Old card games are among the few in entertainment and competition, with roots traced back to ancient civilizations. Some of the oldest games, humanity’s past-time companions, still captivate modern players. Some have evolved from China to Egypt, Europe, and America to remain relevant in today’s gaming landscape.
Today’s casino news unearths some of the oldest card games and their origins.
Old Card Games: A Journey from Past to Present
Pre-1500s, here are some of the oldest card games.
Leaf Card Game
Considered the oldest known card game in the world, The Leaf, also known as Yezi Ge, originated in China around 618–907 during the Tang Dynasty. A princess reportedly played the game in the 9th century. Studies revealed that players might have used 32 cards. This ancient game paved the way for the development of card games in Asia and beyond.
Mamluk
The Mamluk is one of the old card games that existed before many. The Mamluk period of Egypt (1250-1517 AD) gave rise to a rich card game tradition, with many games played using the elaborate Mamluk cards originating in the 12th century. The cards featured elaborate designs and were played with 52 cards that might give a 52-factorial. What is 52 factorial? The number of possible ways to order a pack of 52 cards
Ganjifa
Ganjifa, also known as Treasure Cards, is another ancient card game with a rich history. Originating in Persia (modern-day Iran) before the 15th century, Ganjifa entered India in the 1500s under the Mughal emperors and became an integral part of the country’s culture. It was played with a deck of 96 cards. This game is one of the old card games that influenced their development in the Middle East and Europe.
Tarot
Tarot is also one of the oldest card games. It originated in Italy around 1420 as a game called Tarocchi. Three players played with a 66-card deck obtained from a 78-card deck. The person with the most trick points wins the game.
Old World Favorites (1500s-1800s)
Between the 1500s and 1800s, the following games were people’s favorite pastimes.
Maw
Maw was one of the most popular old card games of its time, and it made the best game table. It has an origin dating back to the mid-1500s. King James 1, a card player, made the game famous and fashionable. It was often considered a game of skill and strategy before it died out.
Primero
Primero is another card game that emerged in Spain in the 16th century and became popular throughout Europe. Considered the forefather of many modern card games, such as Poker, Primero is a game of skill and strategy involving betting and bluffing. The earliest recorded rules of Primero were written by Luis de Luena in 1534, and the game was popular among all levels of society.
Piquet
Piquet originated in France in the 16th century and was popular during the Renaissance. It remains popular today, with variants played across Europe, including England and beyond, featuring complex rules and strategy. Piquet was a favorite game of the French aristocracy, including King Louis XIV, who reportedly played it daily.
Old American Card Games
Below are some of the cherished classic table games in America.
Cribbage
Colonists brought Cribbage from England to America in the 17th century, where it became popular among early Americans. The game involves counting points based on the cards played and their order. This, and others listed here, you can master through the use of our casino guide section, to learn the best strategies!
Poque
Poque, introduced to the United States by French colonists, originated in France in the 18th century and evolved into various forms, including Poker. The name “Poker” itself may have come from the French word “poque,” meaning “to bluff” or “to brag.
Euchre
Euchre, one of the oldest card games, is originally from Germany. In the 19th century, people in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, widely played and popularized the game. The game involves taking tricks with a deck of 32 cards and has a trump suit that changes throughout the game.
Poker
Poker, an all-time casino games favorite, whose origins are debated, became known in the United States in the early 19th century. The game gained popularity during the American Civil War and spread westward with the growth of gambling and saloons in the Wild West. Poker today is one of the best live casino games.
Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy was a popular card game invented in the United States in the early 20th century and quickly gained popularity throughout the country. There are various game versions today, including the online Three Card Rummy.
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Final Thoughts
Going through the oldest card games is a way of appreciating these ancient rich history and cultural significance. Thrilling games, including the Casino War Multihand, have sprung up from them. Whether for entertainment or to win real money, Vegas Aces Casino is the perfect destination to play online.
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