An entry dated 14 May 1379 in the account books of Joanna, Duchess of Brabant reads, "Given to Monsieur and Madame four peters, two forums, value eight and a half moutons, where with to buy a pack of cards". To familiarize a novice's awkward finger with what must be one of the most popular and widely known modern online and high-tech casino games, takes a while. The unruly freak show of royal Siamese twins, that you first saw on a dog-eared pack on your grandma's table, may never be realized in the giddy atmosphere of your first live games, that the glossy polygons have not always been as they seem to have always been.
Central Asia is where the very first playing cards seem to have been originated. A 10th or 11th century record of paper dominoes, printed to represent all of the 21 combinations of a pair of dice, is the first known reference to cards. Artifacts from the 9th century China are the earliest found artifacts. The straight-sheet paper cards are associated by scholars to the first straight-sheet writing paper as opposed to paper rolls (being one of many ancient Chinese inventions so obvious now to any sane modern) and with the earliest book printing.
Egyptian Mamelukes most likely introduced playing cards in quite modern form to the Europeans in the late 14th century. There were 52 cards in the typical Mameluke deck, four suits (polo sticks, coins, swords, and cups) and three court cards with, rather than persons, depicted abstracted design. At the time, only wealthy Europeans could afford the cards which were hand-made. Woodcuts (used to decorate fabrics) were then applied to paper in a new technique which was introduced around 1400 and mass production followed suit. There are records of professional card makers dating back to the period between 1418 and 1450. Card production is now one of the most flourishing world-wide industries.
In the 15th century playing cards the number and style of suits varied: some decks had five suits, the standard suits in Germany were hearts, bells, leaves, and acorns. In Southern Germany these suits are still used today for a distinctive set of card games. Besides the more standard deck, from my childhood, I remember the German suits which because of their relative pictorial richness I preferred them. Especially the golden nut and greenish cupules of the acorn suit. A gift perhaps imported from German relatives into Asia, Kazakhstan.
In the early games if the "kings" were the highest card in the suit then by the 14th century the "ace" ( from the Latin word for the lowest unit of currency) began to turn highest card, which left the "two" as the lowest. During the French Revolution when it was vital that the lower classes rise above royalty this was an especially popular mode. To play cards with Kings and Queens would likely be disdained by a revolutionary who would prefer the innovative designs of Liberties, Equalities, and Fraternities. With the coming of Napoleon to power the classic design returned.
In the 19th century a reversible double image in court cards was introduced. The designs, in the earliest, were American. Though a French card maker of the late 18th century was attributed the invention but the French government prohibited the idea. The purpose was, during a session to prevent players from reversing their court cards and revealing their hands to the opponents.
Central Asia is where the very first playing cards seem to have been originated. A 10th or 11th century record of paper dominoes, printed to represent all of the 21 combinations of a pair of dice, is the first known reference to cards. Artifacts from the 9th century China are the earliest found artifacts. The straight-sheet paper cards are associated by scholars to the first straight-sheet writing paper as opposed to paper rolls (being one of many ancient Chinese inventions so obvious now to any sane modern) and with the earliest book printing.
Egyptian Mamelukes most likely introduced playing cards in quite modern form to the Europeans in the late 14th century. There were 52 cards in the typical Mameluke deck, four suits (polo sticks, coins, swords, and cups) and three court cards with, rather than persons, depicted abstracted design. At the time, only wealthy Europeans could afford the cards which were hand-made. Woodcuts (used to decorate fabrics) were then applied to paper in a new technique which was introduced around 1400 and mass production followed suit. There are records of professional card makers dating back to the period between 1418 and 1450. Card production is now one of the most flourishing world-wide industries.
In the 15th century playing cards the number and style of suits varied: some decks had five suits, the standard suits in Germany were hearts, bells, leaves, and acorns. In Southern Germany these suits are still used today for a distinctive set of card games. Besides the more standard deck, from my childhood, I remember the German suits which because of their relative pictorial richness I preferred them. Especially the golden nut and greenish cupules of the acorn suit. A gift perhaps imported from German relatives into Asia, Kazakhstan.
In the early games if the "kings" were the highest card in the suit then by the 14th century the "ace" ( from the Latin word for the lowest unit of currency) began to turn highest card, which left the "two" as the lowest. During the French Revolution when it was vital that the lower classes rise above royalty this was an especially popular mode. To play cards with Kings and Queens would likely be disdained by a revolutionary who would prefer the innovative designs of Liberties, Equalities, and Fraternities. With the coming of Napoleon to power the classic design returned.
In the 19th century a reversible double image in court cards was introduced. The designs, in the earliest, were American. Though a French card maker of the late 18th century was attributed the invention but the French government prohibited the idea. The purpose was, during a session to prevent players from reversing their court cards and revealing their hands to the opponents.
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If, like many, you like the game of poker, you would likely have an interest in learning how to make a poker table and seeing the wide range of top notch card room products at BYOPT Poker like Red Casino Cloth and Rogue Vinyl.
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