Here are some notes on how to claim and concede and what to do when an opponent claims or concedes.
What is a claim/concession
A claim/concession refers to a player’s statement about future tricks.
Why claim/concede
It can save time which can be used for more challenging/enjoyable boards - particularly useful if you or your opponents are sometimes a slow pair.
When to claim/concede
Claim (or concede) when time can be saved and the outcome can be easily explained to the table. Take care either to get all the trumps out before claiming or explicitly mention the trumps still out in your claim.
How to claim/concede
A player makes a claim/concession by making a statement of the number of tricks claimed or conceded and optionally about the order of play he/she proposes to follow AND by facing their remaining cards on the table. Once made, the claimer may not elaborate their claim, and play is suspended.
Just facing your hand and saying 'the rest are mine' will often lead to any uncertainties being ruled against you, including if you don’t mention a trump that is still out.
If a claim/concession is made during the last trick, the trick is played out even if the claimer faces his card.
Examples of a well phrased claim
- I claim the remaining tricks, I’ll play the A♥ and K♥ then cross to the Q♣.
- I claim 2 tricks, I’ll play the A♥ and K♥ and concede the rest.
- I will cross-ruff the remaining 4 tricks.
After the claim/concession
The non-claimers shouldn't discuss the claim, ask questions or face their cards but should:
- accept the claim/concession OR
- request that play continue; if all 4 players agree, declarer's hand remains faced on the table and play continues. OR
- call the Director to adjudicate the claim.
Defenders should take whatever time they need and should not feel pressured to accept a claim. Requesting that play continue may alert the claimer to a possible issue in time for he/she to avoid it.
A defender can object to their partner’s concession (you must do it immediately and call the Director).
If unsure, call the Director.
Director adjudication
Once the Director has been called, it is not now possible for the board to be played out. The Director will adjudicate the claim, giving the non-claimers the benefit of any doubt between unstated possible normal lines of play. The ruling is subject to appeal via the club’s normal appeal process.
