CROWHURST
Used only in the sequences:
♣ ♥ ♠ ♦
1X - 1Y - 1NT - 2♣...9+HCP
or 1X-(1Y opp)-*(Partner)-1NT-2♣
or 1X-(* opp)-**(partner)-1NT-2♣
Opener's 1NT rebid shows a BALANCED 12-16 HCP adjusted precisely. With 17-18 Balanced bid 2N.
2♣ is the ONLY Forcing response. It requires a strict minimum of 9+ HCP. Note ALL other simple rebids are strictly NON-FORCING and should usually be PASSed.
Opener's continuations over a 2♣ response are:
3Y
Shows 3+ card Y(opp) and 15-16 HCP - a good guard. Or good 3 card
support for 'Y' partner
3♥ Shows an unbid 4
card Heart suit and 15-16 HCP in 2 specific sequences: [1♣ -1♥(spades)-1N-2♣ OR 1♦- 1♠- 1N-2♣]
3♣ Shows 16 HCP
3♦ Shows 4 card if a genuinely unbid suit and 15-16HCP . e.g: 1♣-1♦(hearts)-1N-2♣-3♦ or 1♥-1♠-1N-2♣-3♦
2♥
Shows a 4 card previously unbid heart suit.
1♣-1♥(spades)-1N-2♣- OR 1♦-1♠-1N-2♣- or similar
2Y
Shows 3 card support for 'Y' and 12-14 HCP or a good guard for
Y(opp)
2Ma
Shows a GOOD previously unbid 4 card Major suit - partner to bid 2N with good guard in opponents suit or an unbid suit
2NT Shows 15
HCP [or a very good 14 but ONLY as long as 2♥ & 2Ma above are NOT valid]
2♦
None of the
above, 12-14 HCP - a kind of negative - invites Partner to choose
contract. If Diamonds have not previously been bid naturally then most
likely to be a (3-)4 card Diamond suit and Partner may PASS
Now responder has a clear view of partner's strength and distribution,
the final contract can be selected. Game can be bid or either a cue-bid
of Y(opp) or a * of a further opponent intervention or bidding the 4th
suit: are all gane forcing WHILE any other bid is strictly TO PLAY.