Judge — February 11, 1928 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes contract bridge, the card game that was enormously popular in early-to-mid 20th century America. The title "It's All in the Game" suggests bridge encompasses various dubious tactics. The cartoons mock cheating and sharp practices: "Informatory Doubles" shows a two-faced figure (deception); "Leading Up to Dummy" depicts financial manipulation ($650); "Holding Up by the Non-Dealers" shows collusion; "Doubling" involves an accomplice under a tree; "How to Draw Inferences" shows trailing someone; "Ducking" and "Double Entry" depict evasive moves. The satire criticizes both bridge players' alleged dishonesty and the game's complexity enabling fraud. Bridge had become associated with high society and gambling, making it ripe for Judge's satirical treatment of social vice disguised as genteel recreation.