[jayantr]

Over a 15-17 point 1 NT opening, what's the best way to show a weak or invitational hand that's 5-4 in the majors. If it matters, we use Smolen for game-forcing hands and 2NT as a transfer to 3D; so 2C Stayman does not promise a 4-card major. Would a 2 level bid of a major show a less than game forcing hand (with 4 in that major and 5 in the other)?

[mycroft]

The "standard" way that I would expect in my area (everywhere I've been in the ACBL):
Weak: Stayman, then bid the 5-card major over 2♦.
Invitational: transfer, then bid the 4cM at the cheapest level. This will get you to the 3 level with the 5-3 (and sometimes the 4=4), so, "invitational".

A (somewhat old-fashioned, but perfectly reasonable) alternative:
Weak: Ignore the 4cM and transfer as if you were (35)32.
Invitational: Stayman, then bid the 5-card major over 2♦.
Here, you lose the potential 4-4 with the weak hand; but at least half the time, you get to play at the 2 level with INV opposite minimum.