[JLOGIC]

I think 1D-1S-2C is preferable, despite the obvious risk of missing a 5-4 or 4-4 heart fit. I also hate 1N.

I prefer the 1D-2C approach since this hand is marginal for a reverse to begin with, and you only have 4 clubs. I think when partner is not a GF you will often end in a 4-3 club fit, and when partner is strong enough to GF the auction still won't time out that well for you (you are bidding NT next I guess, it seems like some of the time you belong in diamonds it will be hard to work out. I don't think 1C-1S-2H-3C-3D shows this for instance). If your partner does preference back to 2D and you get to bid 2H, that would be perfect to me, you show your exact values and pretty much your exact shape, and you're still at 2H. If partner bids 4th suit forcing you can bid 3H which shows most of your shape, and you can hopefully follow it up with 4N or just keycard depending on what partner does next.

I guess part of the discrepancy in our views is how comfortable we are reversing with this hand, with an 18 count I would reverse to hearts obv.

Also I think changing your system to allow for opening 1D with 1444 would be a good idea. And, I will note that reverse flannery responses to 1m will solve all of your concerns wrt missing hearts, and makes it much less necessary to rebid NT with a small stiff spade in order to keep hearts in the game. But that comes with a cost as well, perhaps you need your 2 level jumps over 1m to solve other things.

[Cyberyeti]

How would people feel about opening 1♦ and rebidding 1N over 1♠ if your no trump range was such that this was in the correct point range ?

[han]

I would rebid 1NT in that case.

[Free]

How can I reverse after a 1NT opening?