Posted 2024-February-17, 12:37
Again, whole hand, whole auction,...
But I would be less surprised than you that a preempt - whatever the preempt - didn't keep them out of game. 3♣-3♥-pass-4♥ or 4♣-X-pass-4♥ are very common auctions. I'd be less surprised if you opened with spades in this auction (or were able to top-and-bottom cuebid) that they would end up having to make a decision over 4♠ (which does, effectively but maybe not optimally, keep them out of 4♥).
I would also be concerned that 4♥+2 is a pretty good score, and preempting (in particular, showing both suits and willingness to play even without points) might help them find a making slam on this goulash. (Of course, if it is on, it is likely that at least one of 6♠ or 7♣ pays. But pretty certain it won't beat -480).
Does that mean I wouldn't open? Well, with most of my partners, playing most of my systems, I wouldn't - because partner won't expect this. And I give up some "push the opponents around" to avoid confusing partner even more than they usually are (I certainly don't want to hear 3♣-pass-3NT; probably don't want to hear 2♠-pass-4♠, or 2♠-3♥-p-4♥; p-p-X, especially when 3 spade tricks cash - for them). If your agreements include these kinds of hands and suits, then go for it. But mine don't - and we have our reasons. Even if they're suboptimal, it's not the worst leaker-of-points in our game.
When I go to sea, don't fear for me, Fear For The Storm -- Birdie and the Swansong (tSCoSI)