dintrecasa.com – Winston Churchill is remembered for many things: his leadership during World War II, his powerful speeches, his writing, his humor, and his unbreakable resolve in the darkest moments of modern history. But behind the political giant was a surprisingly playful, competitive man who deeply enjoyed games—especially card games.
So, what was Winston Churchill’s favorite card game?
The answer reveals an intimate, human side of him—one that lived in the quiet hours between battles, strategy sessions, diplomacy, and global decisions. A side powered not by grand speeches but by simple enjoyment, friendly rivalry, and a bit of luck.
Before diving into his personal preferences, it helps to understand the broader nature of What Are Card Games?, because Churchill didn’t simply play for entertainment. For him, card games were a mental exercise, a social ritual, and a welcome escape from constant pressure.
Let’s explore the card game he loved most, why it mattered to him, and how it reflected his mind and personality.
Churchill the Gamer: A Man Who Loved Strategy and Leisure
Churchill’s life was built around high-stakes decision-making. Yet he constantly sought activities that balanced stress with stimulation. He famously enjoyed:
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chess,
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backgammon,
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painting,
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bricklaying,
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and of course—card games.
But among all the games he played, one card game was far more than a pastime for him.
Churchill’s Favorite Card Game: Bezique
The card game Winston Churchill loved above all others was Bezique.
Bezique isn’t well-known today, but in the late 19th and early 20th century, it was a popular trick-taking card game across Europe.
Why Bezique?
Churchill loved Bezique because it blended:
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strategy
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calculation
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memory
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light gambling
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and psychological reading
He played it obsessively at various points in his life, especially during his time in the Admiralty, on long journeys, and in quieter hours during WWII.
Bezique wasn’t a casual time-killer—it was a daily ritual.
What Is Bezique and How Does It Work?
Bezique is a trick-taking game for two players, originally from France, later spreading across Europe. Churchill often played the English variation known as Six-Card Bezique, which evolved into Pinochle in the United States.
Key Characteristics
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Played with a 64-card deck (two shortened decks combined)
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Players aim to score points through melds, such as:
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queens and jacks (the famous “bezique”)
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royal marriages
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sequences
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sets of aces, kings, queens, or jacks
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Trump suit plays a major role
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The deck is drawn throughout the round, keeping gameplay dynamic
Bezique offers a perfect blend of luck and strategy—exactly the type of game that appealed to Churchill’s analytical, calculating mind.
How Bezique Became Churchill’s Escape From Pressure
Winston Churchill lived in a world consumed by global war, diplomacy, and political chaos. The tension was relentless. Bezique became more than a hobby—it became a mental refuge.
1. A Break From Intensity
During wartime, each decision carried enormous consequences. Bezique allowed him to momentarily detach. The rules required concentration, but the stakes were harmless, giving his mind a structured rest.
2. Controlled Competition
Churchill loved competition. He enjoyed games where strategy mattered but didn’t require the overwhelming commitment of chess. Bezique struck the perfect balance.
3. Social Ritual
Churchill often played with advisers, military officers, or friends. It wasn’t just a game—it was a bonding moment.
4. Mental Exercise
His mind never stopped working. Bezique allowed him to stay sharp without the heaviness of political responsibility.
Bezique, for Churchill, was both relaxation and stimulation.
Churchill Played Bezique Almost Daily
Multiple records, letters, and firsthand accounts describe Churchill’s fascination with Bezique throughout his life.
During His Admiralty Years
He frequently played on naval ships, often during long voyages. Officers observed that he played:
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in the evenings
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during travel downtime
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between strategy meetings
During World War II
Even amidst the war, Churchill would set aside time for:
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backgammon,
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chess,
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and Bezique sessions with close colleagues.
These weren’t frivolous pastimes; they were essential to preserving his mental stamina.
At Home
At Chartwell, his beloved estate, Churchill was known to:
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sit outdoors with a cigar
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play Bezique for hours
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enjoy friendly wagers
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reflect and unwind
The consistency of this habit shows Bezique wasn’t a passing interest but a lifelong passion.
His Second Favorite: Pinochle (The American Cousin of Bezique)
As Churchill’s career connected him more with American allies, he encountered Pinochle, a game directly descended from Bezique.
He enjoyed Pinochle’s:
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faster pace,
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strong trick-taking structure,
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and competitive scoring.
Although Bezique remained his first love, Pinochle became a close second, especially during WWII collaborations.
Other Games Churchill Enjoyed (But Not as Much)
While Bezique dominated his leisure time, Churchill also had a soft spot for other games:
Whist
A classic British trick-taking game. He enjoyed the simplicity but preferred the more dynamic scoring of Bezique.
Canasta
He played this during his later years—popular in the 1940s—but it never overtook Bezique.
Bridge
A favorite among British elites, but Churchill found it too formal and partnership-heavy for his taste.
Poker
He occasionally played poker socially, but he disliked games too dependent on bluffing and psychological manipulation—oddly ironic for a master strategist.
None of these reached the personal importance Bezique held.
Why Bezique Fit Churchill’s Personality So Perfectly
Understanding why Churchill adored Bezique helps us understand Churchill himself.
He Loved Systems and Structure
Bezique has deeply structured scoring—exactly what appealed to a man who loved statistics, planning, and documentation.
He Thrived on Controlled Risk
Bezique involves chance, but not reckless gambling. Churchill loved placing small bets—never addictive, always strategic.
He Enjoyed Skilled Thinking
The game rewards memory, timing, and planning—skills Churchill excelled at.
He Preferred Games Played in Intimate Settings
Bezique is primarily a two-player game, perfect for his preference for meaningful conversations and quiet companionship.
It Fit His Daily Rhythm
Between speeches, war rooms, and diplomatic meetings, Bezique could fill short windows of downtime without pressure.
In many ways, Bezique was the “Churchill game”—the perfect match between player and pastime.
How Churchill’s Love for Bezique Influenced History (Surprisingly)
It may sound dramatic, but card games played a role—small but real—in preserving Churchill’s psychological balance during wartime.
1. Mental Reset Between Decisions
Major wartime decisions required calm judgment. Bezique breaks gave Churchill a mental reset.
2. Strengthening Bonds With Colleagues
Playing games with advisers and officers strengthened camaraderie—something vital during wartime tension.
3. Creating Moments of Quiet Reflection
Sitting with a deck, cigar in hand, gave him space to contemplate strategy subconsciously.
Sometimes a simple game can contribute to the endurance of a leader managing immense pressure.
Is Bezique Still Played Today?
The game is no longer mainstream, but it survives in:
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historical circles,
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traditional gaming groups,
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card-game clubs in Europe,
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and Pinochle communities (its descendant).
Churchill’s influence has kept Bezique from fading completely.
Conclusion
So, what was Winston Churchill’s favorite card game?
Without a doubt: Bezique.
It wasn’t just entertainment. It was a companion, a stress reliever, a mental sharpening tool, and a social ritual. For a man who stood at the center of global conflict and political transformation, Bezique provided grounding and clarity.
Churchill played many games, but Bezique was the one that stayed with him through war, peace, home life, travel, and old age. It reflected his personality—intelligent, strategic, slightly competitive, and deeply appreciative of simple pleasures.
In a life filled with complexity, Bezique offered elegant simplicity.
And that is why it became the card game of Winston Churchill.
