sstansmall

Bid 4s all the time, Pard has around 10-14 pts something like KJT9x,xx,Axx,Qxx at least. but he could have AQJxxx xx, Qx Axx

If you bid 4s then you have to X anything they bid over it, if you splinter with 4c you have fear q bidding 4H over 4d by pard. KJxxx, Kx, Ak, xxxx would be enough for a slam and pard will love hearing 4c if he has that. If you count 2 aces as 9 singleton as 3 and 5th trump as 3 your hand is worth 15 in spades.

The best hand to balance with over 1N is a weak shape hand in pass out seat as a passed hand. Switch spades with diamonds and I pass, but this hand is just right for a balance. Points are well positioned for our side with pard having more over the NT opener than me.