[FrancesHinden]

I also prefer to respond 2C, because partner doesn't always rebid 2NT. After 1D-2C-2NT-3S-3NT at least partner has shown much more confidence in her heart suit. Or after 1D-2C-2NT-3D-3S partner has shown no confidence in her hearts.

If partner denies a 4-card major after 1D-2C-2NT it's obvious to respond 2C because now you can bid your shape out to within one card below 3NT (1D-2C-2D-2S-2NT-3D say)

[kenrexford]

 Trinidad, on 2013-April-13, 03:23, said:

In most it doesn't.

However, once you follow up with 2♠, then in most systems you will have shown 5(+) clubs and 4 spades. If I understand correctly, Ken Rexford is the main advocate for the exception where a semi-natural 2♣ is used to establish the game force and you could rebid 2♠ without having 5 clubs. But Ken will know that much better. For everybody else, 2♣ shows five when followed by 2♠.

Rik

This is in the context of an artificial 2♣ ("Golady") that is GF and simply denies a 5-card major. One could have 4-4 in the majors for the call. The follow up showing spades could be done, in that context, with 4-4-5-0 and no clubs at all, but that is only because the 2♣ call was a convention.

While I might bid 2♣ with 4-4-1-4 even if not playing Golady, I would be tactically fibbing.

[Winstonm]

If I grasp the problem correctly, I don't quite understand why 2C isn't automatic. I've never understood the point of not using natural shape-showing bidding when possible, and when I can reverse in spades I get to show shape and strength. When I eventually support diamonds, partner has a perfect picture of my hand.

I guess I am too old and too simpleminded for this elegant game.