Leaping Michaels

Leaping Michaels is a conventional 4 or 4 jump overcall of a weak 2 or 2. It promises a good two-suited hand with at least 5-5 shape. As an extension of the Michaels cuebid, it's named for the "leaping" or "jumping" aspect of the overcall.

• A 4 jump overcall shows clubs and the unbid major.
• A 4 jump overcall shows diamonds and the unbid major.

Additionally, Leaping Michaels can be used over minor-suit preempts:

• After an enemy 2, a 4 jump overcall shows clubs and an unspecified major.
• After an enemy 3, a 4 jump overcall shows diamonds and an unspecified major.

The 4 Jump Overcall

4 shows clubs and the unbid major after the opponents open 2 or 2.

AKT98 void AT KQJT52

Opponent 1   Pass Partner   Pass Opponent 2   2 Overcaller   4 (1)  (1) Leaping Michaels, showing clubs and spades (the other major).

...And here's an example of Leaping Michaels over a 2 preempt. Partner can bid 4 to ask for the major suit, if desired.

void AKT98 AT KQJT52

Opponent 1   Pass Pass Partner   Pass 4 (2) Opponent 2   2 Pass Overcaller   4 (1) 4 (1) Leaping Michaels, showing clubs and a major. (2) What's your major?

The 4 Jump Overcall

4 shows diamonds and the unbid major after the opponents open 2 or 2.

AT AQJ53 AJT85 7

Opponent 1   2 Partner   Pass Opponent 2   Pass Overcaller   4 (1)  (1) Leaping Michaels, showing diamonds and hearts (the other major).

Here's an example of Leaping Michaels over a 3 preempt. Partner is allowed to pass (or raise) 4 if he has diamond tolerance. Alternatively, partner may bid 4 if he has support for both majors. This asks overcaller to pass or correct to spades.

AKJ85 A QJT762 7

Opponent 1   Pass Pass Partner   Pass 4 (2) Opponent 2   3 Pass Overcaller   4 (1) 4 (1) Leaping Michaels, showing diamonds and an unspecified major. (2) Pass or correct