helene_t, on 2014-September-02, 15:46, said:
1NT could work. We might suffer a heart ruff in a spade contract. Then again, we do have ruffing values in clubs. I think I bid 2♥. I might get the opportunity to suggest 3NT later.
I agree with your first three sentences, but on balance I prefer 1NT. If there's no
♥ ruff available that will usually be because partner is singleton or void in the suit herself. In that case, she'll be disappointed with your dummy if she bids game or makes a game try over 2
♥.
The hand seems a bit strong to raise to 2
♠ but I think you'll be more comfortable suggesting 3NT on the next round: at least you'll have extra values when partner makes a game try. If you bid 2
♥ and partner makes a game try with (say) 3
♣, wouldn't you have to bid 3
♠ to show that you are minimum?
I accept that spades will sometimes play better than NT, but the opposite is equally possible and the advantage of 1NT is that it gives a better indication of your overall strength.