To allow the same hands to be played by other teams, the cards are always played in a fashion which preserves each hand so it can be replayed later. Each card played is placed on the table face up; directly in front of the player instead of being tossed into the center of the table. When all cards have been played to a trick, each player places his card in front of him face down with the length of the card in the direction of the team which won the point. For instance, if the trick was won by N-S, each card is placed with the top or bottom edge of the card pointing toward the N or S player indicating that N-S won the trick. A device called a "board" is used to keep the hands intact when they are not being played. The board is usually metal or plastic and contains four slots - one for each of the four hands. The slots are labeled N, E, S, and W with the dealer also identified. Additionally, the board indicates which if any of the teams is vulnerable.

You can purchase duplicate boards online via Amazon or Baron Barclay. Used boards may be available on Ebay. A no cost alternative is to make your own. You can find directions for making cardboard bridge wallets to serve this purpose at Contract Bridge - Duplicate Bridge at Home