Bridge player taking unorthodox part (5)
I believe the answer is:
north
'bridge player' is the definition.
(cardinal directions represent the bridge players)
'taking unorthodox part' is the wordplay.
'part' indicates a hidden word.
'NORTH' is hidden in the letters of 'taking unorthodox'.
(Other definitions for north that I've seen before include "Towards top of map" , "Cardinal compass point" , "One looking for contract" , "Compass point at 0 or 360 degrees" , "He let America go" .)