(Procedure after a) DEFENDER'S LEAD OUT OF TURN
Text Box: LAW 56
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Flowchart: Alternate Process: LAW 56 When a defender leads out of turn: (a) Declarer may accept that lead as provided in LAW 53. (b) Declarer may require the defender to retract that lead; the card illegally led becomes a MAJOR penalty card (see Law 50 - note that lead penalties are provided).
  
Text Box: LAW 53 LEAD OUT OF TURN Any lead out of turn may be treated by an opponent as a correct lead. It becomes a correct lead if an opponent accepts it by making a statement to that effect, or if that opponent next to play plays a card to the irregular lead. However, the player whose turn it was to lead - unless he is the offender's partner - may make his proper lead subsequent to the infraction without his card being treated as played to the irregular lead. The proper lead stands, and all cards played in error to this trick may be withdrawn without penalty.
 
Flowchart: Alternate Process: LAW 50 DISPOSITION OF A PENALTY CARD A card is a penalty card when prematurely exposed.It must be left face up on the table until it is played or until an alternate penalty has been selected. A single card below the rank of an honour (as in playing two cards to a trick, or in dropping a card accidentally) becomes a MINOR penalty card. While holding such a card a defender may not play any other card in the same suit below an honour. However he may play any other card. The card remains a minor penalty card. Partner must not base any subsequent play on information gained through seeing the penalty card. Any penalty card of honour rank, or any card exposed through deliberate play as in leading out of turn, or in revoking and then correcting) becomes a MAJOR penalty card. When a defender has two or more penalty cards all are MAJOR penalty cards. A major penalty card must be played at the first legal opportunity whether in leading,following suit, discarding or trumping. If a defender has two or more penalty cards then declarer may designate which one must be played. When a defender has the lead while his partner has a major penalty card, declarer may choose to impose a lead penalty at this point; he may require that defender to lead the suit of the penalty card, or he may prohibit that defender from leading that suit ( a prohibition continues for as long as he retains the lead). If declarer does impose a penalty, the penalty card is picked up. If declarer does not, the defender may lead any card; but the penalty card remains a penalty card. The defender may not lead until declarer has indicated his choice.