Does anybody play bridge or poker?

geek84

Hi Folks

Does anybody play bridge or poker?

If so, which is the more popular game and why? Also, which one would you say is easier to learn?

Thanks

CeeJaySix

I used to play a lot of Texas Hold'em, both live and online, still do a little bit. Easy to learn, very difficult to win consistently at, especially online where there are a lot of 'grinders' playing 20-odd small stakes tables at a time and only playing premium hands. Whilst I used to see a reasonable return in casino and pub games, I generally struggled to make anything online, didn't have the patience to keep putting down hand after hand, and of course you don't have the 'live' reading of players. That said, some people are better suited to the greater emphasis on percentages etc that online play requires. If you want to learn, a home game or friendly pub game will give greater satisfaction, more chance of winning and is far more sociable (and there's distractions when you're getting a bad run of cards, which helps discourage you from playing hands you really shouldn't). The flip side is you play far faster online and can play several tables at once - for learning the mechanics of the game, very small stakes or 'play money' tables are ideal (don't read too much into the techniques used there though, the small/zero stake encourages a lot of very loose/suicidal play!).

Never played bridge so can't compare the two, but poker combines mathematical analysis and being able to read people's reactions, patterns etc. For such a simple game there is a lot of depth, you can spend a lifetime learning how to read people's plays and how to know when you're onto a winner, and when to fold that massive hand. That said, if you're not playing for money, it's a fairly pointless game, as without the risk people play any hand, it removes a large part of the game; but even at fairly small stakes (say putting £25 down) you can have a serious game online, and the stakes are high enough to give you a rush when the chips start going down.

Fire away if you've got any questions etc, I still love the game, but rarely play any more due to study/work!

geek84

Hi ceejaysix

Thanks for your response.

I still deciding between whether to learn to play Poker or Bridge.

blobbyh

One of the biggest differences I can imagine is that I bet you don't see many Bridge players down Gamblers Anonymous having gambled away their house and livelihood..

CeeJaySix

Probably true! But contrary to popular opinion, whilst many forms of poker are gambling, hold'em isn't. Gambling is 'playing games of chance for money'. Hold'em is not a game of chance. Know your bankroll and stick to your limits - taking £50 to a game is no different to taking £50 to the pub (well it is, you've got more chance of coming home with your £50 intact and maybe a profit from a poker game!).

Amy Smith

I would 100% play texas hold 'em.

My brothers introduced it to me by holding a poker night, and I've been hooked ever since (this was a few years ago now)!
The majority of the time, I don't play for money - you can have just as much fun playing for chips at home. I'd invest in a set where you get the chips, a few packs of cards and a guide to the game, then you can start inviting friends over for poker nights. It's very sociable and excellent with a bevvy in hand :001_smile:

geek84

Hi Folks

Thanks for your replies.

Which one in England do you think is more popular - Bridge or Poker?

James Patterson

I'd go for poker, get a table set and some chips, makes for a chilled Friday night drinking with friends.

If you want something easy to learn, just play blackjack haha Gin Rummy is fun too.

I reckon poker is more popular too (no basis for that, just a guess).

geek84

Thanks James

James Patterson

geek84 wrote: »

Thanks James

No dramas

CeeJaySix

Depends how old you are I think! There are plenty of bridge clubs where (by reputation at least) the attendees are more senior...poker is certainly more popular among the younger generation I think!

MarieNoelle

CeeJaySix wrote: »

Depends how old you are I think! There are plenty of bridge clubs where (by reputation at least) the attendees are more senior...poker is certainly more popular among the younger generation I think!

I was thinking along the same lines...a few of my "senior" friends regularly meet up for wild nights of bridge playing and they seem to have so much fun I really want to learn how to play! :huh: