almightygozar

Assuming this is an uncontested auction (right?), I will simply bid where I live: 3♦. I'll bid spades over 3♥ or 3NT, and I'll commit seppuku* over 4♣ (but probably try 4♠ before doing so). I smell a double in our future... I've got a suspicion I should just focus on the spades, but I keep picturing normal opening hands from partner like x AQxx Kxx AQJxx that belong in diamonds. (*Not at the table--I don't want my team docked the 3 IMPs.)

Interesting discussion. I thought I'd post my $1/50 since I was the panel member who initially praised the 2♣ response. The reasons I liked 2♣ were because - it directs a good lead if we end up defending - it preempts opps out of possible spade fit - it shows our values in one bid - I won't be happy if pard raises 1♥ with only 3 - even if it misses a heart fit or 1N contract, we still might score as well (or better) in clubs The biggest problem hand where 1♥ wins is when pard was 4423, and even then we might win by stopping in 2♣ (or 2N if he has 17-19) instead of reaching a poor 3♥ or 4♥ contract. For those who vote pass, you are missing one of the biggest advantages of playing a 12-14 NT: when partner opens 1♣ or 1♦, you know he has a real hand, with either 15+ or a 5+ card suit and some shape. This is especially true if you try to open suitable 5422-shaped hands with 1NT, which my group does. I like the discussion, and it's making me take a closer look at the merits of 1♥, but for now I'm sticking with my guns. Thanks for posting, Hannie!