A "Noddy" Guide to the Laws of Duplicate Bridge

The official "Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge" is a very dry legalistic document and it's not always easy to find the information you require. After various conversations I have been persuaded that some players would welcome a few notes, in plain English, describing what happens in the most common situations.

These notes are not intended to be a substitute for calling the director, if one is available. Even if you believe you know the rules, the director should always be called for any irregularity. Hopefully, though, these notes will give you an idea of how the director is likely to rule and offer some guidelines on correct procedure when playing informally.

Before going on to the details, I would like to dispel a few myths:

The Guide

Note on terminology: In "The Laws" the word call is used as a generic term to cover all bids, passes, doubles or redoubles. The term bid is used very specifically to mean a call which names a number of tricks and a denomination. Pass, double and redouble are "calls" but not "bids".
Please select from the following topics:
Director! He's there to help. Always call him for any irregularity and don't take offence if your opponents call.
I Reserve my Rights What does that mean?
All Pass If everyone passes, please don't redeal. Click this topic to find out why.
Pause for thought Is there a penalty for thinking too hard?
Changing your call Can you change your call if you make a mistake? If so, when?
Call out of turn What should happen if someone calls out of turn?
Insufficient bid What happens if a bid isn't sufficient?
Any questions, partner? Why do we ask partner if he has any questions before facing the opening lead? Does it mean he can't ask questions later (no, it doesn't!)?
Opening lead out of turn What happens if the wrong defender makes the opening lead?
Lead out of turn What happens if there is a lead out of turn once the hand is under way?
Dummy's Rights What are they?
Nominating cards from dummy What happens if declarer is less than precise when calling for a card from dummy?
Penalty Cards What happens if the defence expose a card illegally?
Revokes What's the penalty for a revoke? Can you avoid a penalty by correcting it?
And finally...
If you do come up against officious opponents who get uppity and generally make you feel uncomfortable, get your own back. Tell them they are in contravention of Law 74A which requires all players to "maintain a courteous attitude at all times" and "avoid any remark or action that might cause annoyance or embarrassment to another player or might interfere with the enjoyment of the game". It's a game, for heaven's sake. Enjoy it!

All text on this page and those linked from it is Copyright © Keith Sheppard, 2001