Engineers Ireland Bridge Club

Defender's Lead Out of Turn During Play - Laws 50D, 53,56

Defender's Lead Out Of Turn During Play - Laws 50D, 53 and 56

The declarer may accept the lead.  In that case, there is no further penalty on the offender. Declarer is deemed to accept it, if they play to it.

Otherwise, the card led becomes a major penalty card and 

  • The correct defender when on lead may be instructed to lead or not to lead the suit. If so, the card ceases to be a penalty card and is picked up
  • Otherwise the card is left face up as a major penalty card, to be played at the first legal opportunity. Until it is played, declarer continues to have the right to request or forbid the partner to lead that suit.

Copyright Michael O'Malley 2016