[MickyB]

Ok, so I'm currently playing 1♣ 1st vul/2nd as 11-13 bal, 17-19 bal (both may have 4-5♦) or 11+unbal (pretty much denies 4♦).

Would it be better to pass 11-12 point hands with primary clubs?

In order to show your club length, you will need to volunteer a bid on the second round. Perhaps it is better to limit your hand first. Now whenever a 1♣ opener volunteers a second bid, he is promising some extras. It may also be useful in competition, as partner of the 1♣ opener, to know that he will have either at least a doubleton tolerance for your suit or some extra values.

On the other hand, by not opening 1♣ we are letting opps use their opening structure more often; We also deny partner the chance to show a club fit with a non-forcing fit-jump (we play 1♣ (1♦) 2♥, for example, as 5+♥3+♣ NF).

Any thoughts?