What to expect from bots in card games
Bots fill the empty seats in many card apps. What they should do, what to watch for and how to tell whether a bot is playing fairly.
Most offline card apps fill empty seats with bots. A bot is a computer player that follows set rules, and it is what lets you play a full table alone. Here is what a good bot should do, what to watch for and how to tell whether one is playing fairly.
Same rules, every seat
A bot is only useful if it plays by the same rules as you. A bot that breaks the rules makes practice misleading, because you learn moves the real game does not allow. Check the rules before you rely on any app's bots.
Information a player would have
A fair bot uses only what a player at its seat would know. It should not see the other hands. Our bots that never cheat guide explains how we build bots for 29 Royale on the same principle.
How to test one
Play a few rounds and watch what the bots do. Check that they follow suit, bid within the rules and play legal cards. Keep notes on any move that looks wrong.
Bots are practice
A game against bots is good practice, but it is not the same as a game against people. Bots have limits, and a skilled player will learn their patterns. Use bots to learn the rules, then move to people when you are ready.
Questions people ask
What is a bot in a card game?
A computer player that takes an empty seat and plays by fixed rules.
Should bots follow the same rules as me?
Yes. A bot that breaks the rules makes the game unfair, and a good app will not allow it.
Can a bot see my cards?
It should not. A bot should only use information a player at that seat would have.
How do I tell whether a bot is playing well?
Watch a few rounds. Check that its bids and plays match the rules, and that it does not repeat impossible moves.
Do bots make mistakes?
They can. Any bot has limits, and a game against bots is practice rather than a test of human skill.
What do I do if a bot cheats?
Email support@xtroverllc.com with a short note of what happened. This applies to our own games; for other studios' apps, contact the studio through the store listing.