Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Things You Should Know About Playing Cards

By Carma Klosinski


Playing cards are not simply toys or tools for recreation. Others easily dismiss it as a tool for recreation or, simply, a toy that is used when one is bored or simply need something to pass the time with. Let us try to get to know more about these playing cards.

The playing cards now a days could either be made from special heavy paper that is like a thin cardboard, or with a plastic coating. Some are even made from pure plastic. Typically sized to fit the palm of the hand when playing, each playing card has one side with a unique distinguishing mark while the other side, the back, has identical designs for that particular deck. One deck of playing cards is composed of 52 playing cards, in four different suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.

There are historical evidences that playing cards originated in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century. The first card games were also originated by the Chinese during that same time. It wasn't until the Ming Dynasty when the designs on the cards took the form of book characters from novels that were famous during that era.

It wasn't until the 14th century when playing cards finally made its way to Europe, particularly from 1377. The deck of cards that made its way to Europe from Egypt became known as Mameluke deck. It featured abstract designs and the names of military officers. It had four suits: polo sticks, coins, swords and cups.

The evolution also applied to the technology or tools used in making these cards. The printed woodcut decks were finally used in the 15th century. When engraving became popular in the 1430s, it was also used.

In 1480, the four suits that are now widely used all over the world - spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs - started in France. Images of European royalty were also incorporated into the design, with the King, Queen, and Jack. If you look at the modern playing cards today, you will definitely see this styling still.

However, there are some countries who have their own versions of the playing cards simply because they have their own unique card games. Regional games in Italy such as Scopa or Briscola makes use of decks that only has 40 cards. Some countries still cling to traditional designs in their decks of playing cards. The traditional Spanish deck, for instance, makes use of Latin in its suit symbols.

Now, of course, we can have our own personalized playing cards, thanks to modern technology and the advanced tools that have been developed. It is now possible to have your own personal photographs or even pictures of nature or anything random be printed on the cards. That will only increase your enjoyment of the game.

You will be surprised to discover just how versatile these playing cards are. There is a wide range of card games that can be played with them. Having a customized design will only increase the enjoyment tenfold.




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