Question

The bridge player's frequent errors, although frustrating for his partner, were _______ his defeat, since none of the competing players could determine, from the cards he played, what cards he likely held -- a necessary prerequisite to figuring out how to block his plays.

a. an insurance against
b. the reason for
c. an indication of
d. an obstacle of
e. a hurdle for
f. the guarantee of

Answer 1

The bridge player's errors acted as an 'insurance against' his defeat because they prevented other players from predicting his cards.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bridge player's frequent errors, which were frustrating for his partner, actually contributed to what could be considered an unintended strategy in the game. Despite the errors made during the play, they served as a sort of defense mechanism because they prevented other players from being able to anticipate his hand and counter his plays. Given this outcome, the most fitting completion for the sentence is: 'The bridge player's frequent errors, although frustrating for his partner, were an insurance against his defeat, since none of the competing players could determine, from the cards he played, what cards he likely held -- a necessary prerequisite to figuring out how to block his plays.'