Trumps

Trumps are a term with several related senses in English. In card games, a trump refers to a card or suit that outranks others for the duration of a hand. A trump suit is declared or determined by the contract, and any card of that suit beats cards of non-trump suits regardless of rank. In some games, permanent trump cards or ranks can exist. The set of cards designated as trumps—the trumps—may change from hand to hand or be fixed by game rules. The concept is central to many trick-taking games such as bridge, euchre, and spades, and the exact rules vary by game.

Etymology: The term originates from the German word Trumpf, meaning a trump or major card, borrowed into English in the early modern era. The verb 'to trump' meaning to surpass or defeat someone by presenting a superior card is derived from this usage. The phrase 'to trump up' charges uses the same lineage and refers to inventing or manufacturing something to beat an argument or case.

Surname and notable usage: Trump is also a surname of German origin. The family name has been borne by many individuals, including Donald J. Trump, who served as the 45th president of the United States, and by other members of the Trump family. In contemporary usage, 'to trump' can also function as a verb meaning to outrank or surpass, or as a noun referring to the trump cards in a given game.