More Crowhurst

10th April – Board 4: Game All. Dealer West.

Crowhurst is one of my favourite conventions and it would have easily dealt with the following hand.

	North: S K Q 6 5 H J 4 3 D A J 5 4 C 9 7
West: S A 10 8 3 H Q 8 7 5 D Q 10 C 8 5 2		East: S J 7 4 2 H 10 9 D 8 3 C K Q J 10 4
	South: S 9 H A K 6 2 D K 9 7 6 2 C A 6 3

West	North	East	South
No	No	No	1D
No	1S	No	1NT
No	2C	No	2H
No	2NT	No	3NT
End

Crowhurst advocated that a 1NT rebid should be wide range, specifically 12-16 points and a follow up of 2C by partner asks about the points and shape. Without that convention South would have to rebid 2D on such a threadbare suit as he can hardly reverse. In the bidding sequence above South has shown four hearts and five diamonds without reversing values and the 2NT bid following Crowhurst always shows exactly eleven points. 3NT is hardly laydown of course but even on a MUD club lead declarer just holds up until the third round. With West holding the ace of spades and with the queen of diamonds obligingly falling the contract is impregnable.