This is a concept employed as a defense mechanism against an opening bid of 1 No Trump by an opponent. This concept is attributed to Mr. Eric Crowhurst. As an author he wrote several books and was always theorizing about developments to make bidding in the game of bridge more precise.

Biographical Information

The ones that are most well-known are Precision Bidding in Acol (1974) and Acol in Competition (1980). The first check-back convention bears his name. He wrote regular articles for newspapers and magazines here and in the US. He helped the game develop through his lucid explanations of Acol theory and through teaching.

Crowhurst Defense Method

The following schematic illustrates the meanings of the overcalls:

Double:	Any double is for penalty. Partner must pass.
2 :	Shows 5-4 or 4-5 in both Major suits.
2 :	Shows either Hearts or Spades, generally a 5-card plus suit.
2 :	Shows 5+ Hearts and one unspecified 4-card Minor suit.
2 :	Shows 5+ Spades and one unspecified 4-card Minor suit.
2 NT:	Shows both Minor Suits, either 5-4 or 4-5 or 5-5. Factor vulnerability.
3 :	Natural bid showing 6-card plus length in Clubs. Possible one-suited holding.
3 :	Natural bid showing 6-card plus length in Diamonds. Possible one-suited holding.

This particular defense mechanism has also been referred to as Revised Pottage and Multi-Landy. However, variations and nuances in the concept can occur depending on the partnership agreement, which is the main factor in determining the line of bidding. It is also the partnership agreement which determines the significance of the first responses by the partner of the overcaller.

If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.