[blml] Amnesia

[Ed Reppert]

On Jun 25, 2006, at 5:29 PM, John Probst wrote:

> +=+  Just discussed in Laws Drafting Subcommittee.
> We have added words to clarify that the led card is
> played and cannot be withdrawn. The correct defender
> will make his lead. +=+
>
> You are seriously changing the game of bridge.
> We can't have an opening lead by declarer. Period. Full stop.
>
> I can live with an "I accept" by either defender, facing of dummy  
> and 2nd
> card from declarer's left.
> As I read it declarer picks the friggin thing up directly after the  
> opening
> lead anyway, or are you constructing a brand new and 3rd type of  
> penal;ty
> card.  Wonderful!  cheers John

My head hurts.

If putative declarer faces a card, intending to lead it, after three  
passes but before the correct opening lead has been made or after it  
is made face down, then Law 24B applies. The card is left face up  
until the putative declarer's LHO faces his lead, at which point it's  
picked up. The penalty provisions of 24B are moot, since putative  
dummy has no more calls (unless some other infraction causes a roll  
back of the auction).

If declarer faces a card after the correct opening lead is faced  
(including if the lead was made face up), then it seems to me  
declarer has played out of turn to the first trick. If the leads were  
simultaneous, then declarer's lead is deemed to be subsequent to the  
correct lead (Law 58A). So if declarer's "lead" was simultaneous with  
or subsequent to the facing of the correct lead it's not a lead out  
of turn, it's a play out of turn. If it's not a revoke, it stands as  
played (Law 45C2). if it is a revoke, he picks it up and can play  
what he wants (Law 62B2).

If the correct lead was faced *subsequent* to declarer's lead, then  
Law 53C applies, declarer withdraws his card, no penalty.

Wtp with the current laws?