Definition

1. Verb:
   • To play a trump card that is higher in rank than a trump card previously played to the same trick: This is a specific action in trick-taking card games, particularly in bridge and similar games. It means to beat an opponent's trump card by playing a trump card of a higher value on the same trick.

Usage

• Verb:
  • This verb is used almost exclusively in the context of card games. It describes a strategic move to gain control of a trick.
  • It is a transitive verb, typically followed by the card or opponent's play that is being beaten.
  • Example: "She had to overtrump her opponent's jack to win the trick."
  • Example: "If you overtrump my ace, you will take the trick."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The player saw an opportunity to overtrump and secure the critical trick.
  • You should not overtrump your partner's winning card.
  • He overtrumped my queen with his king.

Advanced Usage

• Strategic Context: The decision to overtrump is a key tactical element. It often involves sacrificing a high trump card to gain immediate control of a trick, which can be crucial for fulfilling a contract or setting the opponents.
  • Sometimes, you must overtrump early to establish control of the trump suit.

Variants and Related Words

• Trump (verb/noun): To play a card of the suit that is currently dominant (trumps); or the card/suit itself.
  • He decided to trump the trick with a low card.
• Ruff (verb): In bridge, to play a trump card on a suit that is not trumps. Overtrumping is a specific form of ruffing where you beat an opponent's trump.
  • She ruffed the heart with a small trump.

Synonyms

• Outtrump: A less common synonym with the same meaning.
  • He managed to outtrump his opponent.

Related Phrases

• To be overtrumped: The passive state of having one's trump card beaten by a higher trump.
  • My ace was overtrumped by the declarer's two.

Verb

1. play a trump higher than (one previously played) to the trick