The History of Playing Cards

Have you ever looked at a deck of playing cards and wondered where and when the first deck of cards came from? It seems like the simple and ordinary deck of playing cards is always being taken for granted. They have been around so long that most people never consider their history.

There is evidence that playing cards were used in the 9^th century in China where they were referred to as a "leaf game". History also dictates that Chinese "money cards" which have four suits were used to design the first deck of paper cards and from here the Mahjong tiles were invented. It's believed that the first printed cards were a "domino deck" because if you looked at the cards carefully, you would notice they could be added up to equal all 21 of the combinations of numbers made with a pair of dice.

There is also an Indian origin that is suggested by the symbols that were found on a few of the first European cards that were discovered. These symbols include a sword, cup, baton and a ring portrayed in the Indian statues four hands.

It's not known exactly when or how cards entered into Europe but they are believed to have come somewhere from the East and once in Europe, they quickly became very popular. They are believed to have appeared in Switzerland in 1377. Then in 1380 playing cards appeared in Basle, Florence, Barcelona, Paris and Regensberg. During these times a deck of cards were made and painted by hand so they cost a lot of money. It was for this reason that only the rich had access to playing cards.

Eventually, like most all products, as technology improved playing cards were being produced on a massive scale. This drove the cost down, making it possible for everyone to have a deck of cards regardless of how much money they possessed. Today, cards are made from thin cardboard, thin plastic or thick paper and some of them are laminated to last longer.

Throughout the years there have been many versions of the playing cards made. For instance, you can buy a deck of cards with very large print to make it easy for people with a vision problem to see and you can even purchase a mini version. They come with different designs on the back of the cards depending on who manufactures them. However, they all now have 52 cards in a deck and come in the same four suits which are spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds. It's believed they took on this design around 1480 and that it originated from France.

Playing cards are used for many different types of games ranging from single player games like solitary to games played for gambling purposes such as poker. There are even card games such as canasta that uses two decks of cards. Some cards are made for children's games such as "go fish" and "old maid". The designs on the front of these cards are different but the basic concept is the same.

Playing cards are used in magic tricks and many people have spent hours building a house of cards at some point in their life. The next time you pick up an ordinary deck of playing cards, stop for minute and think. Consider the long history that is behind this simple but amazing invention that has brought so much entrainment to players throughout the years.