[paulhar]

Assume you are playing a natural system, where a 1C opening shows clubs (at least 3), and a 1D opening shows diamonds (at least 3) and your double in the above auction (1D 1S Double) is negative, promising four hearts, not saying too much about clubs.

In all of these hands, there are players who would make a negative double showing four hearts, and players who would bid 1NT. I assume that I have ranked the hands such that the earlier hands are more suited to double and the later hands are more suited to bidding 1NT, so if you would bid 1NT on any of the hands, you would also respond 1NT on any of the hands following that hand.

For your poll answer, please choose the first hand you see in the list which you would respond 1NT rather than make a negative double. Thank you for your reply!

[awm]

I picked (6) -- for me the 2nd stopper makes the difference. Holding Kxx it's quite possible that notrump plays better from partner's side (give partner something like Qx or Qxx or even Jxx for example in spades).

I should also note that it's easier to get me to bid 1nt with 4-4 in the majors than with 3433 shape. This is because the spade length means we have more of a problem in a suit contract if partner also has spades, we are less likely to have a minor suit fit when partner does not have four hearts with me, and the spade stopper also tends to be more secure (hold-ups etc). The spade length also reduces the odds of the annoying auction where I bid 1nt and then spades get raised, and partner has to guess whether to compete (and if the annoying auction DOES come up when I have four decent spades, defending doubled is more likely to be right).

[hrothgar]

Mark me down for 5...

I don't mind bidding 1NT holding 4 Hearts, For me, the critical issue is whether I think that the hand is well suited for NT. Four low hearts and 4333 shape both suggest NT. I'd certainly like an extra Spade stopper, however, the positional clubs are enough for me to chose 1 NT on this hand.

[mikestar]

5 for me as well. Richard states the case perfectly. However, I think someone who holds out for 6 is perfectly rational, just has different judgement.

[Fluffy]

I am beteen 5 and 6 like many people, decided for 6 because when you have Kxx its often better that partner declares 1NT. (In my system he will bid 1NT with any balanced 12-14)

[Walddk]

6 for me. You need a very good reason if you decide to give up on a heart fit. The good reason starts with a double stopper in their suit.

Roland

[joker_gib]

In general I always double with 4♥ so 8 for me

I agree that the double stopper is mandatory if you choose to hide the ♥

Alain

[whereagles]

1st hand I might double. The rest I'd try 1NT.

[temp3600]

I double with all the given hands (-> 8). We might have a heart fit. I don't have any holding to protect. NT can wait and is likely to play at least as well from partner's hand. And if it goes 1D (1S) X (p), i have a good chance of endplaying partner into bidding 1NT without a stopper, which is satisfying on several levels.

[pclayton]

I voted for 6 as well.

Its funny how a 'blind' problem with only subtle differences between the hands can have a majority vote.

[hatchett]

6. The second stopper does is for me.

[EarlPurple]

I bid it earlier but then I'm swayed by the fact I will play the hands.

I think I chose (4). Having Axx in partner's suit makes me tempted to play this in NT where I may be able to run off quick tricks in diamonds.