Bringing Bridge into the Digital Era

Bridge’s transition into the digital age has been gradual, but with platforms like IntoBridge, we’re witnessing a revolution in how this traditional game is played. Today, we’re learning about Ranked Games on IntoBridge –  what is it and what makes it such a compelling option for bridge enthusiasts of all levels?

Understanding Ranked Games

Ranked Games is a game format on IntoBridge, a platform specifically designed for online bridge play. This format has quickly gained popularity among players for its unique blend of traditional bridge with modern technological advancements.

The Concept

In Ranked Games, you play a single board with an AI partner and two AI opponents or … robots. Your performance on this board is then compared to how another human played the same hand. Depending on the outcome, you could either win, lose, or draw, with your rating changing accordingly.

The Appeal

One of the things that sets Ranked Games apart is its flexibility and adaptability to players’ schedules. You can start a game whenever you wish and pause it if needed. This flexibility makes it ideal for people with varying schedules who still want to enjoy a game of bridge.

Key Features of Ranked Games

Ranked Games System

The system starts with everyone at the 7 of Diamonds rank, progressing through various ranks and subranks. The highest achievable rank is the Ace of Spades. Players earn or lose IntoBridge Points (IBPs) based on their game outcomes, which determines their rank.

New Additions

IntoBridge constantly updates Ranked Games with new features:

• Win or Go Home: A feature that doubles your IBPs if you win but counts a draw as a loss.
• Rematch: Allows you to replay against a previous opponent.
• Dynamic Leaderboards: Including leaderboards by country and among friends.

Meet Lia: The New Bridge Robot on IntoBridge

In more exciting news from IntoBridge, a brand-new bridge robot named Lia joined the platform in October 2023. Developed by Luc Bellicaud, a member of the IntoBridge team and World U31 Teams champion, Lia represents a significant leap forward in AI for bridge. While Lia is still in its beta version, it’s already showing immense potential. This AI is designed to explain its bids with clarity and understands various bridge conventions, although it’s still ironing out some playful quirks. For now, Lia is available on the Casual tables as an alternative to the existing robot, Ben, giving players a unique opportunity to test and enjoy this new AI’s capabilities. As the team continues to refine Lia, they invite players to experience the fun and challenge of playing alongside or against this innovative bridge companion.

When you play Ranked Games, you are able to choose your preferred robot. Simply click on the three-bar menu at the top left of the screen and select Preferences. From there, you can select Ben or Lia. For those of you who wonder about bidding systems and conventions click here for a copy of Lia’s Convention Card (as of Nov 19 2023).

The Competitive Edge

Ranked Games bring out the competitive spirit in players. During the Beta season, we saw intense competition among top players, with Steve Weinstein securing the first position. The format ensures that you’re matched with opponents of similar skill, offering a balanced and fair competitive environment.

The Social Aspect

Beyond the competitive element, Ranked Games foster a sense of community. Players can follow and learn from others, like Gavin Wolpert, who records gameplay on IntoBridge’s Youtube, or Pete Hollands, who streams his games.

Practical Tips for Ranked Games Newcomers

If you’re new to Ranked Games, here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Start at Your Own Pace: Don’t rush into playing high-stakes games. Begin with casual games to understand the mechanics. There are lots of options.
• Watch and Learn: Follow experienced players’ streams or videos (see links below). It’s a great way to learn strategies and tricks.
• Use the Features: Experiment with the ‘Win or Go Home’ and ‘Rematch’ features. They can add an exciting twist to your games
• Embrace Technology: Take time to familiarize yourself with the platform. Use tutorials and help guides.
• Stay Open to Learning: Every game is a learning opportunity. Embrace both victories and defeats as chances to grow.
• Engage with the Community: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or share your experiences on forums or social media.

Seasonal Games

Ranked Games in the IntoBridge platform are seasonal. This structure is a key aspect of how the platform keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging for its users. Here are some details about the seasonal nature of Ranked Games:

1. Defined Seasons: Each season of Ranked Games has a specific duration, generally lasting between 2 to 3 months. At the end of a season, the rankings and accomplishments of that period are finalized.
2. Seasonal Resets: With the conclusion of each season, there’s usually a reset. This means players start the new season with a clean slate, or in some cases, they might start from a standardized rank, like the 7 of Diamonds rank mentioned in one of the updates. This reset allows all players to begin anew, striving for the top positions on the leaderboard.
3. Seasonal Updates and Features: Each new season often brings updates or new features to the gameplay. For example, the addition of features like ‘Win or Go Home’ and ‘Rematch’ enhance the gaming experience and keep the platform evolving.
4. Competitive Dynamics: The seasonal structure fosters a competitive environment where players are motivated to achieve the highest ranks before the season ends. This creates a dynamic and exciting competitive atmosphere.
5. Community Engagement: Seasons also create opportunities for community events, such as special streams by prominent players or community challenges. This helps in building a stronger, more engaged community around the game.
6. Continuous Improvement: Feedback gathered during a season is often used to make improvements and adjustments for the subsequent seasons, ensuring that the platform stays responsive to its users’ needs and preferences.

