is owing to the strong ruffing power of the holding opposite the dummy. Possible patterns of the upper suits cuebidder are 5-5-2-1, 5-4-2-2, 5-4-3-1, 5-5-3-0. If the holding includes a void, then this should be only a partnership agreement since the void does not allow any access to the dummy when declaring.
Concept
The upper suits cuebid in the suit of the opponent shows only the two highest-ranking unbid suits. Both intended suits are specified. The bridge student learns early in the game of bridge that the four suits form a certain loop, in that the suits are ranked as follows: Clubs-Diamonds-Hearts-Spades-Clubs-Diamonds-and so on.
When the definition includes the principle of the two highest-ranking suits, then this principle is valid for any opening suit bid by the opposing side. The upper suits cuebid always signifies these two suits. Therefore, if the opening suit bid is 1 Club, then 2 Clubs by the immediate player in rotation shows a pattern of 5-5 in the two highest-ranking suits, which are Hearts and Spades. This is the same principle behind Michaels Cuebid.
However, when the suit bid is 1 Diamond, then 2 Diamonds by the immediate player in rotation shows a pattern of 5-5 in the two highest-ranking suits, which are Spades and Clubs.
Examples
Example 1 |
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Promises opening values. |
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Upper Suits Cuebid showing the two highest-ranking suits, namely Hearts and Spades. |
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Example 2 |
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Promises opening values. |
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Upper Suits Cuebid showing the two highest-ranking suits, namely Spades and Clubs. |
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Example 3 |
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Promises opening values. |
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Upper Suits Cuebid showing the two highest-ranking suits, namely Clubs and Diamonds. |
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Example 4 |
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1 |
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Promises opening values. |
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Upper Suits Cuebid showing the two highest-ranking suits, namely Clubs and Diamonds. |
Note: In Example 4 the bridge student will recognize that the upper suits cuebid is very similar to the Michaels Cuebid definition. However, with the Michaels Cuebid the cuebid specifies a known suit and denotes and unspecified suit. With the employment of upper suits cuebid both suits are known since they are the two highest-ranking suits.
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.