Answer:

A call/bid has been made when it has been pulled from the box with apparent intent.

This means that once the bid is out of the box you have made that call even if no one has actually seen it.

Of course if you have accidentally pulled out too many cards or grabbed a card you didn’t intend (a mechanical error) you can correct it, but it is always best to call the director if there is any doubt.

This would also cover the situation if you put a pass or double followed by jump bid on the table. i.e. you missed the stop card!

A bid has not been made if you get as far as producing a stop card and realise it’s not your bid.

Please try not to fiddle or touch the cards in the box until you make up your mind. Touching various cards shows indecision, which is "unauthorised information" and could put your partner in a difficult position when they have to make a bid that they must be able to justify wasn’t influenced by your indecision.

Trevor Purches