Unusual Versus Unusual


There are various overcalls and other competitive bids to show two suited hands.
The Unusual 2NoTrump is one of the most popular:

"Unusual" for the Minors
"Unusual" for Two Lowest Unbid
Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Clubs + Diamonds

Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Clubs + Hearts


Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Clubs + Diamonds

Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Diamonds + Hearts


Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Clubs + Diamonds

Opener LHO
1 2N1

1 Clubs + Diamonds


There are other two suited showings:
Michael's Cuebid
"Top and Bottom" Cuebid
Opener LHO
1 21

1 Spades + Hearts

Opener LHO
1 21

1 Spades + Diamonds

Opener LHO
1 21

1 Spades + Hearts

Opener LHO
1 21

1 Hearts + Clubs


To show a limit raise or better, in a simple competitive auction featuring an overcall, often a cuebid is used
Opener LHO Responder
1 1 2

2: Limit raise or better in Opener's Suit


Cuebidding the Lower Ranking Suit

A limit raise or better can be shown after a two suited "unusual" overcall by cuebidding one of the suits shown:
Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 32

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Limit Raise or better Opener's Suit

Responder xxx AQxxx xxx AJ
Examples: Ax Axx xxx Qxxxx
  AKx KQxx x AKxxx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 22

1 Hearts + Spades
2
Limit Raise or better Opener's Suit

Responder xxx xx KQTxx AJx
Examples: xx xx KQTxx AKQJ
  xx xx KQTxxx Axx

In each case above, Responder is "cuebidding" suits the opposition have shown, but which are not visible in the bidding diagram.
Some call those shown suits "invisible" (like ghosts that make noise: apparent for sound, yet invisible).
Cuebids of those suits are sometimes called "Invisible Cuebids".

Two-suited-showings allow for two "Invisible Cuebids".
Of those two possible Invisible Cuebids, one is Lower Ranking than the other.
Cuebidding the Lower Ranking suit is a limit raise or better.
Cuebidding the other suit (Higher Ranking) is Game Forcing.


Cuebidding the Higher Ranking Suit
Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 32

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Forcing in the 4th Suit: Spades

Responder AKxxx AQ xxx xxxx
Examples: AKJxxx x xx KJxx
  AQxxx Ax Axx xxx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 22
1 Hearts + Spades
2 Forcing in the 4th Suit: Clubs
Responder xx xx Axx AKQxxx
Examples: xxxx A xxx AKQJx
  AQ x KQT AJxxxxx

Cuebidding the Higher Ranking Suit shows 5+ of the fourth and last suit, Game Forcing.


Bidding the Fourth Suit Directly
Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 32

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Non Forcing, To Play, Natural + Long

Responder Jxxxxxxx Jxx xx
Examples: AKxxxxx x xx xxx
  AKQxxx xx xxx xx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 32
1 Hearts + Spades
2 Non Forcing, To Play, Natural
Responder xx x Kx Kxxxxxxx
Examples: xx x xxx AKxxxxx
  xx xx xxx AKQxxx


With 7+ cards in the 4th suit and only constructive values, one simply directly bids the 4th suit, NOT forcing,


Doubling the Unusual Bid
Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 X2

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Interest in Penalty

Responder Axxx x Axxx Kxxx
Examples: AJxx x xxx Kxxxx
  AJx xx xx Kxxxxx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 X2
1 Hearts + Spades
2 Interest in Penalty
Responder Axxx Kxxx Axxx x
Examples: Axxxx Kxx Axxx x
  QJT8 Axx xx xxxxx


With 7+ cards in the 4th suit and only constructive values, one simply directly bids the 4th suit, NOT forcing,


Raising Opener Directly
Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 32

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Constructive Raise

Responder Axx Axxx xxxx xx
Examples: KQJx Qxx Qxx xxx
  AQxxx Jxxx xx xx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 3
1 Hearts + Spades
2 Interest in Penalty
Responder Axx xx Axxxx Jxx
Examples: Kx xx Axxxx Qxxx
  Axx xxx Jxxxxx Q

With a constructive raise (8 to 10 points), responder may simply directly raise.




An Alternative

Cuebidding the Higher Ranking Suit

Opener LHO Responder
1 2N1 32

1 Clubs + Diamonds
2 Like a "Negative Double"

Responder AKxx AQ xxx xxxx
Examples: AKJxxx x xx xxxx
  AKQJ A xxxx xxxx
Opener LHO Responder
1 21 22
1 Hearts + Spades
2 Like a "Negative Double"
Responder xx xx xxx AKQxxx
Examples: xxx xx Kxxx AKQJ
  xxx xxx KQT AJxx

Cuebidding the Higher Ranking Suit is like a Negative Double, showing 4+ cards in the unbid suit.
With 5+ cards in the 4th suit and sufficient points, one would simply make a forcing bid of the suit.
With 5+ cards in the 4th suit and only constructive values, one cuebids the higher ranking of the two suited showing.
With 5+ cards in the 4th suit, length and less than constructive values, one passes and can perhaps bid the suit later.