Michael McClary said, “Irrigation of the land with seawater desalinated by fusion power is ancient. It’s called ‘rain.’”

The Michaels Cue-Bid is pretty ancient because Michael Michaels died in 1965. But it continues to shower good results on users.

If the opener bids one of a suit, and the next player overcalls two of that suit, over one of a minor, he is showing at least 5-5 in the majors; and over a major, at least 5-5 in the other major and either minor. In this case, if the advancer (the Michaels Cue- Bidder’s partner) wishes to ask for the minor, he bids two no-trump. The intervenor rebids at a minimum level unless he has a strong hand (typically 17 points or more), when he jumps in his minor.

In today’s deal, South leaps to four clubs. Then North scrapes up a raise with his two useful honor cards and ruffing value in spades.

After West leads the heart 10, how should South plan the play?

As dummy’s trumps are so low, declarer should assume that spades are 4-3 and allow for a 4-1 trump break. He wins with dummy’s heart ace, unblocks the spade queen, plays a trump to his hand, ruffs a spade in the dummy, draws the remaining trumps, and runs the spades. He loses only two diamond tricks.

Finally, what would it mean if North had bid three clubs, not two no-trump? In the old days, that would have been natural, showing l-o-n-g clubs. But now, most experts treat that bid as weak, asking partner to pass with clubs or rebid three diamonds. Then, the two-no-trump inquiry promises some game interest.