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Let's say I have a 4S-3H-4D-2C distribution and 12-18 points. One of the opponents has already opened and they didn't bid clubs but one of the other suits (S, H or D). Now what can I bid? I cannot overcall because that requires a strong suit. I cannot double because that promises at least a 3 carder of all the unbid suits including clubs. What do I bid in this case?
I play Standard American 5 card major or 2/1
As pointed out in the comments, the range 12-18 is a double range for which both sides must be looked at separately.
With the lower half, 12 to a bad 15, just pass. Don't hesitate; just pass in your normal tempo. Trust partner to balance when necessary, or find a partner who will. Any hesitation with this hand gives partner an ethical problem that will prevent a reopening call.
With the upper half, a good 15 to 18, just bid 1NT in tempo.
A bid of 1 NT over an opening bid of 1 of a suit holding 15-18, a balanced hand, and a stopper in the bid suit seems reasonable. If the suit bid by the opponent was one in which the overcaller holds 3 small cards, I would favor a double, despite a 2-card club suit. It is a risk, as partner might bid the short suit, but the likelihood of the NT bid winding up in a 3NT contract where the opponents lead and run the Heart suit in the case described seems much more serious.
Given the pressure to respond in a major if possible, the risk of a club mis-fit seems tolerable to em, as no bid is perfect in this situation, and a good fifteen is too strong to make pass attractive.
