Crossruff

/ˈkrɔːsrʌf/ noun

Definition

In card games like bridge, a situation where two partners take turns trumping the other's led suit.

Etymology

From 'cross' (indicating alternating action between partners) combined with 'ruff' (to play a trump card, from French 'roufle'). The term emerged in 17th-century card game terminology.

Kelly Says

A crossruff is one of the most thrilling sequences in bridge because it requires perfect coordination between partners—one player trumps a heart, then their partner trumps a spade, creating a mesmerizing back-and-forth that can swing the entire game.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.