[ArtK78]

I would also open 1♥. Applying HighLow's test I would not be too upset if partner passed 1♥. This is not the type of hand where I would expect to make game opposite the right 4333 zero count.

I also want to get clubs into the picture, so 1♥ followed by 3♣ is my plan.

By the way, a 4-loser hand is a super maximum 1-bid, not a minimum 2♣ opener.

[daveharty]

 ArtK78, on 2012-February-15, 07:58, said:

This is not the type of hand where I would expect to make game opposite the right 4333 zero count.

That's true, but I would expect to make game opposite a fair number of hands that would pass 1H. Of course many of those hands would pass 2NT, too.

Todd and I were kibitzing this hand and talking after it came up and I was sort of on the fence between 1H and 2NT. In retrospect I think 1H is better, but I think there is a fair amount of risk. Seems like the main risk of opening 2NT is just what Phil and ArtK78 mentioned, missing a superior club contract.

[jdeegan]

Good problem hand. I had to think long and hard for the best answer. One ♥ = 100 opposite a good partner because (think about it) the other calls more or less give up on 6♣ as a potential contract.
I got no beef with 2NT. It simplifies the bidding and shows the hand. 2♣ is a little rich for my blood with this holding.

[rduran1216]

I dont want xxx Jxx xxxx Qxx passing out 1H, so I'd open 2C planning to bid 2H then 3C since I play kokish, and now I think ive described my hand well.

[Trinidad]

 rduran1216, on 2012-February-18, 13:08, said:

I dont want xxx Jxx xxxx Qxx passing out 1H, so I'd open 2C planning to bid 2H then 3C since I play kokish, and now I think ive described my hand well.

That hand is about the only hand where partner will pass 1♥ and you probably have 10 tricks. With three card support and 4-5 HCPs, partner usually will come up with a bid (e.g. a forcing 1NT).

If pretty much only the perfect pass will give me 10 tricks, I will not plat partner for the perfect pass. I will assume that when he in fact passes 1♥, he will not have the perfect hand and we will not have 10 tricks.

Note further, that your perfect hand will not get to 4♥ after a 2NT opening either. Therefore, opening 2NT would not solve your problem. After a 2♣ opening, you would get to 4♥ with your hand. But you would also get to 4♥ with a lot of hands that shouldn't be in 4♥, e.g. Qxx Jxx xxxx xxx. (And you will also get to other contracts that you shouldn't be in, e.g. 3NT, 5♥, 5♣.)

Rik