After a bid, double or
redouble has been followed by three passes in rotation, the defender on
presumed declarer’s left makes the opening lead face down*. The face-down lead
may be withdrawn only upon instruction of the Director after an irregularity
(see Law 47E2); the withdrawn card must be returned to the defender’s hand.
Before the opening lead
is faced, the leader’s partner and the presumed declarer (but not the presumed
dummy) each may require a review of the auction, or request explanation of an
opponent’s call (see Law 20F2 and 20F3). Declarer** or either defender may, at
his first turn to play a card, require a review of the auction; this right
expires when he plays a card. The defenders (subject to Law 16) and the
declarer retain the right to request explanations throughout the play period,
each at his own*** turn to play.
Following this
Clarification Period, the opening lead is faced, the play period begins
irrevocably, and dummy’s hand is spread (but see Law 54A for a faced opening
lead out of turn). After it is too late to have previous calls restated (see
B), declarer or either defender, at his own*** turn to play, is entitled to be
informed as to what the contract is and whether, but not by whom, it was
doubled or redoubled.
After the opening lead
is faced, dummy spreads his hand in front of him on the table, face up, sorted
into suits, the cards in order of rank with lowest ranking cards towards
declarer, and in columns pointing lengthwise towards declarer. Trumps are
placed to dummy’s right. Declarer plays both his hand and that of dummy.
* Regulating Authorities
may specify that opening leads be made face up.
** Declarer’s first turn to play is from dummy unless
accepting an opening lead out of turn.
***Declarer
may enquire at his turn to play from dummy or from his own hand.