[Trpltrbl]

I bid 2♣, stayman, and pass pd's next bid.

Mike

[MickyB]

I'm quite convinced that it is right to run immediately, and once you have done there seems no reason to not bid 2♥ as 4-4 majors. It was pointed out that now when you have 5♥4♠ partner will have to correct to ♠ holding 2♥3♠, but this is rare in comparison, and 4-3 fits aren't anything to be afraid of.

If you pass, then X is clearly penalties, and it is easier for them to punish you once they have got one double in. If they do not double back in, then you will be left to flounder in 1NT when 2M on a likely 4-4 fit would have been more successful. If, on the other hand, you bid Stayman, then it is harder to punish you, even if they have the agreement that X shows a hand that would have doubled 1NT. This is because if they have agreed that the double promises clubs, there are many hands with which they cannot double - and if they have not agreed that, then after 1NT-P-2C-X, P-? your RHO is often on a complete guess as to where the clubs are. This is assuming your opps have an agreement at all!

[Free]

1NT* is a nice contract imo (1NT not doubled is even better ofcourse), I probably have around 1.5 tricks when p has some ♥ with me, otherwise probably just 1. I don't see any reason why to go on 2-level with a balanced hand, knowing there's a lot of chance you'll play in a 7-card fit anyway...

[MickyB]

It's kinda like a presumed fit preempt. You open a Frelling 2♦ on a 4-4 shape because it is likely p will have 4 cards with you in one of your suits. Same applies here, and if not a 4-3 could well still make a trick more than 1NT in which case you haven't lost anything.

[red dwarf]

I have to agree with csdenmark, i wouldn't hesitate a pass. If LHO X and p XX he is asking me to do 1 of 2 things, 1) pass with values or 2) bid lowest 4 card suit here being hearts, this happened a couple of weeks ago at local club and i passed pards XX with 8 or 9 points(cant quite remember) and contract made.As it happens it is the same with X by RHO i pass and pard is forced to XX and then i bid 2H with the hand given. any bid by me is a transfer after X by RHO XX asking pard to bid clubs.

[inquiry]

Welcome to the Bridgebase forum, red dwarf. Good first post.

Ben

[EarlPurple]

Another reason why bidding 2♣ may be good on this hand. If the next player has a good hand (and he probably does) then double would be take-out. But if I pass their doubles would be penalties.