diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/card/trick/util/TrickCardGameUtil.java b/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/card/trick/util/TrickCardGameUtil.java
index 4bde7ed39..b2a28cb2b 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/card/trick/util/TrickCardGameUtil.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/card/trick/util/TrickCardGameUtil.java
@@ -141,6 +141,19 @@ public class TrickCardGameUtil
         return hand.getSuitMemberCount(cardsPlayed[0].card.getSuit()) > 0;
     }
     
+    /**
+     * Checks whether the specified array contains the given card.
+     */
+    public static boolean containsCard (PlayerCard[] cards, Card card)
+    {
+        for (int i = 0; i < cards.length; i++) {
+            if (cards[i].card.equals(card)) {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+        return false;
+    }
+    
     /**
      * Determines the number of cards that belong to the specified suit within
      * the array given.