About the laws

ABOUT THE RULES (LAWS)

There are 93 laws (rules) in Bridge.

• • Their usage is updated annually in the Bridge Manual, which Directors are required to read.

  • Many of the laws are not applied at Junior level, or not applied in full. However, it is good to learn about them right from the start.

  • The aim of the laws is to provide rectification rather than penalties for infractions. Rectification means ruling to obtain the most likely result from the board had the infraction not occurred (which makes it fairer on you and on the rest of the field). Rectification is sometimes referred to as ‘restoring equity’.

  • If equity cannot be restored, (e.g. if the boards are played at the wrong table because they have got out of order), pairs are awarded a percentage score – 40%, 50% or 60% – depending on who is at fault. A 50% score gives players an average board.