intransitive. Cards. To decline to play a card, make a bid or bet, etc., in the course of a game.

intransitive. To pull or draw; (in later use) to draw for a card. Also: to make a snatch, to steal. Cf. pick, v.1 11b. Obsolete.

transitive and intransitive. Cards. To draw (a card) from a pack, pile, etc. Also figurative and in extended use. Chiefly North American in later use.

To gamble for high stakes.

In various card games: to play a card of the same suit as the leading card. Formerly also †to follow in suit.

In phrase to play at forsat (= French jouer au forçat): to adhere strictly to certain rules the observance of which is not generally obligatory.

Cards. intransitive. To play the first card in a round or trick. Also with off. Said also of the card. to lead toor up to: to play a card in order to…

transitive (reflexive). Cards. In games such as pontoon (blackjack) and brag: to take one's point count over the limit by drawing another card. Also…

Cards. transitive. In various card games: to be willing, or to declare one's intention, to continue playing with one's hand in the course of (a…

intransitive. Cards. To change one's mind after having agreed or declined to play with a certain hand. Now rare.

intransitive. To play a low card, though holding a high one of the same suit, in hope of later advantage. (Also used transitively.)

To let alone, resign, give up (quot. 1529 to hold on 1 at phrasal verbs); to keep back, withhold; in Cards, to keep in one's hand, refrain from…

to throw in one's hand. Cards (esp. Poker). To retire from a game or hand; to fold. Cf. to throw up one's hand at phrasal verbs, to throw in one's…

transferred. In card-playing: (see quot. 1901). Also transferred. U.S.

A systematic reduction of nuclear armaments, by destroying two or more for each new one deployed. Also figurative.