CARD PLAYERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 72

CARD PLAYERS.

It has often been observed that an individual who has not attained much success in Ms profession or business is yet an expert at bridge and' other card games ; while people remarkable for their mental gifts or for their capacity to manage the ordinary affairs of life are complete failures when they join in a rubber. It has been deduced from this that intellectual powers are not essential possessions for a first-rate bridge or whist devotee. On the other hand, no one who is at all stupid is likely to attain even a modicum of success in those games, which require quick judgment, an unimpeachable memory, and concentration of mind.

The undoubted fact that the brainr man frequently appears incapable of playing cards really well is- explained by several theories. For one thing, he probably regards cards more as a relaxation than as a severe mental exercise, and is not inclined to exert his brain power simply in order to top the- score arid to preserve bis partner's temper. In a word, he does not take cards seriously. He has other more absorbing interests", and his mind is occupied with important matters seem to crowd out 6uch a comparatively, frivolous ambition as success at the card table. When he plays he does- it to kill time, to oblige a. friend, or possibly because it amuses him.

The man who desires fhme as a card player must be, first of all, keen on the game. The individual who does not care whether lie wins or loses, though he may congratulate himself on his imperturbability, is certain to ramftin an indifferent player to the end of his days. The wouldbe expert endeavours to appear umTifnVcl when Fate decides against him, but he is secretly enraged, and is moved by his defeat to greater efforts te succeed.