Case X.
Y leads out of turn. B (Y’s adversary) says to his partner, “Shall we call a suit or not?” B’s partner gives no answer. Is the asking the question a consultation within the meaning of Law 84, although no answer is made to it?
Decision—Yes. It is the very question Law 84 is framed to prevent. B by the question shows that he is in doubt as to the policy of calling a suit, and thus affords information he has no right to give. Further than this, a reply by word of mouth is not necessary to constitute a consultation. Silence is an answer. The knowledge that a partner is indifferent may convey information that B has no right to extract.
Note. The usual formula is “Will you exact the penalty, or shall I?” This question does not bring the player under the operation of Law 84.