The Top 10 Astounding Facts About Card Games
If you're a skilful cardplayer or even just a casual one, then a deck of cards is undoubtedly the most vital tool for your trade.
But how often do you consider the cards themselves rather than the game?
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of playing cards, exploring their origins, the reason behind their particular makeup, and some surprising facts that may leave you feeling amazed.
1. The Reason Behind 52 Cards In A Deck
Have you ever pondered why there are 52 cards in a deck?
Believe it or not, decks haven't always had this number. They've comprised of various card variations ranging from 24 to 48 and almost any number in between.
However, the deck of 52 cards has become the most widely used and recognized size throughout extensive regions of the world.
The reason for this is still debated. Some suggest the influence of British and French colonialism allowed the standard French deck size of 52 cards to be popularized, thus spreading worldwide.
2. Cards Represent The Calendar
An interesting theory surrounding the 52 cards in a deck is that the number of cards corresponds to the number of weeks in a year.
Some argue that the two colours, red and black, symbolize day and night, while the four suits represent the four seasons.
Furthermore, there are 13 cards in a suit, reflecting the 12 lunar cycles, with 12 court cards signifying the 12 months of the year.
If you add up all the symbols in a deck of cards, you'll find 365 cards - the same number of days in a year.
3. The First Card Decks Emerged In An Unexpected Place
You might think decks of cards originated in America or Europe, but you'd be wrong.
Most scholars agree that decks of cards were first invented in China during the 9th century.
The first printed playing cards are believed to have been a 32-card domino deck printed on paper, bone, and wood.
From there, they gradually spread across India, Persia, and Egypt before eventually arriving in Europe.
This resulting in a myriad of different card variations.
4. Employees in Vegas Casinos Swap Decks Frequently
In Las Vegas, decks of cards are swapped out approximately every 12 hours. However, this time frame depends on factors such as how busy the table is and the method of shuffling.
If the casino is particularly busy, a deck could be replaced as often as once an hour.
The purpose of this practice is to prevent noticeable marks, bends, or scuffs from potentially revealing secrets to observant players.
5. The Oldest Deck of Cards Lies in New York City
The most ancient and sacred deck of cards resides at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
This extraordinary hand-painted tarot deck dates back to mid-15th-century Netherlands and is in remarkable condition, leading historians to believe it was rarely used.
The operator who purchased it in the 1970s spent years researching its history before parting with it for $143,000.
Other world-class institutions also house ancient decks of cards, including Yale University, which even has a card database.
6. Casino Cards Require Stringent Security
Casinos implement numerous security measures for their cards to ensure manipulation is highly difficult.
This includes larger symbols and characters to aid surveillance cameras in detecting any suspicious events.
Additionally, they're made of plastic, which allows more card-handling before the cards become worn out, dirty, or damaged.
Cards are also signed off by pit bosses and dealers before being reshuffled. Lastly, when a deck of cards reaches the end of its lifespan, each card must be accounted for before being either shredded or sold with deliberate imperfections to prevent their return to the casinos.
7. Some Familiar Faces Appear in Traditional Decks
If you use a standard 52-card 'French' deck with its origin dating back to the 16th century, you might recognize some characters.
It's said that these faces are based on or inspired by significant individuals from history.
Take a closer look and you might notice Julius Caesar as the King of Diamonds, Alexander the Great as the King of Clubs, the Greek goddess Pallas Athena as the Queen of Spades, or Lancelot du Lac as the Jack of Clubs.
1. Covert Card Decks
During times of war, governments can employ some creative measures with regular playing cards. A notable example is the US government collaborating with a well-known card company during World War II to create secret decks for their prisoners of war (POWs). These particular cards were said to peel apart when wet, revealing parts of maps to aid in escape plans. Incredibly James Bond-like.
2. Hidden Messages in Cards
While Bicycle is widely believed to have the most iconic deck of cards ever, their widespread appeal is attributed to their history during World War II. American POWs received these special decks to help in their daring escapes. Additionally, Bicycle cards made an appearance during the Vietnam War, with a myth circulating that American soldiers used the Ace of Spades to scare away the superstitious Viet Cong. Now, you're more likely to encounter them at casinos or in magic performances.
3. Giant Players in the Card Industry
The United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) is considered the largest manufacturer of playing cards in the world and a preferred choice for many casinos. Some of the brands they produce include Aviator, Bee, and Tally-Ho. They're also responsible for the Bicycle cards, which gained fame through their US government affiliation.
However, it's worth noting that another company, Cartamundi from Belgium, also claims to be the top manufacturer of playing cards globally. Although they have a distinct focus on various markets, they share the spotlight with the USPCC as major players in the industry.
See also: Learn about a woman running the first ever gender-neutral playing card company.
Share this: [Similar content: A female pioneer in the world of gender-neutral playing cards.]
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