Law 45B requires declarer to play cards from dummy, but Law 44B requires dummy to play to a trick. These Laws should be consistent with each other with respect to who is playing dummy's cards (44B should probably allow for declarer playing a card from dummy, rather than requiring dummy to play).
The Bridge Law Book was originally written six to seven decades ago, or perhaps even earlier. Since then, at ten-year intervals, new rules have been introduced, or existing ones revised, with corresponding updates made to the Bridge Law Book. Unfortunately, in my opinion, a significant number of the revisions has been drafted inconsistently, with different writing styles that do not align with those of previous authors. As a result, the Bridge Law Book now contains numerous inconsistencies in language.
While experienced directors—who have been involved in the book’s evolution over the years—may not find this problematic, the newly qualified county directors often have to work hard to grasp key issues due to the inconsistent wording of its provisions.
To address this, I would recommend a complete rewrite of the Bridge Law Book, possibly incorporating flowcharts or other visual aids. Even better, an interactive online application with simple yes/no questions and clear explanations could guide users to the correct ruling or help them make informed judgments. A parallel can be drawn with how self-assessment tax filing has become significantly simpler in the 21st century compared to the past.
That said, I fully acknowledge that rewriting the Bridge Law Book would require substantial time, money, effort, resources, recognition of the issue, and, most importantly, the willingness to take action. I leave these thoughts with those in charge.
Comments
Law 45B requires declarer to play cards from dummy, but Law 44B requires dummy to play to a trick. These Laws should be consistent with each other with respect to who is playing dummy's cards (44B should probably allow for declarer playing a card from dummy, rather than requiring dummy to play).
I'll pass it on to the WBFLC.
The Bridge Law Book was originally written six to seven decades ago, or perhaps even earlier. Since then, at ten-year intervals, new rules have been introduced, or existing ones revised, with corresponding updates made to the Bridge Law Book. Unfortunately, in my opinion, a significant number of the revisions has been drafted inconsistently, with different writing styles that do not align with those of previous authors. As a result, the Bridge Law Book now contains numerous inconsistencies in language.
While experienced directors—who have been involved in the book’s evolution over the years—may not find this problematic, the newly qualified county directors often have to work hard to grasp key issues due to the inconsistent wording of its provisions.
To address this, I would recommend a complete rewrite of the Bridge Law Book, possibly incorporating flowcharts or other visual aids. Even better, an interactive online application with simple yes/no questions and clear explanations could guide users to the correct ruling or help them make informed judgments. A parallel can be drawn with how self-assessment tax filing has become significantly simpler in the 21st century compared to the past.
That said, I fully acknowledge that rewriting the Bridge Law Book would require substantial time, money, effort, resources, recognition of the issue, and, most importantly, the willingness to take action. I leave these thoughts with those in charge.