Uitspelen

Uitspelen is a Dutch verb meaning to play out to the end. It covers two main senses: literally finishing a game by playing all remaining cards or moves, and more figurative uses in which a player or team carries a plan through to its conclusion in order to outmaneuver or outplay an opponent. In both senses, the focus is on reaching the natural conclusion of a sequence of plays or actions.

In card games and other competitive games, uitspelen refers to the act of playing all remaining cards or moves until the hand or game is finished. The completion often determines scoring or the final outcome of the position. In strategic contexts, the term can describe methodically executing a plan to its end, such as maintaining pressure or exploiting an advantage until the opponent is defeated or the objective is achieved.

Etymology and usage notes: uitspelen is formed from uit- (out) and spelen (to play). It is a separable verb; in present tense forms the prefix is typically split, as in we spelen het uit or hij speelt het uit. The past participle is uitgespeeld, used to indicate that the action of playing out has been completed. The term is common in Dutch-speaking sports, gaming circles, and discussions of strategy, and it can be applied both to concrete game actions and to broader, metaphorical situations that develop to their final consequence.