I use a universal defense to Opponents 1♣.
It works well against any ♣ System.
Also often improves our bidding accuracy against standard systems because frequently 1♣ is not a ♣ oriented hand.
I have been playing this defense for over 3 years.
(1♣) , Double :
12+ at ...
Our 2NT opening artificial bid can be either Weak to Average Strength 8-13 hcp or Very Strong 21+ hcp game forcing always showing both minors. This bid is expected to occur about 0.48% of all dealt hands. The weak hand occurs for over 98% of the 2NT Openers.
Our ...
I voted minimum 4-card (occurs when 4♦441).
About 82% of the time our 1♦ is 5-card.
We include 5♦332 only when 10-12.
1♦ is always unbalanced when 13+.
5-card ♦ works very in competition; confidently bidding to 3♦ with 3-card support to kick 8-card fit ...
Very good to see that your system separates balanced from unbalanced early in the auction.
IMHO there is not enough emphasis on this very important concept built into many modern bidding systems. My DCS structure is based on this same objective.
Discussion in this thread of alerting the natural 1♦ bid is of interest to me.
My DCS system 1♦ opener situation is similar to the OP.
My 1♦ = 10-21 hcp in 1st or 2nd seat.
I alert 1♦ and if ask to explain say = 5-card + ♦ ...
Opening both with 1m regardless of vulnerability is a very simple decision for me.
My opening 1-level suit bids show unbalanced hands.
Opening 1♣ / 1♦ shows a real suit with no suit longer than ♣ / ♦.
Both hands have a quality 6-card suit so I am very comfortable ...
@Ray
I fully agree with your comments for those opening a 3-card minor when weak balanced.
Some systems do not follow that practice.
Decisions on opening 1NT when 5M332 are system structure dependent.
FWIW
My 1NT opener is 13-16 plus a very few 12 hcp.
With this 1NT range including ...