The Future of Ranked Games

IntoBridge is committed to continually improving the Ranked Games experience. With feedback from players, new features and updates are regularly introduced to enhance gameplay.

What’s Next?

• Achievements Board: A forthcoming feature where players can showcase their successes from current and previous seasons.
• Continued Improvements: Expect ongoing updates and refinements to the platform based on user feedback. Click here to read about recently released new features.

Final Thoughts

Ranked Games on IntoBridge maintains the essence of the traditional game while integrating it with the benefits of digital technology. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there’s something in Ranked Games for everyone. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey and see where Ranked Games can take you? Remember, every hand you play is a step towards mastering this timeless game in its new, digital avatar. Let the games begin!

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Are you IntoBridge?  A new online bridge platform appears.

Are you a big Harry Potter fan? This article is for you! With magic, beasts, and terrifying villains, there is no shortage of fun and crazy board games that can fit into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In this article, we will break down 12 of the best Harry Potter games out there. So, if you are a big fan of all things Harry Potter, get your wand ready and prepare to venture through the Harry Potter world from your tabletop!

1. HARRY POTTER HOGWARTS BATTLE

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $49.90
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Secure the safety of Hogwarts by battling and defeating villains who wish to gain power over the school. 

In Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, players work together in a cooperative setting to stop the forces of evil from taking over the school. Players will take turns resisting the Dark Arts and battling it out in hopes of pushing the dark forces back. If the heroes fail, it surely spells disaster for not only Hogwarts but the world. Hogwarts Battle is not only one of our favorite Harry Potter board games but also one of the best deck building games out there!

HOW TO PLAY

Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle is a cooperative game, where players will choose classic characters from the series to play as. They must work together to stop villains from overtaking precious locations on the board. Players will have to survive the dark arts, and villain attacks. Then play their cards, collecting resources and attacking villains. Players will also need to gain influence so that they can better the cards in their decks.

2. HOGWARTS MAGICAL MAYHEM

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $39.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Score the most points for your team.

Hogwarts Magical Mayhem is a fun 3D board game. This game is made of several mini-games where you can score points for your team, but watch out, doing poorly could cost you as well. From assembling the board to performing various dexterity-based actions, this game is made for everyone. 

HOW TO PLAY

To play Hogwarts Magical Mayhem players will join teams to compete as members of. There are 8 separate mini-games, some requiring different skill sets to complete. Players will compete to do their best at each mini-game which includes making potions, taming beats, finding the right pathways, beating the hydra, and more. We also can’t forget everyone’s favorite, a rousing game of quidditch. Once all the games are complete, players compare scores to see who is the champion of Hogwarts, 

3. CLUE: WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $37.33
• Players: 3 to 5
• Objective: Find the Suspect by knowing the place, spell, and the person who committed the crime. 

This is a magical twist on the classic game of Clue. Players will play as various wizards at Hogwarts. One of the Students has vanished and all the characters are suspects. Players will need to explore the grounds to rule out various wizards, spells, and locations. Once they have a solid accusation they can bring it to the Headmaster.

HOW TO PLAY

Just like classic Clue, players will roll dice to move around the board. As they do so, they will find help cards to rule out various spells, locations, and suspects. Players will need to watch out because there is a possibility of running into the dark mark. If a player comes in contact, they could lose house points if they do not have the right help cards. Losing all your house points removes you from the games, so be careful. When a player is sure of their accusation, they can make their way to Dumbeldore’s office to accuse! 

4. HARRY POTTER MAGICAL BEASTS

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $26.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Identify the magical beast by collecting clue cards. 

In Harry Potter Magical Beasts players compete to collect clue cards to identify magical beasts. They must strategize to keep their clues safe from other wizards, and research to find what beast they are pursuing. 

HOW TO PLAY

To play Harry Potter Magical Beasts players will roll dice to move across the board. There is also a special side of the dice that causes the board to flip! Creating crazy circumstances and advantages for the wizard’s turn. Players will race, looking for clues across the board, and slowly compiling clue cards for different beasts. When a player manages to get 4 clue cards that identify a beast, they win!

