[mike777]

I dont have an issue with opening 2c but opening 1s does not miss a slam, bad bidding does.

I dont even think north has a limit raise let alone a top of range limit raise yet getting to slam is easy.

Lets not be worried about missing some perfect fit game or the opp being silent with most of the hcp.

Opening 1s does not stop you and bidding poorly after a 2c opener is not best.

The opening bid did not make a 13 imp difference, in fact you can still easily find/look for a grand slam after opening 1s.

See my auction where after a constructive single raise I looked for the grand slam.

[SteveMoe]

TWO4BRIDGE, on 2012-June-23, 03:26, said:

I don't know if it is better, but I was taught that:
1S - 1NTF
3H - ??
....... 3S = weakest reply and may only be 2 cards ♠
....... 4S = 3 card limit raise
....... 4C/4D = some say advance cue for 2nd suit: ♥
....... 4H = to play
.......3NT = none of the above

Thanks Don, I use the same approach but in this context see its flaws. The problem is the 1NT response covers a broadening range 6-11 has become 0-11 in some contexts. Here, a raise to game should be made on 7 SPs opposite a strong J/S. So 4♠ can show 7-11, not just 9+ to 11. I almost wonder if 4♣ is a 10-11 HCP 4-card raise for ♥ and 4♦ is a 3+ card 10-11 HCP raise for ♠ might be a useful adjunct. My personal preference leans toward 4♣/♦ as a control bid showing the stronger hand in support one of the 2 majors. Not telling which major could be a handicap. Thoughts??