Dummy's rights and limitations

Dummy has an absolute right to play cards nominated by declarer and to keep count of tricks won (but that does not give him the right to tell declarer that he's laid a trick the wrong way round).

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:

  1. Try to prevent an irregularity by declarer - eg. if he thinks declarer is about to lead from the wrong hand.
  2. If declarer fails to follow suit, ask declarer if he has a card of the suit led.
  3. 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.

Back Copyright © Keith Sheppard, 2001