Source: Ask Jerry
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Dear Jerry: Could you help me resolve the conflicting advice I have received on how to bid in this situation:
My partner opens 1
I have enough to respond, and I hold four spades and three hearts. Experts say that the best bid
you can make is to raise a major suit, so raise immediately. On the other hand, experts also say that a 4-4 trump fit almost always plays better than a 5-3 trump fit, so you must immediately show your spade suit. So which maxim do I follow? Should I «support with support»? Or should I «ferret for the 4-4 fit»?
John
Dear John
It is true that a 4-4 fit usually plays as well as a 5-3 fit, and is often better. Despite this potential superiority, the answer to your question can be found in an often cited Jerry-ism:
»Always plan a second bid before you choose the first. «
Anytime there is a bid available that both secures a major-suit trump fit while simultaneously bracketing your values, that action is usually best. Simply put: With one-bid hands, «support with support» should be the priority. With invitational or game forcing values, introduce the four-card spade suit. A few examples will illustrate this point. Say partner opens 1 and RHO passes, and you hold: 
AQJ5 432 
983 
762
Although 100% of your high-card strength is located in the spade suit, a raise to 2 is the superior choice. This shows 6 to 10 points and threecard or longer support. If you assured me the opponents would pass throughout, I would listen to the arguments supporting a reply of 1. How would you feel, however, if you replied 1, and the auction continued:
Partner RHO You LHO
1 Pass 1 3
Pass Pass ?
It seems that you would want to acknowledge the known eight-card or longer heart fit, however, if you were to now bid 3 your partner would certainly be inclined to play you for more than a flat 7-point hand. Ahhh the benefits of choosing a limited bid the first time.
AK85 K96 102 8743
With 10 HCP and a ruffing value for a heart contract, you clearly hold game-invitational values. Respond 1, planning on supporting hearts at the three level whether in or out of competition.
KJ105 AQ6 A7 9874
With game-forcing values, respond 1, then, depending on how the auction develops, show heart support in a forcing manner on your next bid.
Ferret: (v) To deeply investigate a matter. (n)
1. A person who persistently investigates or searches for something.
2. A small domesticated weasel like animal.
I am not trying to beat a dead ferret, but at times I have ferret-like tendencies. Thanks for helping me discover my true inner self.