[apollo1201]

MPs, green vs red, partner deals and opens 1C (3+, strong NT context).

Is it a good idea to bid sth else than pass, and if yes, what, with the following collection?

Q9xx
8xx
Q8xx
5x

[pescetom]

I think it is a question (as always) of agreement, and an awkward one at that because most partnerships fail to discuss this honestly nor disclose what experience they have of Partner's tendencies.
As a rule, stronger players will stretch not to Pass, but also share fairly accurate agreements about what that means and be willing to disclose them.
Weaker players will often have a tacit agreement to respond with 0 HCP but also fail to alert and explain that.

FWIW I have relatively conservative agreements and see this as a clear Pass, I would still pass reluctantly if you changed ♦8 (but not ♠9) to J.

[mike777]

 apollo1201, on 2026-October-24, 14:06, said:

MPs, green vs red, partner deals and opens 1C (3+, strong NT context).

Is it a good idea to bid sth else than pass, and if yes, what, with the following collection?

Q9xx
8xx
Q8xx
5x

Dead minimum
I would respond 1 heart, transfer to spades, if permitted.

My plan is to pass any response.even if 4-2 spade fit. I note if partner did respond 1S that means the opponents have 23-25 hCp.