Dummy's rights and limitations
Dummy has an absolute right to play cards nominated by declarer and to keep count of
tricks won. He can also (new in 2007 laws) point out if declarer or either defender has
stacked a trick incorrectly, but he has to be quick with this one because that right expires
as soon as anyone leads to the next trick.
Provided he's not been a naughty boy (eg. by looking at declarer's hand or sneaking
a peep at an opponent's), dummy may also:
- Try to prevent an irregularity by declarer - eg. if he thinks declarer
is about to lead from the wrong hand.
- If declarer fails to follow suit, ask declarer if he has a card of the suit led.
- Only after play of the hand is concluded draw attention to an irregularity.
The first of these rights is the most often abused. Dummy should only warn declarer if
he genuinely believes declarer is about to lead from the wrong hand. To do so regularly
and routinely whenever declarer is on lead is quite wrong.
As dummy, it is absolutely forbidden for you to suggest a play to declarer in any way,
for example by attempting to play a card before declarer has called it.
Note that dummy may not call attention to any irregularity during play although
he may call the director if someone else calls attention to the irregularity.
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Copyright © Keith Sheppard, 2001 |