Is bluffing allowed in bridge?
A · Advanced · Ethics and the Director · 5 of 6A player may try to deceive an opponent through a call or play itself. But no one may mislead by manner, such as hesitating with a singleton, or by a question or remark. Partners may communicate only by their calls and plays; prearranged signals outside them are the gravest offence. Courtesy is expected at all times.
How it works
- Calls and plays only: the only lawful communication between partners.
- Steady tempo: desirable; take care when a variation could help your side.
- No misleading: by questions, remarks, gestures or false hesitation.
- Deception allowed: through a call or play, without unusual haste or pause.
- Gravest offence: prearranged signals outside the laws.
- Etiquette: attention, no comments, no early card detaching, no playing on to annoy.
- Procedure: no approval or disapproval of a call or play.
- Adjusted score: if a false inference came from a manner with no bridge reason.
The glossary has the tempo and deception, the conduct and etiquette, the psychic call, the spectators, the disciplinary penalty and the Director.
Tricky cases
A defender pauses before playing a singleton to mislead declarer. What happens?
It is not allowed; the Director awards an adjusted score if declarer drew a false inference.
Can I false-card to fool declarer?
Yes. Deceiving through the card played is legal.
Can spectators react to the play?
No. Spectators must show no reaction and may not speak to the players.
What is the worst offence in the laws?
Exchanging information through prearranged methods outside the laws.
Why the rule exists
Bridge is a game of hidden information, so manner must not leak or fake it. Allowing deception only through cards keeps bluffing a skill, not an act.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deception by card | Allowed | Law 73E1 |
| Deception by manner | Adjusted score | Law 73E2 |
| Spectators | Under the Director's control | Law 76 |
From the rule book
World Bridge Federation, The Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017, Laws 72 to 74 and 76. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WBF Laws of Duplicate Bridge 2017.