5. TRIVIAL PURSUIT: WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $21.99
• Players: 2+
• Objective: Answer questions correctly and collect all 6 wedges.

It is the classic game of Trivial Pursuit, but it features categories and questions all about Harry Potter! Compete with your friends to have the most extensive knowledge of the universe. Race to be the first player to win. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will roll dice to move in Trivial Pursuit: Harry Potter. After each movement a different player will read a trivia question, matching the category the current player landed on. If the player answers correctly, they may continue, or may sometimes collect a wedge. Once a player collects all the wedges, they can climb to the middle of the board to answer one last trivia question correctly to win. 

6. CATCH THE GOLDEN SNITCH

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $19.99
• Players: 3 to 4
• Objective: Earn more points than all other players

Catch the Golden Snitch is a fast-paced, dexterity-based board game. Players all take their turns simultaneously, making the play area chaotic. Players will compete to collect sets of cards to score, all while stealing, blocking, and always being on alert for the golden snitch. It is based on the game of Quidditch from the books.

HOW TO PLAY

Players all take their turns simultaneously in Catch the Golden Snitch. The players will receive their own decks to draw from. Players will draw cards and discard them as quickly as possible to collect sets of matching cards but never have more than 5 cards in hand. Players may get sets of items that award them points at the end of the game, pairs of seekers who only give points if they catch the snitch, and various other card types.

Some cards when collected prevent people from stealing from you. Others will allow players to throw a bludgeoner at another in an attempt to sabotage other players’ hands. Some sets allow you to steal other players’ sets. After a random amount of turns the golden snitch will be released into the air. The player who catches it first is allowed to score their seekers. The release of the golden snitch also ends the game. The player who earned the most points wins.

7. HARRY POTTER LABYRINTH

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $36.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Collect all of your characters and return to your starting space.

In Harry Potter Labyrinth you will compete against the other players to find and collect all of your secret characters. You will constantly be changing up the board, and moving objectives. Race to find everyone and return to your starting is to be crowned the winner. 

HOW TO PLAY

On a player’s turn, they will look, secretly, at the current character they are attempting to rescue from the Labyrinth. Players will have to strategize a way to move across the ever-changing landscape by selecting and sliding in new tiles on their turn. Once a player reaches the character, they reveal their card and start searching for the next missing characters. Once a player has found all of their assigned characters, they will then need to make their way back to their starting location to win!

8. MISCHIEF IN DIAGON ALLEY 

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $24.99
• Players: 3 to 5
• Objective: Remove all the wrong items from your shop, while collecting all the correct items.

Mischief in Diagon Alley is a super fast-paced, real-time game. Players will be rolling their three dice and using their instruction to move around items on the board. The goal for each player is to quickly assemble all their shop’s items and remove all the wrong items from their shop. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will simultaneously roll three dice. The dice will tell you what item you can move, what direction it can be moved from, and how many of the items can be moved. Players will roll, move the correct items to their shop, and the wrong items out. Rolling again immediately after finishing their previous roll. The first player to have all of the correct items in their shop, and no incorrect items, wins. 

9. MUNCHKIN HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $29.99
• Players: 3 to 6
• Objective: Reach level 10 by killing monsters. 

Munchkin Harry Potter is a Harry Potter board game mashup of traditional Munchkin and the Wizarding World. Players will decide on their character, defeat monsters in combat, and avoid curses and death at all costs. Players will compete and sabotage others in an attempt to be the first to reach level 10. 

HOW TO PLAY

Players will take turns fighting monsters, searching rooms, and playing cards. The goal of the Munchkin Harry Potter is to reach level 10, but to do so and win you must defeat a monster. Players will also be able to help or harm other players, by applying curses, giving cards, or helping to fight monsters. Beware of death, because you will have to start all over. 

 This version of the game can be added to others to make an even crazier experience. 

10. CODENAMES: HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $24.99
• Players: 2+
• Objective: Find all 15 Order of the Phoenix Members before time runs out.

In Codenames: Harry Potter players will split into two teams. Players will then take turns giving clues for the other side to correctly guess the members needed. Once all 15 of the members from both sides of the board are found, the players all win. Watch out! There are Ministry Officials and, even worse, a death eater on the loose! This fun Harry Potter game is a fun twist on classic Codenames.

