The roles
Declarer is the player on the winning side who first named the final contract’s denomination. The partner is dummy. The other partnership defends. Dummy’s hand is exposed after the opening lead, and declarer directs its play.
Keep the example labelled
Write the seats and contract beside a teaching diagram. Before discussing a card, identify whose turn it is and which hand the decision concerns.
Ask a narrow question
If you are unsure about a role, trace the auction rather than guessing from where a person sits. Ask your instructor to explain the example with a complete reference.
Scope
This page gives orientation words, not every procedure concerning dummy or irregularities. Consult the official laws or a director for an actual ruling.