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Intermediate Bridge LESSON 10 The Crowhurst 2♣ Convention (also known as "Checkback Stayman") Crowhurst 2♣ Convention Responses to Crowhurst 2♣ Deals 81-92 Quiz - Answers Bidding Guide : IBG-6

The Crowhurst 2♣ is useful convention giving the Opener the opportuinty (after his 1NT rebid) to describe his hand in greater detail. (This convention is very similar to "New Minor Forcing" and "Checkback Stayman")

After any two suit bids at the 1 level followed by a rebid by the Opener of 1NT (showing 12-15 points) a rebid by the Responder of 2♣ is artificial and forcing for one round. It shows 11+ points and an interest in Game.

In all above (and similar) cases a rebid of 2♣ by the Responder is Crowhurst. Any other new suit bid at the 2 level by Responder shows a weak 2-suiter hand, after which Opener may pass or show a preference (by returning to Responder's first bid suit).

Here follow some typical examples.

After Responder's Crowhurst 2♣ rebid, Opener has the following order of priorities :

1. show the unbid 4-card major suit if he holds it.
   This is only relevant when Responder's first bid was 1♠, so that Opener was unable to bid his 4-card ♥ suit.

2. show 3-card support for Responder's major suit.

3. show his points range : 12-13 = minimum     14-15 = maximum.

4. Show his side suit stoppers for a possible NT contract.

5. When Opener is unable to bid any of the above, he will rebid his own suit.

Opener will reply at the 2 level (2♦, 2♥, 2♠ or 2NT) with a minimum 12-13 points.

Opener will reply at the 3 level (3♣, 3♦, 3♥, 3♠ or 3NT) with a maximum 14-15 points.

After Enemy interference a Pass by Openers shows a minimum (12-13). All his other bids show 14-15 points.

Here follow some typical examples.

• Deals 81 - 84 - Deals 85 - 88 - Deals 89 - 92

• Solo bidding

• Individual hands

• Facts sheet + Bidding Guide

• Examples : Dls 1-4

• Quiz - Answers