a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding

[ Syn: preemptive bid , pre-empt ]

acquire for oneself before others can do so

take the place of or have precedence over; live broadcast of the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour; discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor

[ Syn: displace ]

gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)

make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge