Max amount of different bridge distributions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of players in a game of bridge receiving the same distribution of cards as in a previous game. It explores the combinatorial aspects of card distribution among four players and the implications of specific card allocations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that a single player can be dealt C1352 different distributions of cards and questions how to calculate the probability of all players receiving the same cards.
  • Another participant asserts that the probability of all players receiving the same cards is 0.
  • A clarification is made that the inquiry pertains to players receiving the same distribution of cards they had in a previous game.
  • A different participant proposes a formula, \(\frac {C(52, 13)^4}{52!}\), suggesting it accounts for distributing 52 cards into positions reserved for each of the four players.
  • Another participant introduces an alternative formula, \(\frac{C^{13}_{52}C^{13}_{39}C^{13}_{26}C^{13}_{13}}{52!}\), arguing that once the first player receives the correct cards, the chances for the subsequent players increase, and by the time three players have their correct cards, the fourth player's probability should be 1.
  • A later reply expresses interest in the alternative formula while also showing appreciation for the initial proposal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the probability calculations, with no consensus reached on the correct approach or formula to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions underlying their probability calculations, and the discussion includes competing models without a definitive conclusion.

raul_l
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I was wondering about this when playing bridge with my friends. I understand, that one player can be dealt C^{13}_{52} different distributions of the cards. But how to calculate the probability, that all players will get the same cards?
 
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Can you clarify that? The probability that all players will receive the same cards is 0.
 
What I meant was, that all players would get the same distribution of cards, that they have already had in a previous game.
 
I don't play bridge so I don't know some details but I think it would be

\frac {C(52, 13)^4}{52!}

if there are four players. You are distributing 52 cards into 52 positions of which you reserve a specific set of 13 cards to each of 4 groups (players) in the 52 positions.
 
Interesting.
But how about \frac{C^{13}_{52}C^{13}_{39}C^{13}_{26}C^{13}_{13}}{52!} ? Because after the first player has got the right cards (of a previously played game), the other players have a bigger chance of getting their cards. And after three players have been distributed the right cards, the probability of the fourth player getting the right cards should be 1.
 
raul_l said:
Interesting.
But how about \frac{C^{13}_{52}C^{13}_{39}C^{13}_{26}C^{13}_{13}}{52!} ? Because after the first player has got the right cards (of a previously played game), the other players have a bigger chance of getting their cards. And after three players have been distributed the right cards, the probability of the fourth player getting the right cards should be 1.

I like yours better!
 

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