[Winstonm]

I have a different view of this auction - so what else is new - in that I don't like the concept of a 3C bid being limited to 4 card support of an artificial bid. I believe that 4th suit (when you have to use this horrible bid) should be a request for clarification showing a hand that has no clear-cut rebid. If you look at it from this point of view, then a 2D rebid shows extra length, 2H shows a doubleton, 3H shows 3-card support, 2N shows the good club stop with 4252, and 3C is left to describe some time of fragment or better.

So, as much respect as I have for MikeH, I still feel the better auction here would be:

1D-1H
1S-2C
3C-3H* *Natural looking for the best spot
4D*-4N** *Natural and a slam try. **KCB
5C-5N
7N

To show genuine club support, over 3H opener would bid 4C rather than 4D. This method also allows responder when 5/5 to find the club fit immediately and hence can bid a 4th suit bid with this pattern. The disadvantage is to unconver a 4/4 fit takes the 4-level, which is usually not a big problem as 3N is usually an optional contract even with a 4/4 minor fit unless strong enough to try for slam.

By freeing the 3C bid to help describe overall shape and not just 4-card support, you untangle the auction and can move slower while showing the entire hand.

Winston