We are vulnerable, the opponents not, at matchpoint duplicate. South opened one spade. West and North passed. I am sitting East with the following: (s) x (h) 9xxxxx (d) Kx (c) ATxx. (All x's are 7 or lower.)
My partner feels strongly that I should have balanced with 2 hearts. I'm not sure for the following reasons: 1) the unfavorable vulnerability. 2) The "two" level (rather than one heart over say, one diamond). 3) The weakness of my suit despite its length.
Change any one of these three factors in my favor and I would have balanced.
Was my partner right to insist on my balancing? Or was I right not to do so?