picture-card
Definition
Noun: - A "picture-card" is a playing card that features a picture of a person, specifically the king, queen, or jack (also known as a face card). It is distinguished from number cards (e.g., 2, 3, 10) and ace cards.
Usage Examples
- (Refers to the cards with human figures.)
- (A card with a king, queen, or jack.)
Advanced Usage
- "Picture-card" in card games: In games like poker or bridge, picture-cards are often valued higher than number cards. For example, a king is worth 10 points in some scoring systems.
- In blackjack, a picture-card counts as 10, just like a ten. (The king, queen, or jack all have a value of 10.)
Variants and Related Words
Face card (n): a synonym for picture-card, referring to any card with a human face (king, queen, jack).
- The player was dealt three face cards in a row. (Three picture-cards.)
Court card (n): another synonym, historically referring to cards representing royalty or nobility.
- In older decks, court cards were elaborately illustrated. (Picture-cards with detailed artwork.)
Synonyms
- Face card: a card with a human face.
- Court card: a card representing a member of a royal court.
Related Idioms
- "To hold all the picture-cards": to have a strong advantage or the best possible position.
- In the negotiation, he seemed to hold all the picture-cards, with every proposal in his favor. (He had the most favorable circumstances.)