Bidding 2M over our 2m

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2D = 6ds, or 5-4 minors, no major, 10-14 pts.
West has a number of choices.


11+14 and no fit suggests passing. On the other hand, East could have 3 spades. This was matchpoints.

2H relay is an overbid. Need a useful 13-count to do that.

2NT is possible. 11-13. That won’t get us to 2S but there is a chance of reaching 4S if opener with a maximum shows 3 spades en route to 3NT.

2S shows something like this – a good suit and around 9-12 pts. Looks good, though the spade pips are poor. If West does that, what should East do?

Pass? Would not be good here but if West has a 6-carder, 2S might have been the last making spot. With good diamonds, East might remove to 3D with 3-1-3-6 or similar.

3C is possible if it shows 6-4 but it could be 5-5 and suits not good enough to open 2NT (5-5 10-14).

Should the opening with shabby 5-5s be 2C or 2D? 2D might be better if it allows a 3C rebid to show 5-5, leading to 3C or 3D. On the other hand, the relay structure over 2D is a step up and makes it hard to play hearts. If the default is 2C with 5-5, opener has to pass 2M with 5-5, which may be bad. Tough.

What of 2NT? This could be a maximum with spade tolerance. Is that useful?