What is a revoke in bridge?
A · Advanced · Irregularities · 3 of 6A revoke is failing to follow suit when able, or failing to play a required card. It can be corrected until it is established, usually when the offending side plays to the next trick. Once established, one or two tricks usually go to the other side, depending on who won the revoke trick.
How it works
- Revoke: not following suit when able, or not playing a required card.
- Correctable: until established.
- Established: when the offending side plays to the next trick, or claims or concedes.
- Revoker won the trick: that trick plus one later trick won by their side are transferred.
- Revoker did not win it: one trick transferred, if their side won that or a later trick.
- No transfer: for example, a revoke on trick 12, or a second revoke in the same suit.
- Not enough: the Director adjusts if the transfer does not cover the damage.
- Questions: declarer may ask a defender who shows out whether they have none.
The glossary has the revoke, the established revoke, the revoke trick adjustment, the following suit, the trick and the adjusted score.
Tricky cases
A defender corrects a revoke before it is established. What happens to the card?
It becomes a major penalty card.
A revoke on trick 12 is found before the cards go back. Fixed?
Yes. It must be corrected, even if established.
A revoke is found after the opponents have called on the next board. Any trick transfer?
No, though the Director can still adjust for damage.
Can dummy revoke?
A revoke in failing to play dummy's card brings no automatic transfer.
Why the rule exists
Following suit is fundamental, so a revoke must cost more than it could gain. The automatic transfer gives a quick, fair fix in most cases.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Revoker won the trick | Two tricks may move | Law 64A1 |
| Revoker did not win it | One trick may move | Law 64A2 |
| Trick 12 | Corrected, no transfer | Laws 62D, 64B6 |
From the rule book
World Bridge Federation, The Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017, Laws 61 to 64. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WBF Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017.