[rhm]

gnasher, on Sep 1 2010, 11:35 AM, said:

If (reasonably enough) you don't like the idea of 1♦-1♠;2NT, why not bid 1♣-1♠;2♦?  That will ensure that you reach spades when you belong in spades, and notrumps by responder when you belong in notrumps by responder.

The main downside is that you're showing one more club that you have, but that seems a much less dangerous deception than showing one more spade than you have.

I am not sure.
I am not worried when I have AKQ instead of 4 cards, particular with a doubleton in the unbid major. In fact it is easy to show that often ♠ will be an excellent Moysian fit, while the opposite is not so easy.

A jump raise does not deny a balanced hand, while the trouble with a reverse is that you then presumably support ♠. Not only do you suggest longer clubs but an unbalanced hand with short ♥.

Danger is in the eye of the beholder

Rainer Herrmann

[hanp]

I agree with gnasher. At least 1C - 1S - 2D keeps 3NT open as a possibility, while after 1D - 1S - 3S I at least cannot play 3NT. It has the advantages of showing the heart weakness and having partner declare 3NT may we get there. It also keeps all three of our suits in the picture.

The downsides are not only that it overstates our club strength, but we'll also suggest heart shortness. I usually rebid 2NT anyway, choosing to show my strength and shape in favor of worrying about stoppers in suits not bid by the opponents. Should I decide not to, it would definitely be by reversing.