HOW TO PLAY

Players will take turns giving their opposing teammates a single-word clue, followed by a number of cards this clue applies to. The opposing team will then think and discuss the clue before touching a tile to indicate a guess. If it was a Phoenix Member,  they are one step closer to winning and get to guess again. When it is a Ministry Official, they lose time and have to end the turn immediately. If it is the dreaded death eater, you have lost the game. Once finished their turn it is time for the other team to follow suit and complete their turn in the same fashion. If players manage to get all 15 members found before the end of the game, they win!

11. HARRY POTTER GUESS WHO?

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $34.99
• Players: 2
• Objective: Be the first to correctly guess who the other player’s character is. 

Harry Potter Guess Who? is a magic-filled version of standard Guess Who? The players will compete to see who can correctly figure out who the other player’s secret character is by asking wild and entertaining questions to their opponent. This is, without a doubt, one of the best Harry Potter board games for younger players.

HOW TO PLAY

Each player will choose their character and then take turns asking questions about them. On a player’s turn, they will ask a single yes or no question to their opponent. Their opponent will then answer honestly the question. The player will then go through their remaining choices and narrow them down by flipping them closed if they do not fit with the answers to their questions. The first player to ask the opponent if their character is “so and so” and be correct wins. 

12. HEDBANZ WIZARDING WORLD HARRY POTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Cost: $18.99
• Players: 2 to 4
• Objective: Collect 5 chocolate frogs first.

In this game Hedbanz Wizarding World Harry Potter, players will compete to guess correctly what they have tucked in their headband. They have a certain amount of time to ask questions to get closer to an answer. If they successfully guess they earn a chocolate frog!

HOW TO PLAY

Players will on their turn put a card in their headband. There will be a timer to keep track of a player’s turn as well. The player may then begin to ask yes or no questions to determine what they have on their headband. If they are having trouble a player may use a potion which will have another player give clues in a different manner. If the player manages to guess correctly they gain a chocolate frog, and if there is still time they may draw a new card and begin to guess again. Once a player has earned 5 chocolate frogs, they win. 

YOUR HOGWARTS FANTASY IS WAITING!

If you or someone you know is a huge Harry Potter fan, these are some great games for you. These games range in difficulty, and mechanics meaning you’ll have many options for Wizarding World fun. This list of 12 Harry Potter games is sure to delight. We have taken all the guessing out of buying these games, and now you can decide which of these great games is perfect for you!

Looking for some more fun themed board games? Check out our list of the 11 best Disney board games!

Amber (They/Them) is an Austin writer and gaming connoisseur. A self-proclaimed gaming master with a love for dogs, plants, and D&D.

Latest posts by Amber Crook (see all)

December is an exciting time for PC gamers! As the year comes to a close, we’re not just looking forward to the holidays but also to some amazing new games. This month is packed with some of the most anticipated games of the year, offering a variety of experiences that cater to all kinds of gamers. If you are also excited to experience new worlds, we have curated a list of the five most anticipated PC games coming out in December 2023.

5. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising revamps the classic fighting game formula, making it more welcoming for new players while keeping it exciting for seasoned gamers. This sequel has cleverly simplified its controls, allowing beginners to jump into the action without getting bogged down by complex button combos. This change means players can enjoy the thrill of battle and strategy without worrying too much about mastering difficult moves. The game does a fantastic job of being easy for newcomers to pick up while still offering the depth and challenge that experienced fighters love. It strikes a perfect balance, offering straightforward controls that don’t take away from the game’s strategic depth.

Aside from the fighting, the game introduces a fun new party mode called Grand Bruise Legends. This mode is all about having a good time, with a range of activities like obstacle courses and survival games set in a colorful island lobby. It also has an engaging story campaign that takes players on an adventurous journey through the Granblue Fantasy world. This part of the game feels like an action RPG, where you explore, take on quests, and get to know more about the game’s world and characters.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader takes players on an epic journey through the Koronus Expanse, a dangerous and largely uncharted region in the Warhammer universe. Developed by the experienced team at Owlcat Games, this classical RPG is all about exploring the vast, open world from the deck of your personal voidship. The game’s setting is more than just a backdrop – it’s a living, breathing part of the experience, filled with hidden dangers and opportunities for both exploration and profit. As you navigate through this perilous space, the grandeur and mystery of the fringes of the Imperium unfold before you, offering a unique blend of adventure and danger.

In this game, your decisions really matter. You play as a Lord-Captain, a powerful and influential figure who must make choices that go beyond simple dialogue options. These choices affect everything from your character creation to your strategic decisions on the battlefield. Will you uphold the God-Emperor’s will, or will you venture into forbidden territories? Your actions change not just your path, but the world around you and its inhabitants. This dynamic storytelling approach ensures that each playthrough is personal and varied, as the game world reacts and evolves based on your actions.

