endplay

American  

[end-pley] / ˈɛndˌpleɪ /

noun

1. any play, usually near the end of a contract, that puts one of the opposing players in the lead and forces the opponents to lose one or more tricks that they would have won if their side had not been leading.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put into the lead by an endplay.

endplay British  

/ ˈɛndˌpleɪ /

noun

1. a way of playing the last few tricks in a hand so that an opponent is forced to make a particular lead

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verb

1. to force (an opponent) to make a particular lead near the end of a hand

   declarer endplayed West for the jack of spades

Etymology

Origin of endplay

First recorded in 1930–35; end ¹ + play

Example Sentences

To defeat three no-trump, West had to lead a high club, then continue with a low club at Trick 2, which would have cut South’s communication for the heart endplay.

From New York Times • Jul. 26, 2013

Declarer won with his queen and, if he had cashed the heart king, was in a position to endplay East in either black suit.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2013

Declarer won with his ace, cashed some trumps, then ran a spade to endplay East into conceding a trick to dummy’s spade king.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2012

If the opening lead had been a club, declarer would have needed a similar endplay to make his contract.

From New York Times • May 30, 2012

Then, knowing exactly what he was doing, Zach played a club to the ten and exited with the heart king to endplay East.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2012