The Western Cuebid

Long ago a cue bid of the opponent's suit in a competitive auction was used to show a stopper, inviting partner to bid notrump.  Today that style is referred to as an "Eastern Cuebid" as opposed to a "Western cuebid" which denies a stopper.

This is an easy way to remember the Western Cuebid:
    A Cuebid at the 3-level asks partner to bid 3NT with a stopper in the opponents' suit.

First Example
    WestEast
      K7   AJT43
      JT3   K6
      AKT   J852
      AJT94   K8

    West    
    1
    3
    North    
    1
    East    
    1
    3NT
    South    
    2

      West's bid of 3 is the Western Cuebid.  Opener does not have spade support nor a heart stopper, but would like to play in 3NT if responder has a heart stopper.  East has a heart honor and bids 3NT to show it.

Second Example
    WestEast
      J7   AK82
      62   T85
      AKT972   J8
      KJ4   AJ98

    West    
    1
    3
    4
    North    
    P
    P
    P
    East    
    1
    3
    P
    South    
    2
    P
    P

      3 by East is the Western Cuebid.  3NT would be a good contract if opener can control the heart suit.  Note that opener's rebid of 4 denies both a heart stopper and also denies support for responder's suit.

These two examples show you that the Western Cuebid can be used by either the opener or the responder.


Here are some generally accepted agreements and refinements you should consider...

Western Cuebids Are Only Used at the 3-Level

    WestEast
      96   A52
    H   KQ943   AT87
    D   A87   KJT3
    C   K92   83

    West    
    1
    North    
    1
    East    
    2
    South    

    In this auction the cuebid of 2 is at the 2-level and is used to show a limit raise or better in opener's hearts.


Western Cuebids Are Not Used After a Major Suit Fit Has Been Found

    WestEast
      A   853
      KQT963   AJ8
      AK   QJ972
      KJT7   92

    West    
    1
    3
    North    
    1
    East    
    2
    South    
    2
    3 is not a Western Cuebid because hearts have already been agreed as trumps.  In this particular auction the cuebid shows first round control of spades and an interest in slam.


Other Agreements

    Opponents Bid Two Suits
    When the opponents have bid two suits, a cue bid is not the Western Cuebid, but instead shows a stopper in the bid suit.  Partner is asked to bid 3NT with a stopper in the other suit.

    After a Takeout Double
    After partner makes a takeout double of a minor suit, a cuebid at the 4-level shows at least 4-4 in the majors and asks the doubler to choose the best one.

    The Jump Cuebid
    You will need to discuss this with your partner and reach an agreement, as there is no "standard" rule for it, but here are threee possible methods:

    • Always   Anytime you cuebid at the 3-level it is the Western Cuebid
    • Minor Opening   A jump cuebid of an opponent's suit after partner has opened a minor is the Western Cuebid
    • Major Opening   A jump cueid of an opponent's suit after partner has opened a major is a Splinter bid showing a singleton or void and good support for opener's suit with some slam interest - not the Western Cuebid
Roy Wilson



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