Final answer:
An abstract class is used in card game labs to provide a template for consistent method implementation across different game types, encourage code reusability, and enable polymorphism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using an abstract class for card games in a programming lab setting has several benefits. Abstract classes allow you to define a template or blueprint for a group of subclasses - in this case, different types of card games. An abstract class can declare method signatures that must be implemented by subclasses, ensuring a consistent framework for all card games while still allowing for game-specific functionality. For example, an abstract class might include methods like shuffle, deal, or play. Each card game that extends the abstract class will then provide its own implementation for these methods.
Furthermore, abstract classes promote code reusability and can contain implemented methods that are common to all card games, such as a method to create a standard deck of cards. This approach reduces redundancy and improves maintainability. Additionally, using abstract classes can facilitate polymorphism, allowing you to write code that works with the general abstract class type but utilizes the specific implementations of its subclasses.