Pass or 1 spade

[mikeh]

late to the party, and not much to add, however...I would bid 1♠, unhappily.

 

This hand rates to be a partscore battle, given that the opps lack any big fit, and the hcp seem to be split. I would far rather compete now than after 1N P P to me....and that must surely be the most probable continuation given my shape.

 

As Andy pointed out, albeit over a posited 2H raise on our left, bidding 2♠ then is far more dangerous than is bidding a modest 1♠ now. And, as for the lead issue...are we going to love a club lead? Partner will know that we are not promising spade values, just length....and if partner is on lead, it's probably after LHO bids 1N, which will help partner. And if they play hearts, we're on lead.