How high to show support here?

[el mister]

I rank ...

1. 4♠ = PRE. A reasonable gamble, Hope 4♠ makes or is a good sacrifice. At worst, 4♠X is a bottom. Reduce bidding space for opponents to reach the right level/strain. e.g. At MPs, for opponents, the difference between playing in ♥s/♦s might be top/bottom.
2. 3♠ = PRE. Pusillanimous at match-pointed pairs (Enough at imps).
3. 2♠ = PRE. But might be a red rag to a bull.
4. Pass = PSYCH. Worth consideration against poor opponents, who might not appreciate that they're playing with a 30-34 HCP deck.

Indeed Nige, one should eschew pusillanimity at match-pointed pairs.

 

That being said, 4♠ with no singleton sounds excessive down the club - maybe in tournament play. On the actual deal both red slams were lay down due to the marked finesses in the N hand, but no one's getting there in this particular room, making 4♠X a bottom, at best.

[dave_beer]

Pass.

 

I play that 3♠ would be preemptive here but I like to have a singleton (or void) to do it. A doubleton ♠ is the worst holding in the opponents' suit: shortness is clearly good and additional length makes it more likely that partner will be short.

 

Partner will expect some HCP for 2♠ and despite the LOTT my hand is not nearly good enough for 4♠.

[rbhalla]

MPs, all vuln, playing 2/1, you pick up this fine collection of intermediates:

 

[hv=pc=n&s=st8765ht92d43c942&d=w&v=b&b=4&a=p1s2d]133|200[/hv]

 

What is your call? [Your opps are good, but the room is a whole is a bit of an ordinary standard, if that makes a difference].

3S