When is a Card Played? [Law 45]
A Defender's card held so that it is possible for his Partner to see its face must be played. The test is
whether it was POSSIBLE for the Offender's PARTNER to see it, NOT whether he did see it.
Declarer's card must be played if it is held face-up touching or nearly touching the table or held in a
position to indicate it has been played. A card in Dummy must be played if Declarer has named it or
deliberately touched it (other than for the purpose of adjustment or reaching for another card).
A face-down opening lead is not a 'played' card until it is faced. However, it may be withdrawn ONLY
if there has been an irregularity AND the Director has given his consent.
Incomplete Call of a Card from Dummy [Law 46]
When calling for a card from Dummy, Declarer should clearly state both the suit and the rank of the
desired card. In the case of an incomplete or erroneous call by Declarer of the card to be played from
Dummy - unless his intention is INCONTROVERTIBLY OTHERWISE - the following restrictions apply:
Incomplete Designation of Rank
If Declarer calls 'high' or words of like import, he is deemed to have called for the HIGHEST card. In
fourth seat, he may be deemed to have called for the lowest winning card. If he directs Dummy to
'win' the trick, he is deemed to have called for the lowest winning card. If he calls 'low' or words of
like import, he is deemed to have called for the lowest card.
Designation of Rank but not Suit
When leading, he is deemed to have continued the suit in which Dummy won the preceding trick,
provided there is a card of the designated rank in that suit. In other cases, Declarer must play the
only card of that rank available. If there are two or more such cards, Declarer must designate which
he is to play.
Designates Suit but not Rank
He is deemed to have called for the lowest card of the suit.
Designates neither Suit nor Rank
If Declarer says 'Play anything' or words of like import, either Defender may designate the card to be
played from Dummy.
Erroneous call of a card not in Dummy
If Declarer calls for a card that is not in Dummy, the call is void and Declarer may designate any legal
card.