On the one hand the theory states that it is very likely to find a fit in partner hand if you have two suits to propose as trump, on the other the practical play suggests that it is better not to give too much information to opponents if you are not able to really compete. Heard the reasons of the pros and cons, the advantages and limitations, is it possible to reconcile in some way theory and practice? Consider the two priority objectives common to all overcalls in general:
a) To compete, that is to win the contract and reach your Par, positive or negative
b) to preempt, that is to effectively contrast the opponents bidding
c) and prevent them detecting their Par with a high level bid, forcing them to guess whether to pass, bid or double. Both aims often overlap, but the first is an easier goal in the majors, to win the contract as competing, the second is more easily reachable in the minors, that push opponents to bid to a higher level.
A strategic solution
The Mami convention tries to achieve both objectives, focusing only on two types of two-suited hands, the one with two major suits and the one with two minor suits. The other major/minor two-suited hands are bid with a natural call.
The name comes intuitively from a Major and Minor, that is 
– 
and 
– 
The solution is a mix between Michael cue-bid and unusual 2NT.
The Michael cue-bid on openings in a minor, to show both majors, the unusual 2NT on openings in a major to show both minors. That may seem incomplete and only a reduction of all possible two suited hands. But it is a simple strategy to handle these types of hand patterns. And then, there is an additional option.
Actually, while with majors it is possible to stay at low level and then reopen with a strong hand, with minors it is strategically better to distinguish two ranges of strength and Mami, on opening in a major, uses for a two-suited hand in the minors:
● the cue-bid with a 12+ HCP hand, to have space for constructive purposes
● 2NT with a weak hand, mainly to preempt.
A simple and quick solution to agree even between occasional partners, with a rather intuitive continuation.
Mami is used in direct position and, of course, attention has to be paid to vulnerability: more caution if unfavorable, more aggressive if favorable, but not really conditioning.
The Scheme
| (1)-2 |
– |
6+ HCP |
| (1)-2 |
– |
6+ HCP |
| (1)-2 |
– |
12+ HCP |
| (1)-2NT |
– |
6 – 11+ HCP |
| (1)-2 |
– |
12+ HCP |
| (1)-2NT |
– |
6 – 11+ HCP |
– , 6+ HCP), if responder passes, advancer may bid:
● 2/2 preference sign-off. The overcaller, with a strong hand, may reopen with: a trial bid 2NT 3 in a major (2on 2)
● 2NT asking a four steps response on strength (6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15+ HCP)
● 3/3 cue-bid of the opening
● 3/3 other minor to play (7+ cards, misfit), 2on 2
● 3/3
● 3NT to play
● 4/4 cue-bid
● 4/ to play
After a cue-bid of a major (– , 12+ HCP), if the responder passes, the advancer may bid:
● 2over 2, sign-off (6+ card, misfit)
● 2NT, asking for 3(12-14 HCP) or 3(15+ HCP)
● 3/3 sign-off
● 3/3 cue-bid (generic forcing or aces asking)
● 3NT to play
● 4/4 Minorwood
● 5/5 to pay
After 2NT (– , 6-11 HCP) over an opening in a major, if the responder passes, the advancer may bid:
● 3/3 sign-off
● 3, regardless of the opening bid, ask for min/max (2 steps)
● 3NT to play
● 4/4Minorwood
● 5/5 to play
In all cases, if responder does not pass, the advancer may:
● pass, with no chance to compete
● raise a minor, competitive
● make the same higher level bids
● double, for penalty
Mami Jeweled
The pickiest pairs will want to enrich the Mami convention and complete it, to show the other two- suited hands.
For instance, it is possible to adopt over an opening in a minor:
the Modified Michael cue-bid to show either both majors OR spades with the other minor the Unusual 2NT to show hearths and the other minor.
A completeness that, however, involves a greater complexity and a further effort of memory, both strategically not so effective and, after all, beyond Mamiʼs goals.
How to defend against Mami
Basically, the Mami convention is a Michael cue-bid for major openings and an Unusual 2NT for minors openings with the addition of the cue-bid of a major to show the two-suited hand with the minors and opening strength.
The defense is simply the same you adopt for those two-suited overcall conventions.
Now itʼs all on you
Have you already decided to use no convention? Then did you regret it when, occasionally, any of them would have solved the situation brilliantly?
Mami can help you make the right decision, even if it doesn’t claim to be the ideal solution – there is no one.
But if it intrigued you enough to make the effort to use it for some time, you will find it as simple as effective and … you won’t forget it easily. Will it be fun?
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