#1

I have had a couple of comments to the effect that some of the Laws of Duplicate cannot be fathomed even by an experienced trial attorney. They should be simpler. While I agree, the Laws are set by an international panel of bridge experts and they are what they are. I don’t like it any better than you when the need arises for some obscure ruling.

So, I thought that from time to time (no promises regarding frequency) I might highlight various situations along with the application of the Laws. Here’s the first.

YOU:

            North passes. East (YOU) bid 1♦. Before South acts, you say, “Oh no, wait” and bid 1♥. Director please! South tells me what happened. When I inspect your hand (hopefully, away from the table) I see ♠ NONE ♥ KJT93 ♦ Q854 ♣ AK32, and you explain that you had a heart mixed with the diamonds.

THE JUDGE (ME):

            Your initial call was clearly intended (the moment that you bid 1♦ you meant to do it). South can accept 1♥ and 1♦ is withdrawn. If South does not accept 1♥, 1♦ stands and 1♥ is withdrawn.

            In both cases, information from the withdrawn call is unauthorized for your partner and authorized for N-S.  Lead penalties may apply if you and Partner become defenders