[UNDER-1 8 b, 10 a.]

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  1.  refl. To play below one’s ability.

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1733.  Ld. Harvey, in Craftsman, No. 376. No person is ever known to flatter at this game [sc. chess], by underplaying himself.

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

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1850.  Bohn’s Handbk. Games, 21. To under-play, he wins the trick with the ace, and returns the small one.

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1863.  ‘Cavendish,’ Whist (ed. 5), 42. Experienced players frequently endeavour to obtain the entire command of their suit by underplaying.

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