Playing cards is a big deal nowadays. Many players have gotten rich playing them in poker, blackjack, and other table games, and it’s all been a joy to watch or participate in. But, have you ever wondered who invented playing cards? If you have, this casino news is for you. We’ll review their origin and other interesting details.
Intriguing Cardstock Chronicles: Who Invented Playing Cards?
Playing cards have a rich and unique history. Today, the most common deck, 52 cards, was crafted in France. The British revamped version is widely used in Europe and abroad. However, some players’ most common casino mistake is thinking French card decks are the only known and used playing cards.
Before, it was common to see playing cards used for different practices such as divination, fortune telling, predictions like tarot cards, etc. Over time, these cards spread around the globe, and various countries created their own playing cards, like Hanafuda in Japan. Even now, some areas in France, central or eastern Europe, and Italy still use the tarot card for divination practices. So, we can say that playing cards were crafted in various ways to suit different needs: competitions, casino games, magicians, promotions, souvenirs, art, etc.
Playing cards are commonly used in online casino games with real money as well as games with no money involved. Let’s find out who invented playing cards.
An Asian Birth
The answer to who invented playing cards is not clear. They have existed for a long time, but no one can pinpoint their specific creator. Nonetheless, records show that they originated in Asia. China, to be precise, under the Tang Dynasty, far back in the 9th century AD. A historical book shares insights about this claim.
Playing Cards Traveled Across Continents
As the popularity of playing cards skyrocketed in the 11th century, they found their way to Egypt. Evidence showed that the earliest forms of playing cards were preserved in the Benaki Museum between the 12th and 13th centuries. However, we’re unsure whether these were the playing cards or just a look-alike. The Mamluk (Mameluke) empire in Egypt formed playing cards that tradespeople later carried to Europe.
By the 14 century, playing cards had arrived in the royal courts of European countries. The first official recorded use of playing cards in Europe was the gifting of a pack of decks by the Spanish ambassador to King Charles V of France, in 1347. The earliest European suit signs were swords, cups, coins, and batons. By 1377, more suited variants started appearing in different European courtyards.
In Italy, the predominant suits were mounted king, seated queen, crowned queen, and knave. Spanish cards didn’t differ much from these; they included a king, knight, and knave without suited 8, 9, and 10. The Germans followed in that direction but tweaked things a little; acorns, leaves, hearts, and bells were the suited cards.
Although at this point no one knew who invented playing cards, France’s deck remains widely used in most parts of the West. The French suit was developed in the 15th century and included the common Hearts, Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs we know today. In France, playing cards were divided into red and black for less complexity. In England, the card deck added a few touches. They included the Ace of Spades to the French deck used to bet online casino games later in history.
Coming to America!
Although the Americans were late to the playing card scene or casino games of cards, they made the final finishing touches to the French 52-card deck by introducing the Joker as a trump card. You’re On Deck, an American company, celebrates a rich history of playing cards while Lewis I. Chen revolutionized production by using a machine to print all card colors at once.
Today, America leads in card production, honoring tradition with unique twists. Also, these cards are styled so that they can’t be seen from the back when being dealt by casino dealers or in home environments, which helps preserve fairness in gameplay.
Learn to deal properly your cards in your favorite table games, by following our casino guide.
Deal Your Cards and Play!
Who invented playing cards? We will give that to the Chinese. However, regarding modern playing cards, the French and Americans can be said to be the brains behind them.
As you play card games, check what deck is being used and consider applying your best-known gameplay and strategies like the Martingale Strategy to double your winnings (knowing the risks associated, of course).
You can visit Vegas Aces Casino to play card games online today. But if you’re not a fan of card games, make sure to try the Happy10 game and get acquainted with Keno-like games.
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