play one's ace
play one's trump card

At least until such time as he decided to play the next card in his hand.

They may play the next card in their hand into a field.

The other part of him played the only card he had left.

It is time for me to play the final card.

If said after playing their first card - too late.

One of the men who was with them said the women spent their last hours playing cards.

From 1978 to 1981, he made a living playing cards.

To his left, at a small table against the wall, the two men who'd been with him all day were playing cards.

A couple of them have a small fire going, are playing cards by its light.

A group of men were playing cards at a table.