History of Cards and Card Games

China is often credited with the creation of playing cards and by some as early as the 10th Century. These cards were created to either represent paper dominos or were based on their paper money.

Playing cards then made their way from the Far East through the Middle East, then on to Europe where they became hugely popular in France starting in the late 14th century.

France was responsible for the four suits and mass exporting the cards to England and then to America.

During the 19th century Americans began to create enhancements including the corner indexes and the Joker.

The famous Bicycle brand of playing cards began in 1887 and continues to be a world leader in playing cards.

Major Card Games:

• Black Jack
• Bridge
• Canasta
• Concentration
• Crazy Eights
• Cribbage
• Gin Rummy
• Hearts
• Pinochle
• Poker
• Solitare
• War

Links:

US Playing Card Company

International Playing-Card Society

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