WHEN IS A CARD PLAYED?
Question
If your partner follows suit and 2 seconds later, after the opponents
have followed, your partner says, “Oh! I didn’t mean that card” and
replaces it with another. Is he ever allowed to do this?
Answer
Generally a card played can’t be changed. There are Laws to
determine when a card is ‘played’…but, also some exceptions. Have a
Look at the Red Book Law 45C(4)b: Unintended designation.
‘Mechanical error’ is often quoted as the reason for changing one’s
played card. But you should call the Director, as s/he will need to
determine if it was a mechanical error or a change of mind, which is
not allowed. And there may well be lead penalties or other sanctions
depending on who wants to change their card for a mechanical error.
CALL THE DIRECTOR!!
LAW 45C states that a card must be played if:
1. A defender’s card is held so that it is possible for his partner to
see its face
2. If it is held face up, touching or nearly touching the table; or
maintained in such a position as to indicate that it has been
played.
3. A card in dummy has been deliberately touched by declarer
except for the purposes either of arranging dummy’s cards. Or of
reaching a card above or below the card or cards touched.
4. a) If a player names or otherwise designates it as the card he
proposes to play
b) Until his partner has played a card a player may change an
unintended designation if he does so without pause for thought. If
an opponent has in turn, played a card that was legal before the
change in designation, that opponent may withdraw the card so
played, return it to his hand, and substitute another (with regard to
Laws 47D re retraction and 16D1 re Unauthorised information)
The rules are different for Declarer, Dummy, and Defenders. It is
important because once a card is played it can’t normally be taken
back even if it is out of turn.
Declarer
Played: “When a card is held, touching or nearly touching the table, or
maintained in such a position to indicate that it has been played.” A
card dropped accidentally is not played and can be taken back. The
fact that an opponent can see the face does not mean that it is played.
Dummy
Played: When Declarer names the card or purposefully touches it. The
card is played as soon as it is named, not when dummy actually
moves the card.
Defenders
Played: When it is possible for the partner to see its face. Whether the
partner actually did see the card or was looking is not relevant. Unlike
for declarer a card dropped face up on the table is played.
I made my first face down lead and then changed my mind but the
opponents said I couldn't change it. Are they right?
I am afraid so. Just like any other card after it has been played it
cannot be retracted. There are one or two exceptions. If your partner
asks a question and it turns out you had been misinformed previously
then THE DIRECTOR when called may allow you to change it (if it is
still face down!).
Notes:
The Director is only likely to be called if there is some dispute over
whether a card has been played or not. This will involve the Director
trying to find out exactly what happened – which may not be agreed –
and making a decision. If there is substantial doubt it is normal to give
the benefit to the opponents of the player whose action is being
queried.