3. House Flipper 2

House Flipper 2 brings back the fun of the original game but with even more exciting features. It’s perfect for anyone who loves giving old houses a new lease of life or even building brand new ones from scratch. In this game, you get to work in the beautiful town of Pinnacove, a place filled with charming houses, each with its own story. As you fix up each home, you’ll learn about its history and the people who lived there, thanks to your friend Tom, who knows everyone in town.

The game is really user-friendly, making it easy and enjoyable to use tools like hammers, paint rollers, and mops. If you love being creative, the new Sandbox Mode is a treat. Here, you can build any house you can imagine or even recreate famous buildings. For those who prefer following a story, Story Mode offers a series of fun renovation projects, each with its own unique twist. Overall, House Flipper 2 is all about having a good time while you renovate and decorate.

2. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, players get to play as Na’vi who’s been trained by the RDA which is a human military group. After 15 years, you’re finally free and back in your homeland, but things feel different. Your mission is to rediscover your Na’vi roots and join forces with other clans to save Pandora from the RDA. The story is all about finding out who you really are and standing up for your home.

The game takes you to a new part of Pandora, the Western Frontier. It’s a beautiful but dangerous place, full of surprises and challenges. Every step you take in this alien world is both amazing and risky. The game makes sure you’re always on your toes, as you never know what’s around the corner in this stunning but treacherous land. Also, players can use classic Na’vi weapons like bows or go for more powerful human weapons. This mix of options keeps the fights exciting and lets you play in your own style.

1. The Day Before

Wrapping up our list at the top spot is The Day Before, an exciting game set in a world that’s just survived a terrible pandemic. This game takes you to the East Coast of the US, where you have to survive at all costs. It’s all about staying alive, whether that means fighting other players, escaping from scary infected people, or finding valuable items that can help you stay ahead.

The game’s world, called New Fortune City, is really detailed and fun to explore. Imagine wandering through huge, abandoned skyscrapers, shopping malls, and even stadiums. You get to drive around in awesome vehicles to see even more of the city and find cool stuff. In addition, you can trade items you find, keep your stuff safe in your own storage space, and even build your own safe house.

So, what’s your take on these games? And did we miss any game that deserves a spot on this list? Let us know on our socials here.

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Summertime is coming to an end, but we are still bringing the heat at Casino.com!

This month, we are travelling back in time and adding some Ancient themed slots to our gaming portfolio. Explore the Pyramids, thunderbolts and more as we take a closer look at a few of the new additions that will soon be hitting the game lobby.

All upcoming games have different bonuses features, varying bet ranges, and their own distinct characters. Get in your time machine and take a trip to see what is being released in September 2023.

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect

Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect is an Ancient Egyptian themed slot game from game provider Playtech. The game features symbols such as the Cleopatra Wild, a sphinx, and a scarab which are all all set against the backdrop of a visually stunning extravagant temple that has flames surrounding the game grid.

The slot has 30 paylines, ambient traditional music, and an RTP of 95.41% with a huge bet range starting from €0.10 going all the way up to €500. One of the exciting features of the game is the Cash Collect mechanic, as well as the Free Games Bonus Round opportunity.

If you are lucky enough to trigger the additional round, a special expanded grid with locked rows above the main reels will be presented with a new colour scheme, and huge win potential.

Look out for these icons: 

• Cash Collect Symbol – Land a Cash Collect symbol to collect bonus symbols and cash prizes.
• Cash Spreader – When this bright gold and red striped symbols lands anywhere on the reels, it will spread random bonus symbols on the extra reels, adding up to 5 coins to random positions on extra reels.
• Sticky Cash –Collect prizes up to 16x your bet as this symbol will turn into a jackpot Diamond and freeze until your next spin once the jackpot has been collected.

This slot game also 4 Progressive Jackpots – Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. These can be randomly triggered by landing a Diamond icon and a Cash Collect symbol on the reels during any spin.

Will you find your diamond at the top of the pyramid?

Amazing Link Zeus Epic 4

Next up, we travel into Greek mythology for the 4^th instalment of Amazing Link Zeus Epic. This is an electrifying slot game brought to you by Microgaming (Games Global) with 20 to 80 paylines, an RTP of 96.47%, and 4 distinct reel sets. Spin away to find symbols such as Pegasus, the harp, the vase, and the powerful Zeus Wild.

