If you’ve read Agatha Christie’s novels before, then you’ve read at least a thing or two about the game of bridge.

The author was a lover of the game herself, and included many references to contract bridge throughout her work.

Cards On The Table is one of the most famous novels in the Poirot-series (and possibly, one of the most well-known of her titles overall). The story revolves around a night of bridge (hosted by Mr. Shaitan) intermingled with a murder mystery.

It was as intricate as only Christie herself could write.

After receiving a friendly email from a reader about a previous Christie post on BBO Prime, I decided to write another.

Here’s a little more about Agatha’s adaptations (and almost every version of Cards On The Table a bridge fan might get to see).

About the original

The original Cards On The Table was published in 1936.

It’s one of the novels featuring fictional detective Hercule Poirot, who would come to make an appearance in many more stories by Christie.

If you’re a fan, you might have a favourite of the series already.

If you aren’t a fan yet, I’d recommend that you begin with the title we’re talking about here. It’s essential to knowing Christie, getting to know detective Hercule Poirot, and developing any type of feel for the mystery fiction genre.

Chorabali

Chorabali was released in 2016.

The movie takes a few of the core ideas within the original Christie storyline, and moves the story towards a modern timeline.

Some plot liberties are taken. Viewers shouldn’t expect a completely faithful adaptation of the original Christie characters, but a close tribute to them instead.

The element of the card game, thankfully stays intact.

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 created one of the most popular audio-based adaptations of Cards On The Table – and possibly, one of the most widely absorbed adaptations of Christie overall by listener count.

Even if you aren’t used to podcasts or audio tales, explore this one as a fan of bridge or Christie and you won’t be disappointed.

For this adaptation, John Moffatt stars as detective Poirot.

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (TV)

Agatha Christie’s Poirot is an entire miniseries dedicated to the stories of Hercule Poirot, and it’s a must-see for any fan of the show (or devotee of cards). The show first ran in 2005, although many people haven’t heard of it yet.

Screenplays are adapted from Christie’s canon by Nick Dear, and the show stars actor David Suchet in the role of Poirot. Each episode covers a different tale.

Click the link to be taken straight to the appropriate IMDb for the episode adapted from Cards On The Table,

For readers who are already fans of Christie, this stands as the most loyal to the original storyline and characters.