[Tramticket]

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So what would you have 1NT show as a passed hand?

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1NT is likely to be 4-5 or 5-5 with better clubs.

You are coming into an auction with both opponents virtually unlimited holding sub-opening values. You are not going to want to do this without some compensating shape - I would suggest that 5-4 is the minimum shape requirement. You have two take-out bids available - double and 1NT as well the possibility of over-calling in one of your suits.

It seems reasonable to use double to show 5 clubs / 4 spades; 1NT to show at least 5-5 and to bid the spade suit with 5 spades / 4 clubs.

I agree that there are other auctions where 1NT will promise less than 5-5: Pass, (1♥), Pass, (Pass); 1NT would suggest the minors and I would not expect 5-5.

[Dinarius]

Your five count is worth one bid, and one bid only.

1NT describes it perfectly in that one bid. You pass everything thereafter - the ball is in partner’s court.

As I play, double would show more HCP, as well as those two suits, but not necessarily 5/5, or better.

If you bid 1♠️, you never get to bid again. I disagree with your partner.

D.