At the heart of the slot game lies the vibrant blue Amazing Symbol which can also turn gold with the right amount of force! Triggering 6 or more of these icons on a single reel, can ignite the Amazing Link feature, awarding 3 respins. With the locked symbols intact, your respins could lock more spins leading to a huge payout.

Unleash your power!

Eye of Horus Rise Of Egypt

We are going back to Ancient Egypt again, however this time we are looking straight into the Eye of Horus Rise of Egypt. This slot has been developed by Blueprint Gaming and has a standard 5-reel x 3-rows game grid with 10 paylines. There are Wild symbols, and a captivating bonus round where you can get a maximum win of 50,000x your bet.

Although this is another Ancient Egyptian game, this one is set on a backdrop reminiscent of hieroglyphic slabs giving you a completely different experience to other Egyptian style games. See if the eye can guide you on a path to riches!

Play for Real Money

To start playing Real Money bets, just simply sign in and place your bets. Whether you are keen to explore the Ancient Egypt, Zeus’ thunderbolts, or if you just want to play a fun slot game, our lobby has something for everyone.

And if you are registering for the first time and making your first deposit, you can claim your Welcome Bonus before playing on all of our new games. 

Eight-Seven suited is a crowd favorite among poker players…

…but most don’t play it correctly. Players see this nice-looking hand and often choose to play it in the wrong situation or in the wrong way.

To help you avoid mistakes with Eight-Seven suited, this quick guide covers:

• How to play Eight-Seven suited in common preflop situations
• 3 tips for playing Eight-Seven suited when you miss the flop
• 3 tips for playing Eight-Seven suited when you hit the flop

Let’s get started.

How to Play Eight-Seven Suited Preflop

First, let’s run through how to play this suited connector in every common scenario before the flop. All of the advice in this section assumes that stacks are around 100 big blinds.

Position is key when it comes to playing Eight-Seven suited. Here are the table positions for your reference:

Unopened Pots

Eight-Seven suited is pretty strong relative to all poker hands. It ranks within the top 20% of all starting hands overall.

Due to it’s great postflop potential, you can profitably open-raise with Eight-Seven suited from any position in a 6-max game when the action folds to you.

If you’re playing in 9-handed games, it’s better to exercise caution from the three earliest positions (UTG, UTG+1 and UTG+2). If you’re at a very soft and passive table, you might be able to get away with raising it. But at many tables that will be a sub-optimal play with potential profit loss.

Limping is a bad decision with every hand. You invite players to come along profitably with many hands, lowering your expected value (EV).

Note: Do not play another hand without this $7 Postflop Playbook! With such a low price tag, Doug Polk’s Postflop Playbook is a no-brainer buy if you want to nail down your fundamentals and build a bigger bankroll. Transform your poker skills now!

Against a Raise

Position is even more critical when playing against a raise with Eight-Seven suited. You get to play it more often versus the later positions, and it helps to be in the later positions (or the Big Blind) yourself. 

Let’s get specific.

When you’re seated in the Hijack position or earlier, you should always fold Eight-Seven suited against a raise. It is slightly too weak to play from these positions, but it is not a massive mistake if you choose to. If you do decide to play it, you should probably be 3-betting. Calling when there are many players yet to act behind you is something that should be done sparingly.

When you’re seated in the Cutoff, you should usually fold Eight-Seven suited against a raise. If the player who raised is worth targeting for some reason, you can consider mixing in some calling or 3-betting. Just be careful calling if the players behind you are aggressive (because they may squeeze you out).

When you’re on the Button, all three options are on the table depending on the raiser’s position and tendencies, as well as the players behind. As a baseline strategy, I recommend only 3-betting this hand when it was the Cutoff who raised (and otherwise folding). However, if the player who raised and/or the players behind are worth targeting, you can adjust from that baseline strategy (either by 3-betting or calling).

When you’re in the Small Blind, you should always fold Eight-Seven suited against a raise. It really sucks to be first to act postflop, so you have to play extra tight from the Small Blind.

Playing from the Big Blind against a raise is somewhat complicated, so it gets its own section.

Defending Your Big Blind with Eight-Seven Suited

When you’re in the Big Blind, you should always continue (by calling or 3-betting) with Eight-Seven suited because you are closing the action with a big discount. The better option between calling and 3-betting depends on the position that you are facing.

Sometimes, playing a mixed strategy between calling and 3-betting is best. Other times, you should always 3-bet.

As you probably expect by now, the best option depends on your opponent’s position:

• Against the Lojack — who has a fairly tight range — you should mostly call and occasionally (25% of the time) 3-bet with Eight-Seven suited.
• Against the Hijack and Cutoff, you should be mix between calling and 3-betting equally.
• Against the Button — who has a loose range — you should always 3-bet.
• Against the Small Blind, you should mix between calling and 3-betting.

