Palladian

I'm surprised that in this company no-one has a defence to PEs. They happen so often, particularly with random deals and especially in the sort of company I keep. If you play * - pens & 3D - TO, once responder raises D (4 stronger or 5 to play) then it is a question of which route you take and judgement. I do not bid H straight away for two reasons. The suit is not solid enough and there are 4spades.

I started using the Crowhurst's in the 80s and it is still my main reference. Agreed, it is deficient for those at the highest level now, but by working through and understanding his sequences you can still put up a formidable performance. An under appreciated part of the book are his examples which clarifies some of the more obscure points. The books are written with a light touch, his phrase "at the sniff of an oily rag" has stuck with me through the years.

Don't you play Michaels or Ghestem or in your example Super Ghestem?

If they are strong opponents they will have three "similar" bids available viz *, 2H & 2N. I know what we (not so strong) play, but you really need to know what they play before deciding. Otherwise I bid 6D to give the ops a better option of making a losing choice.

What does pard know about your hand? Your response was not *, 2H, 2S, 2N or 3C. So you do not have 3H or 10pts and 4 or 5S. Pard does not rebid H, and given she is strong enough to reopen must only have 5, so N is lurking with hearts. Nor does she have 4S and 17+. Has pard go a lot of clubs? If so why don't they bid them? Pard may think you have made a "trap pass". I'm passing and risking -180 v -200. Don't forget N still has a bid!