A unit of a sequence; esp. of playing-cards. Cf. sequence, n. 4. Obsolete.

Cards. The action or privilege of playing the first card in a round or trick. Also, the card so played, or proper to be played, or the suit to…

Cards. A wild card. Cf. bragger, n. 2. Obsolete.

Cards. In Pope Joan and similar games, a card which stops the run of a sequence. Hence plural, the game of Newmarket.

a playing card of high value in a particular game; often figurative, a particular advantage, a valuable asset; cf. strong suit n.

(in card games) the highest unplayed card in a particular suit.

In bézique and other card games, a privileged card, such as the aces and tens in bézique; also the name of a card game.

a high-scoring card; esp. (Bridge) one with a value of ten or higher; cf. sense 8a.

Cards. The lowest card but one of a suit. Also attributive in penultimate card.

spec. in Cards. (See quots.)

See quot. 1891: esp. in the game of bridge.

(a) (see sense A. 15b above); also figurative; (b) Sport (originally U.S.), a player or team chosen for a tournament at the discretion of the…