With all of that said, unless you are playing 500NL online or higher, the small frequency 3-bets don’t matter much. It would be impossibly hard to get exploited for this in a live setting or micro to small stakes online. So, if you prefer to just call every time against the Lojack, go for it.

Against a 3-Bet

If you’re playing in games with high rake, solver solutions show that Eight-Seven suited should mix between calling and folding when out of position against the 3-bettor.

When you’re in position against the 3-bettor, you should call more often. I’d never fold Eight-Seven suited to a normal-sized 3-bet after raising from the Cutoff or Button. I would fold it some of the time if I raised from an earlier position (because my overall range is tighter and thus the 3-bettor is less likely to be messing around).

This is all assuming you are playing against aggressive 3-bettors who are trying to balance their range.

If you are playing against passive opponents who never 3-bet without the goods, you can exploit them by folding Eight-Seven suited every time.

Against a 4-Bet

This might be surprising for you…

After you’ve 3-bet, Eight-Seven suited is always a call against a 4-bet. The hand retains a good amount of equity against 4-betting ranges, doesn’t suffer from reverse implied odds, and has great playability through being able to flop draws of all kinds.

Once again, keep in mind that this strategic advice is only applicable when you are playing against an aggressive opponent who is capable of 4-bet bluffing. If your opponent is a huge nit, don’t give them the action.

3 Tips For Playing Eight-Seven Suited When You Miss the Flop

This advice assumes you were the preflop aggressor (i.e. the player who put in the last raise before the flop).

Tip #1: Bet with Front Door Draws

For example: You raise preflop with and the flop comes , , or .

Keep it simple and put pressure on your opponent whenever you flop a gutshot straight draw, open-ended straight draw, or flush draw. Balancing your c-betting range with these draws ensures you have a mix of bluffs and strong hands that can connect on the turn or the river.

When you hit on the turn or river, aim to stack your opponent! 

Tip #2: Utilize Backdoor Draws for Bluffing

If you only bluffed on the flop with draws, you’d have a big problem when those draws complete. You’d be left with an unbalanced, strong range that will be very easy to exploit.

To prevent this outcome from happening, you have to think ahead and add backdoor flush draws to your flop bluffing range. These draws do a tremendous job of helping you maintain balance across all run outs, keeping even skilled opponents guessing about the strength of your hand.

Keep in mind, though, that this doesn’t mean you should fire away with every hand that has a backdoor draw. There is a time and place for every play and certainly firing c-bets with backdoor hands involves a heavily nuanced strategic approach.

Related reading: 5 Tips for Playing Backdoor Flush & Straight Draws.

Tip #3: On boards that are very good for your range, you can bet even if you’ve completely missed after 3-betting preflop

In 3-bet pots, even if you’ve completely missed the board, you should still c-bet with Eight-Seven suited on the following boards:

• Double broadway flops (such as )
  
• Triple broadway flops (such as )
  
• Ace-high flops
  

The 3-bettor holds a range advantage on these flops, driven by an abundance of strong hands like Ace-King and premium pairs. So, even when you hold a nothing hand like Eight-Seven suited on those types of flops, you have an opportunity to bluff credibly.

Don’t miss your chance to bluff in these situations, even when you’ve missed, because it’s fundamental to playing optimal poker.

3 Tips for Playing Eight-Seven Suited When You Hit the Flop

Once again, this advice assumes you were the preflop aggressor.

Tip #1: Check Back with Middle or Third Pair in Single Raised Pots

Example: You raise preflop with , the Big Blind calls, and the flop comes .

For medium-strength hands like middle/third pair warrant a passive approach in most scenarios. The goal is to reach showdown cheaply or, even better, improve to trips or two pair.

However, consider betting on certain disconnected flops when your pair is vulnerable and there is a lot of fold equity to be gained and weak hands that will likely call you. For example, I’d still bet on a very disconnected flop like .

Tip #2: Avoid Slow-Playing Trips or Two-Pair

Never slow-play strong hands like trips or two pair, especially when in position. Betting and building the pot early is crucial to maximizing your value.

Slow-playing too often will greatly diminish your expected value in the long run.

Tip #3: Play Passively with Top Pair When Out of Position

When the flop is Seven-high or Eight-High and unpaired — such as or — take a passive approach when you’re out of position.

These boards favor the in-position caller, so you should avoid inflating the pot with your vulnerable top pair. Playing out of position as the preflop raiser warrants a surprisingly passive, defensive strategy in general (as this article explains).

