Arthur's words weren't just bluffing these officials. His card game skills were honed under the strict training of Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Talleyrand. Without that old fellow who frequented various diplomatic occasions for years, Arthur wouldn't have learned so many card games.
However, when Arthur suggested changing the game, the mayor and others seemed hesitant.
It wasn't because they didn't know how to play Kelder, Hunter, and Paris, but because Kelder decides victory through the player's hand, Hunter is akin to Blackjack, and Paris is similar to Texas Hold'em.
Playing these three games, the mayor and others couldn't control the outcome, nor could they ensure the imperial envoy won with a sense of accomplishment.
