What can dummy do in bridge?
I · Intermediate · The game · 1 of 5Dummy plays the cards declarer names, keeps count of tricks and may give information on fact or law in the Director's presence. Dummy may ask declarer whether they have no cards of a suit, and may try to prevent an irregularity. But dummy may not take part in the play, point out errors before the hand ends or look at other hands.
How it works
- Plays: the cards declarer names.
- Count: may keep track of tricks won and lost.
- Fact or law: may speak in the Director's presence.
- Revoke question: may ask declarer, but not a defender.
- Prevention: may try to prevent an irregularity.
- During play: may not call attention to an irregularity or call the Director first.
- Not allowed: exchange hands, leave the seat to watch, look at a defender's cards.
- After play: may draw attention to an irregularity.
The glossary has the dummy's rights and limits, the dummy, the declarer, the irregularity, the Director and the revoke.
Tricky cases
Dummy sees declarer about to lead from the wrong hand. Can they say so?
They may try to prevent it; but if dummy has broken the limits, a defender may then choose which hand declarer leads from.
Can dummy ask a defender whether they have any hearts left?
No. Dummy may ask declarer only.
Can dummy watch declarer's hand from behind?
No. Dummy may not leave their seat to watch.
When may dummy call the Director?
During play, only after another player has drawn attention to an irregularity.
Why the rule exists
Dummy has seen the full deal only from declarer's side and must not become a second player. The limits keep the hand a contest of declarer against two defenders.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| During play | Limited rights | Laws 42, 43 |
| After play | May raise irregularities | Law 42B3 |
| After dummy's breach | Defenders may gain options | Law 43B |
From the rule book
World Bridge Federation, The Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017, Laws 9, 42 and 43. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WBF Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017.