The Playing Cards We Love And Enjoy So Much

There is more to playing card than meets the eye. While others see it as something that can be done for fun, others think of it just as a tool to pass the time with. But let us try to look deeper into the playing cards.

Nowadays, the typical playing cards are made from special heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, or purely plastic. They are sized just so they could fit in one’s palm. It has two sides with the face having unique marks but the back having an identical set throughout the entire deck. There are four suits in each deck of 52 playing cards. They are spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.

There are historical evidences that playing cards originated in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century. Card games were also said to have originated in the same era by the Chinese. During the Ming dynasty, designs were drawn on the faces of the cards, and they were mostly figures of characters from popular novels at the time.

In 1377, playing cards finally found its way to Europe. Instead of book characters, the designs were abstract and the names were that of military officers. There were 52 cards in each deck of these so-called Mameluke decks. It had four suits: polo sticks, coins, swords and cups.

The technology involving the manufacture of these playing cards also evolved. The first decks were made by hand, but soon the printed woodcut decks were used in the 15th century. Engraving also became quite a popular method, especially in the 1430s.

The suits that we now know of ‘ the spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs ‘ originated in France in 1480. The design made use of images of members of the European royalty. Even now, we see these designs in our modern playing cards.

However, there are some countries who have their own versions of the playing cards simply because they have their own unique card games. Regional games in Italy such as Scopa or Briscola makes use of decks that only has 40 cards. There are other countries who remain traditional even in their playing cards and the designs. For example, Spain’s traditional deck is still so rooted in tradition that even its suit symbols are still in Latin.

Now, technological advancements have created many tools that enable us to personalize our playing card experience. Random images and even personal photographs can now be used on the playing cards instead of the usual designs. The card game will definitely be more interesting and fun with that personal touch.

It is interesting to see the many games you could do with playing cards. You can play so many card games with them that you will not know where to start. Having a customized design will only increase the enjoyment tenfold.