[1eyedjack]

The previous thread on rubensohl and takeout doubles reminds me of another situation that I thought to poll all y'all on.
(Hey, I can end a sentence with a preposition along with the rest of 'em)

W......N......E......S
1D....1H.....X......2H
??

I have long taken the view that use of 2N in this position in a natural context as a non-forcing balanced limit bid with Hearts guarded is a non-optimal use of resources. On the other hand, if I happen to have such a hand, perhaps I need the 2N to show it.

I want to be able to compete to 3D with some shape, without expressing extra strength in the process. If I have 4 Spades I can show them, but do I want to distinguish between a minimum hand with 4 Spades and one with extra strength, without committing beyond 2S? Seems a bit of a luxury.

Am I going to get rich doubling 2H for penalties? I think not, but then, if oppo are going to start taking liberties assuming that I do not have a mechanism to penalise, I would rather they smarted for it.

Bottom line is: if you play a good-bad 2N here AND takeout doubles, is that a bit of system overkill, and how do you distinguish?

Cheers