Bluffing, randomness, and luck in poker and bridge
Card games have been around for a long time, and naturally many different kinds of games have been developed to suit a variety of people and their tastes. Some require more chance than others – some require more calculation and strategic decision-making. One of the popular ones is Bridge, often cited as one of the most interesting games ever invented.
However, how do we play Bridge for maximum gain? And what exactly is the difference between Bridge and other casino games like Poker? Here are your questions answered.
What they have in common
It’s better to start this way – when we know what they have in common, we’ll be in a better position to point out the differences.
Both are games of chance because the cards are dealt at random*. Both are games of strategy, as you need to use some logic and deduction, as well as calculate probabilities if you’re going to take some risks. And both games require one to ‘play’ the other players at the table, either through ‘bluffing’ in poker or through ‘deceptive plays’ and ‘psyches’ in bridge.
*Note: The game of bridge is not dealt randomly at the duplicate or tournament level. Here the hands a pre-dealt and passed around the room in ‘boards’ or ‘wallets’ to ensure every partnership plays the same hands. There is still some element of luck, but it doesn’t arise from the deal of the cards themselves.
Randomness
The randomness is there in both games – but one crucial difference between the two is this: as the game progresses, players of Bridge are able to calculate the odds much better than the players of Poker. In Poker, many of the cards are still left in the deck, while in bridge, all the cards are dealt out at the beginning of play (13 to each player). For more information on how to play bridge visit our Learn to Play Bridge pages.
Bluffing
Bluffing is possible in both games. However, since you are paired with a partner in Bridge, you risk deceiving your partner should you choose to bluff, which can be a serious drawback.
One kind of bridge ‘bluffing’ is called a ‘psyche’ – in which the bid you make tells a false story about your hand. Of course, this can be dangerous, but if deftly handled it can create a profitable outcome. Psyches are not acceptable in certain types of games and at certain levels of play.
Another kind of bridge ‘bluffing’ is called a ‘deceptive play’. Because in bridge every card played communicates a message to partner, playing a card the communicates something different can throw the opponents of the track. ‘False carding’ is very common in the higher levels of play.
Deciding the trump
This is an important difference. A Bridge player is able to play a trump card. This element in choice makes it very strategic as this early choice could very well decide the game.
Any card game is a game of chance – if Lady Luck isn’t on your side, then no matter how good your strategy may be, the odds will be that you have a losing hand; it’s simply (as they famously say) ‘not in the cards’. On the other hand, both Bridge and Poker rely on strategy to make the most of what you have.
In conclusion, Bridge will allow you to win even if you have a losing hand because you have a partner to rely on. In Poker it’s all up to you. Bridge tends to be more calculating, whilst in Poker the skill of bluffing has a greater effect. But no matter what game you decide to play in the end, make sure you do it on a good and reputable casino site. Check casino reviews thoroughly so you know what to expect.