They’re a massive part of casino culture and commonplace in households all over the world. They’re used to playing various popular games, from poker and blackjack to “Snap,” keeping many generations entertained over the years.
Yes, we’re talking about playing cards! Ever wondered about the history of playing cards and how they’ve evolved, both for traditional games and online casino games?
Read on to discover the facts about the four suits of cards and how the classic pack of cards has transformed, starting in China many centuries ago, into what it is today.
The Origin of Playing Cards
When were playing cards invented? Unlike bingo and the lottery, which both originated in Italy in the 16th century, the exact origins of playing cards are unclear. That said, it’s believed that they originated way back in ancient China during the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 CE). Experts note that the earliest reference to playing cards comes from Chinese literature of the 10th century.
Some believe that these early cards were likely used for fortune-telling, with the four suits representing the four seasons, while the 52 cards represent the weeks of the year.
Playing Cards in Europe
Playing cards first appeared in Europe in the 14th century — most likely in Spain or Italy — before spreading across the continent. The earliest European cards were hand-painted (often with intricate designs and gilding) and considered luxury items reserved for the wealthy. They were used for both games of chance and gambling, as well as for education and instruction.
The four suits used in modern playing cards (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades) were probably inspired by the four suits used in early European decks, which were cups, swords, coins and batons. As playing cards became more popular, the designs and artwork on the cards became more standardized, although there were still variations from region to region.
The Standardization of Playing Cards
Playing cards became more standardized in the 19th and 20th centuries as printing technology advanced. Many experts believe the first deck of playing cards with standardized suit symbols was produced in France in the 1800s. The standardization of playing cards made them more accessible and popularized them worldwide.
Wondering how many cards are in a deck? Nowadays, while the 52-card deck of suited playing cards is considered the go-to international standard, many countries or regions, such as Central Europe, still use 36- or 32-card decks, especially for region-specific games.
Contemporary Trends in Playing Cards
In recent years, there has been a rise in custom-designed and specialty decks of playing cards. These decks are often designed for specific purposes, such as magic tricks or collectibles and feature unique artwork and designs. They’re obviously a lot more valuable than any standard deck of playing cards and are quickly becoming a sought-after gift item among many gambling enthusiasts.
Another popular trend in playing cards is the use of foil, embossing and other specialized printing techniques to create visually stunning decks.
Looking to spice up your favorite casino games? Then you might be interested in exploring another emerging trend: the use of non-standard suits and face cards, adding a unique twist to otherwise classic card games.
Popular Casino Games Played With Cards
Have a pack of cards handy? Then you’re spoiled for choice when deciding which popular casino games to play! Some of the best-known casino card games include:
- Poker: a game of skill and strategy that is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.
- Blackjack: a popular casino game where players try to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
- Baccarat: a game of chance where players bet on whether the banker’s or player’s hand will win.
- Bridge: a trick-taking game that is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and is popular in both social and competitive settings.
- Rummy: a group of matching-card games where the objective is to build sets or runs of cards.
Check the Deck!
Sitting down to a game of live dealer blackjack at an online casino or at a poker table in a traditional casino? You can be pretty sure the pack of cards in play is a clean, standard deck. But if you regularly play card games outside of a casino setting, it pays to ensure the deck in question hasn’t been tampered with.
Here are a few tips for assessing the cards before play begins.
Look for the Manufacturer’s Name
Most standard decks of cards have the manufacturer’s name printed on the box or on the cards themselves. If you are familiar with the brands of standard playing cards, you can quickly identify whether or not the deck is genuine.
Check the Card Backs
Standard decks of cards have a consistent design on the back of each card. Check if the back design is symmetrical and consistent across all cards in the deck. This will help you identify if any cards have been swapped or altered.
Check the Faces of the Cards
The face of each card should sport a consistent design and layout. Check if the cards have the standard values, suits and pips in the correct positions. If any cards have been marked or altered, they will be easy to identify.
Shuffle the Cards
A standard deck of cards should shuffle easily and evenly. If the cards don’t shuffle well, this could be a sign that they’ve been manipulated.
Play Casino Card Games at Borgata Online
Now that you know the history of playing cards, why not indulge in a card game? You can do so in the comfort of your home by registering to play with Borgata Online. Along with casino table games, we also specialize in online roulette, online slots, bingo and much more. Register when you’re ready to explore our ever-growing menu and join in on the fun!