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.

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

South AKT98 — AT KQJT52

West     Pass North     Pass East     2 South     41

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.

South — AKT98 AT KQJT52

West     Pass Pass North     Pass 42 East     2 Pass South     41 4

1. Leaping Michaels, showing clubs and a major.
   
2. What's your major?

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

South AT AQJ53 AJT85 7

West     2 North     Pass East     Pass South     41

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.

South AKJ85 A QJT762 7

West     Pass Pass North     Pass 42 East     3 Pass South     41 4

1. Leaping Michaels, showing diamonds and an unspecified major.
   
2. Pass or correct

• Playing Leaping Michaels, a 3 or 3 cuebid (over 2 or 2, respectively) shows a strong balanced hand. It asks partner to bid a 3NT with a stopper in the enemy suit.

• See also Phillip Alder's column on Leaping Michaels in the New York Times.