The only thing to fear, is fear itself. And snakes.

[jmcw]

If partner has a bust, I would still expect to make 9 tricks unless he also has 0/1 ♠.

18 points, 3 or 4 expected tricks on defence, what else do you need for 2♣.

[Fluffy]

2♣ is a psyche, and psyches are barred in my land on strong openings

[nige1]

[hv=pc=n&e=saqj9862hq3d3cakq]133|100|

IMO 1♠ = 10, 2♣ = 9, 4♠ = 6.

2♣ seems perfectly OK provided your methods allow it.

... and fire (FLAMES).

[/hv]

[Zelandakh]

2♣ is a psyche, and psyches are barred in my land on strong openings

A psyche is defined by the system and agreements being used. This may be a psyche for your agreements but it certainly is not for several other posters. Different partnerships have different criteria for what constitutes a minimum 2♣ opening. Unless your RA also defines a minimum legal standard which this hand falls below it is not per se a psyche.

[han]

I upvoted Phil20686.

[gordontd]

But I'm all about 2♣ on this hand. Here are some different rules I can apply:

1. 4+ QT's and 4- losers? Check. (Well, almost. Technically 3.5 QT's, but that wrongly ignores the 2 rounded queens and the j spades, any of which might be a quickie.)

When you apply a rule and it gives you an answer you don't like, just re-write the rule!

[TWO4BRIDGE]

Regarding the title:

 

The only thing to fear is fear itself...And Snakes ....

 

....unless you are in New Zealand.

 

No snakes or poison ivy there... just friendly people.

[phil_20686]

I upvoted Phil20686.

 

Best day ever.

[benlessard]

Its an easy hand to bid whatever you start is, you will also be able to deal with ennemy preempts so why risk 1S making 4 ?

 

I strongly believe in opening 1M rather than 2C but here 1S is just taking risk for almost no benefits. If you know youre playing against friendly opponents who rarely pass in 4th seat than I like 1S.

[Fluffy]

I upvoted Phil20686.

 

I had meat with potatoes for lunch

[HighLow21]

When you apply a rule and it gives you an answer you don't like, just re-write the rule!

When you live strictly by rules and don't exercise any judgment whatsoever, then you can be an expert!

[jdeegan]

:P Old school rules:

 

1. Game forcing opener shows (normally) 4 quick tricks and four losers in a major - 4 quick tricks and three losers in a minor.

2. The reason for the strong opener is to prevent the hand from being passed out in a one bid when game is a reasonable spot.

 

This hand is right on the cusp with 3.5 quick tricks and 3.5+ losers. Personally, I would open it for 1♠ since I have only 18 HCP, so getting passed out in the modern world with game in hand is not a huge concern. If pard musters a bid, I bid 4♠ right or wrong. Opening 2♣ can't be considered wrong, imho. I just would not do it. If I open 1 ♠, I might be able to walk the dog up to 3♠ and buy the hand for a good score.