1. A defender takes the 7 out of his hand and moves it forward till it is almost horizontal in front of his breast. He then takes it back and wants to play another card. Declarer objects and calls the TD! When the TD asks about it, both declarer and dummy will say that they saw the card. Partner is saying that he did not see it.


2. Declarer takes the 7 out of his hand and moves it forward so that everybody can see the card, but not close to the table. Without ever coming to a stop he puts it back in his hand and wants to play another card. The defenders object and call the TD!


3. Starts as 2. but when putting it back it falls on the table. TD!

Answers:

1. Instruction by WBF to TDs on the course: "Make it a habit to find it possible for partner to have seen the card when both opponents did see it. This is a played card."
2. According to Law 45C2 it is not a played card, not (nearly) touching the table nor maintained in such a position as to indicate that it has been played.
3. This doesn’t change the status of the card, it still is not played and may be taken back. Yes, the Laws are less-strict on declarer...

The pertinent laws:

Law 45C. Card Deemed to be Played

1. A defender’s card held so that it is possible for his partner to see its face is deemed played to the current trick

2. Declarer is deemed to have played a card from his hand if it is:
(a) held face up, touching or nearly touching the table; or
(b) maintained in such a position as to indicate that it has been played.


LAW 48 - EXPOSURE OF DECLARER’S CARDS

A. Declarer Exposes a Card
Declarer is not subject to restriction for exposing a card (but see Law 45C2), and no card of declarer’s or dummy’s hand ever becomes a penalty card. Declarer is not required to play any card dropped accidentally.