Poker and bridge are both popular card games that have been enjoyed by people around the world for many years. While they may share some similarities, there are also some significant differences between the two games. One of the most apparent differences is the type of cards that are used. Poker playing cards are typically a standard deck of 52 cards, while bridge playing cards are typically a deck of 52 cards plus two jokers. However, our poker and bridge cards both contain 52 cards plus two jokers.
Poker Cards
The standard deck of poker cards consists of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit contains 13 cards: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. The suits are typically represented by different colors, with hearts and diamonds in red and clubs and spades in black. The cards are plastic and feature colorful illustrations and designs.
Bridge Cards
Bridge playing cards, on the other hand, typically consist of the same four suits as poker cards but with the addition of two jokers. The jokers are usually distinguishable from the other cards by their design and are often referred to as "wild cards" because they can be used to represent any other card in the deck. The suits in a bridge deck are typically represented by different patterns, such as diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs. The cards which are made from plastic help withstand the frequent shuffling and handling that is required in bridge games.
Size Difference
Bridge-size cards are narrower than poker-size cards. A bridge-size card measures 2 ¼ inches by 3 ½ inches while a poker-size card measures 2 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches. Most casinos in the United States use bridge-size cards in table games like Texas Hold’em because they typically are a little easier to shuffle and handle. If you have smaller hands or play with a diverse group of players, bridge-size cards may be more accommodating. Some people simply like how a wider card feels – each person has different preferences.
How are the Cards used?
Another key difference between poker and bridge cards is the way they are used in the respective games. In poker, the goal is to create the best hand by combining the cards in your hand with those that are dealt face-up on the table. The value of a hand is determined by the combination of the cards and their rank, with the highest-ranking hands being the most valuable. In contrast, in bridge, the goal is to take as many tricks as possible by playing the highest card in the suit that was led or by playing a card from a different suit if you do not have any cards in the led suit.
Poker and bridge cards are also dealt differently. In poker, the cards are typically dealt to each player in a clockwise direction, with each player receiving a certain number of cards depending on the variant of poker being played. In contrast, in bridge, the cards are typically dealt to each player in a specific pattern, with each player receiving 13 cards.
Copag USA Cards
The playing cards are different for whichever game you play. Though they have similarities, finding the perfect cards for you and the group you are playing with is important. Shop our Copag USA cards to find the perfect cards for your next game night.