cue bid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical (specialized domain of contract bridge); occasionally metaphorical in business/strategy contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cue bid” mean?
In contract bridge, a bid in a suit which the bidder does not intend to play, used to show specific values (usually an ace or a void) to partner in a slam-seeking auction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In contract bridge, a bid in a suit which the bidder does not intend to play, used to show specific values (usually an ace or a void) to partner in a slam-seeking auction.
In general card-playing contexts, any bid or signal that conveys a specific, pre-arranged meaning beyond the natural meaning of the bid, often used to ask partner for more information about their hand. In broader business/negotiation metaphors, a calculated signal or offer designed to elicit a specific response or reveal information from another party.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences between UK and US bridge players, as the term is standardized in international bridge rules and literature. The metaphorical business use is slightly more common in American corporate slang.
Connotations
Neutral to positive connote skill, sophistication, and partnership understanding in bridge. In metaphorical use, can connote cleverness or strategic probing.
Frequency
Exclusively high frequency within the community of serious bridge players. Extremely rare or unknown outside of that domain.
Grammar
How to Use “cue bid” in a Sentence
[Player/Partnership] + cue-bid + [Suit (e.g., spades)] + (to show/showing + [control/value])[A cue bid] + is/was made + in + [suit]to cue-bid + [possessive] + [ace/void]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cue bid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- With the ace of hearts, she chose to cue-bid hearts to show her control.
- They had agreed not to cue-bid below the level of three notrump.
American English
- He cue-bid spades to tell his partner about the ace.
- Cue-bidding your shortness requires a clear partnership agreement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically: 'His opening salary figure was just a cue bid to gauge our budget flexibility.' (A strategic probe to gather information.)
Academic
Almost never used outside of papers on game theory or bridge strategy.
Everyday
Virtually unknown and unused.
Technical
Primary context: 'North's 4♠ bid was a cue bid showing first-round control, confirming the partnership had all the aces for the grand slam.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cue bid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cue bid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cue bid”
- Pronouncing 'cue' as 'queue' (/kjuː/ is correct for both).
- Using the term to mean any suggestive or leading bid outside of its specific bridge context, which will confuse specialists.
- Confusing a 'cue bid' with a 'takeout double' or a 'Stayman bid', which are other conventions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, quite the opposite. A cue bid is artificial; it specifically denies having a good, long suit in that denomination. It shows control (an Ace or a void) for slam purposes.
Standard modern practice reserves cue bids for auctions where a game (or higher) is already forced. Making a cue bid in a non-forcing auction is dangerous and highly non-standard, as partner may misinterpret it as a natural suit.
A first-round cue bid typically shows control on the first round of the suit—an Ace or a void. A second-round cue bid shows control on the second round, like a King or a singleton. The 'round' refers to when you can win a trick in the suit.
No. While the core concept is universal, the specific agreements (e.g., which suits can be cued, in what order, and whether they promise specific honours) are a critical part of partnership understanding and must be discussed beforehand.
In contract bridge, a bid in a suit which the bidder does not intend to play, used to show specific values (usually an ace or a void) to partner in a slam-seeking auction.
Cue bid is usually technical (specialized domain of contract bridge); occasionally metaphorical in business/strategy contexts. in register.
Cue bid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː ˌbɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkju ˌbɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cue-bid your way to a slam”
- “a cue bid out of the blue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an actor waiting for their 'cue' to speak. In bridge, a 'cue bid' is your signal to partner, telling them specific information ('I have the ace here!') so they can decide the next move in the play.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE BIDDING IS A CODED CONVERSATION / A BID IS A SIGNAL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a cue bid in contract bridge?