Posted 2014-October-18, 12:53
Well I haven't tried to construct a hand, but going via 2C implies consultation, ie if you have a 5-3 fit, you have no strong opinion, but if you go through 2N you have a strong(er) opinion that a 5-3 fit is likely to be irrelevant, and it has the added benefit of less information leakage to the opponents. I just like to preserve flexibility unless there is a strong case for eliminating it.
All that said and done, if we are resigned to GIB departing from explanations by small degrees, I would accept that it makes sense for 2N "officially" to deny a 5th Heart, but then not be too surprised if on occasion it turns up with one, as being the lesser distortion than including a 5th H in the explanation that is only observed in a minority of cases.
Psych (pron. saik): A gross and deliberate misstatement of honour strength and/or suit length. Expressly permitted under Law 73E but forbidden contrary to that law by Acol club tourneys.
Psyche (pron. sahy-kee): The human soul, spirit or mind (derived, personification thereof, beloved of Eros, Greek myth).
Masterminding (pron. m
s
t
r-m
nd
ing) tr. v. - Any bid made by bridge player with which partner disagrees.
"Gentlemen, when the barrage lifts." 9th battalion, King's own Yorkshire light infantry,
2000 years earlier: "morituri te salutant"
"I will be with you, whatever". Blair to Bush, precursor to invasion of Iraq