The Laws of Duplicate Bridge — Everyday Language
The Laws of Duplicate Bridge — an everyday-language version, alongside the current official wording
Same Laws. Plainer words.
Failure to follow suit in accordance with Law 44 or failure to lead or play, when able, a card or suit required by law or specified by an opponent when exercising an option in rectification of an irregularity, constitutes a revoke.
Failing to follow suit as Law 44 requires, or failing to lead or play a required card or suit when able to, is a revoke.
Hello, and welcome.
The Laws of Duplicate Bridge are dense reading, even for experienced directors, and harder still for anyone newer to the game. So we’ve been doing some everyday-Englishing: all 93 Laws, reworded into plainer language. The meaning is the same throughout. Nothing has changed in substance; the Laws are simply easier to read and apply at the table.
Open any Law below to see the key wording changes side by side, followed by that Law in full.
We’re thinking of folding this version into the IBEScore app, alongside the current text. Before we do, we’d love your thoughts: what reads well, what could be clearer, and any improvements you’d suggest.
To send your thoughts, download the IBEScore app (App Store or Google Play) and WhatsApp us via the Help or Director button on the app’s front page.
The IBEScore team
The full documents
This page is a navigable overview. These are the complete, standalone files, free to download.
Plain-Language Draft
All 93 Laws and the Definitions, reworded in full, in everyday language.
Download .pdfSimple Guide
A short, easy general guide to the Laws for players, learners and club directors — not a substitute for the Laws, but what most players actually need.
Download .pdfLooking ahead to 2027
The World Bridge Federation’s next official edition of the Laws is due to be published in 2027.
We’d like to know what you think of the everyday-language version on this page. Your feedback will directly shape what makes it into the player and director help sections of the IBEScore app.
To share your feedback, download the IBEScore app (App Store or Google Play) and WhatsApp us via the Help or Director button on the app’s front page.
— The IBEScore team