Any questions?

Let me know in the comment section down below.

If you want to learn how to play another starting hand, check out How to Play Pocket Fours in Cash Games.

Till next time, good luck, grinders!

Racing games are a lot of fun as they let players feel the thrill of fast cars, exciting races, and cool tracks without leaving their seats. With so many of these games around, picking the best ones can be tricky. Steam has many racing games, but not all of them are worth the time. Some games stand out because they are more exciting, look better, or just feel right. That’s why we’ve picked five top racing games from Steam for you. So, let’s get started and see what makes them special!

5. CarX Drift Racing Online

CarX Drift Racing Online is one of the best racing games on Steam, and it’s all about the thrill of drifting. The game invites you to slide your car around corners and feel like a real drift racer. This game makes that possible. Also, the game feels real. When you turn or slide your car, it reacts just like a real car would. This makes playing the game both fun and challenging. If you’ve ever wanted to try drifting without real-world risks, this is your chance.

Now, about the cars. There are so many to pick from! You can choose your favorite, make it look how you want, and even improve how it drives. The game lets you be in control and have your dream car. Lastly, the places you race in are fantastic. From snowy paths to bright city streets, every race is a new adventure. Plus, there are many other players you can race against, which makes the game even more exciting. In short, if you love drifting and racing, this game should be on your Steam list!

4. The Crew 2

The Crew 2 offers players an enormous playground to explore: the entire United States. This game is not just about traditional racing. You can zoom through diverse terrains, from bustling cities to calm lakes and even the open skies. This means you’re not limited to cars; you can race in boats and planes, making every race feel fresh and unique. But what makes The Crew 2 one of the best racing games on Steam is its dynamic world. You don’t just race; you become a part of different racing communities, take on varied events, and aim to dominate the leaderboards. Your decisions in the game shape your journey, pulling you deeper into a world where every racing enthusiast would want to lose themselves.

Another great aspect of The Crew 2 is its community of players. The game is always bustling with new events, fresh content, and the thrill of competing against other players from around the world. This active community ensures that there’s always something new to look forward to, making every login a new adventure. So, if you’re looking for an unmatched racing experience, this game is definitely worth checking out.

3. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Next up on our list of the best racing games on Steam is Assetto Corsa Competizione. This game is famous for how real it feels. It’s like you’re right there in the middle of a big race. Every race track in the game looks and feels just like the real thing. You can race on a sunny day or in the middle of a rainstorm. This makes every race feel new and different. You have to think about the weather and change how you drive based on it.

The real excitement for many players is the game’s multiplayer mode. Here, you can race against other players who are just as skilled as you. Every win feels special because you know you’re racing against some of the best virtual drivers out there. The game also shines when it comes to realism. Every turn, brake, and acceleration feels just like real racing. Overall, Assetto Corsa Competizione is one of the best games on Steam for anyone who loves racing games.

2. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 lets you drive in Mexico, a place full of beautiful spots like beaches, old cities, and mountains. While playing, you don’t just race. You can also meet new characters and choose how their stories go. The game always feels fresh and exciting. That’s because it changes as you play. Sometimes, you might be racing during a huge dust storm. Other times, you might be driving during heavy rain. These changes make every race different and fun.

Furthermore, there’s a part of the game called the Horizon Arcade. Here, you and your friends can join fun challenges without any wait. It’s all about playing together and having a good time. But that’s not all. The game also lets you create your own races and challenges. You can even change how your car looks, by painting different parts. And if you make something cool, you can share it with other players. This game is not just about racing; it’s about making new things and sharing them with everyone.

1. F1 23

F1 23 is easily one of the best racing games on Steam. If you love the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, this game is perfect. You’ll find new race tracks in places like Las Vegas and Qatar. Plus, the game has added features like red flags, which make you think more about your racing strategy. In addition, the game also features a story mode called “Braking Point.” Here, you get to be part of a racing story filled with speed, challenges, and intense rivalries. It’s not just about winning races, but also about being part of a bigger story in the world of F1 racing.

The game has updated its list of cars and tracks based on the real 2023 Formula One races. So, you can pick from 20 famous drivers and 10 top teams to race with. You can even create your own dream racing team and see how it competes with others. And if you have friends who love racing too, you can play against them on the same screen or with players from other places online. The game even has new online racing leagues you can join. So, if you love racing and want a game that feels real, F1 23 is the one to check out on Steam.

So, do you agree with our top pick for the best racing games on Steam? Are there any titles we missed that deserve a mention? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here!