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Playing Your Life: Developing Strategies and Managing Impressions in the Game of Bridge

Author

Listed:
  • Samantha Punch

    (University of Stirling, UK)

  • Miriam Snellgrove

    (University of Stirling, UK)

Abstract

This article contributes to the emerging sociology of mind-sport as a new area of research by showing how everyday interaction and life skills are sharpened and honed through strategic interaction at the bridge table. Using the example of the card game bridge, the article explores how elite players engage in time-consuming and repetitive performances that display their ongoing impression management and strategic interaction work. Through interviews with 52 elite bridge players, the article argues that preparation and practice are required to improve play, alongside the ability to combine deception with notions of skilfully supportive transparent play. These contradictions are played out through learning to read the impressions given off by other players as well as plan in a disciplined manner for mistakes made at the table and to support their partner through silence. Using an interactionist framework, this article illustrates how strategic interaction and impression management are skills continually worked on in high-pressured and competitive environments. The article demonstrates the ways that everyday interaction practices are enhanced by and through a competitive mind-sport.

Suggested Citation

  • Samantha Punch & Miriam Snellgrove, 2021. "Playing Your Life: Developing Strategies and Managing Impressions in the Game of Bridge," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 26(3), pages 601-619, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:26:y:2021:i:3:p:601-619
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780420973043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Davidson, 2011. "Reflections on Doing Research Grounded in My Experience of Perinatal Loss: From Auto/biography to Autoethnography," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liat Hen-Herbst & Liron Lamash & Yael Fogel & Sonya Meyer, 2023. "Mind Sports: Exploring Motivation and Use of Cognitive Strategies in Bridge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-10, March.

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