Jump to:

• false card
  false card

  noun

  a card played to give an opponent a mistaken idea of the quality or length of one's holding in the suit led.
• false-card
  false-card

  verb (used without object)

  to play a false card.

false card

¹ American  

noun

Chiefly Bridge.

1. a card played to give an opponent a mistaken idea of the quality or length of one's holding in the suit led.

---

false-card ² American  

[fawls-kahrd] / ˈfɔlsˌkɑrd /

verb (used without object)

Chiefly Bridge.

1. to play a false card.

---

false-card British  

verb

1. (intr) bridge to play a misleading card, esp a high loser, in order to deceive an opponent

---

Etymology

Origin of false card

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“Oh, Jane—Jane, darling! please—please stop, only a minute,” he whined, for he knew that he had played a false card, and that it was time to withdraw it.

From The Sapphire Cross by Fenn, George Manville

But a false card will turn up now and then, you know.

From True Riches Or, Wealth Without Wings by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)

It was a false card to play, for George grew obstinate at once.

From The Half-Hearted by Buchan, John

She professed her delight at the unexpected pleasure and then boldly played a false card.

From The Song of the Wolf by Mayer, Frank

He would not pick a pocket, or turn a false card, or, as he thought, forge a name.

From The Prime Minister by Trollope, Anthony