Playing Cards Facts

Table of contents:

• WHO INVENTED CARD PLAYING?
• WHAT IS THE OLDEST KNOWN PLAYING CARD?
• WHAT WAS THE FIRST CARD GAME TO EXIST?
• WHAT WAS THE FIRST CARD CALLED?
• WHAT IS THE OLDEST DECK OF CARDS?
• WHEN DID CARDS GET POPULAR?
• WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CARD GAMES?
• CAN YOU PLAY CARD GAMES ONLINE?
• EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF LIVE TABLE GAMES
• WHY IS THE CARD GAME CALLED 21?
• WHAT ARE THE 4 SUITS OF CARDS?
• HOW DID PLAYING CARDS GET THEIR NAME?
• WHY IS THE CARD CALLED JOKER?
• WHY WERE PLAYING CARDS BANNED?
• EVERY CARD TELLS A TIMELESS TALE

Who Invented Card Playing?

While the exact origin of playing cards is shrouded in mystery, it is generally believed that the Chinese were the first to invent playing cards.

The idea then spread to India, Persia, and eventually Europe, where cards were adapted to fit local cultures and traditions. Each region added its own unique twist, which contributed to the diverse deck designs we see today.

What is the Oldest Known Playing Card?

The oldest known playing cards date back to the 9th century in China during the Tang Dynasty. These cards were initially used for games of chance and were a precursor to what we recognize as playing cards today. They were often made from paper, bone, or wood, and featured designs that differed significantly from modern cards.

What Was the First Card Game to Exist?

The earliest recorded instance of a card game occurred on 17 July 1294, when the Ming Department of Punishments caught two gamblers using paper cards. Wood blocks for printing the cards and nine cards were confiscated. 

One of the earliest known games with rules is madiao, a Ming Dynasty trick-taking game with 38 cards divided into four suits: coins, strings of coins, myriads, and tens of myriads. The coin suit ranked in reverse order, with 9 being the lowest and 1 the highest.

What Was the First Card Called?

The first cards didn’t have specific names like we do today (e.g., Ace, King, Queen). Instead, they featured illustrations that varied depending on the region and the game being played.

In Europe, one of the earliest named cards was the "King," which later evolved into the court cards we are familiar with today: King, Queen, and Jack.

What is the Oldest Deck of Cards?

The oldest surviving deck of cards is the Mamluk deck from the 12th or 13th century, which originated in Egypt. This deck contains 52 cards with four suits, much like modern decks, but it lacks the face cards that are standard today.

The Mamluk deck is an important historical artifact, showcasing the early design and structure that influenced later European decks.

When Did Cards Get Popular?

Playing cards became widely popular in Europe during the 14th century, especially after they were introduced to Italy and Spain, likely through trade routes from the Middle East.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century helped proliferate card games across Europe, making them more accessible to the general public.

What Are the Most Popular Card Games?

Among the most popular are Poker, known for its strategic depth and high-stakes excitement, and Blackjack, a casino classic where the aim is to reach 21 without going over.

Solitaire offers a peaceful, solitary challenge, while Bridge has long been a staple for those who enjoy teamwork and tactics.

Can You Play Cards Online?

While playing cards originally began as a physical pastime, enjoyed with friends and family around a table, the digital age has expanded the possibilities.

Today, you can enjoy a wide range of card games online, offering the same excitement and challenge with added convenience. At Lottoland Casino, you can play casino table games from the comfort of your home. Whether you prefer the feel of a physical deck or the thrill of an online game, the options are endless.

Check out the current top 10 favourite table games available at Lottoland: 

Experience the Thrill of Live Table Games 

If you love the excitement of playing live, why not take it up a notch with our live casino games at Lottoland? Dive into the action and see if you can beat the dealer in real-time, all from the comfort of your home.

Check out some of our most popular live casino table games below!

Why is the Card Game Called 21?

The card game "21," more commonly known as Blackjack, derives its name from the goal of the game: achieving a hand value of 21.

The origins of Blackjack can be traced back to the French game "Vingt-et-Un," which means "twenty-one." The game gained widespread popularity in casinos across the world, and the name "21" stuck due to the simplicity of the rules.

What Are the 4 Suits of Cards?

The four suits of cards in a standard deck are Hearts (♥️), Diamonds (♦️), Clubs (♣️) & Spades (♠️).

The four suits in a deck of cards originated for symbolic, cultural, and practical reasons. They represent different societal classes and allow for diverse game designs.

The number four was chosen for balance and simplicity, becoming standardized in Europe by the 15th century.

How Did Playing Cards Get Their Name?

The term "playing cards" is derived from the early use of cards for games and entertainment. The word "card" itself comes from the Latin "charta," meaning paper or thin sheet, which refers to the material used to create the cards.

As the use of cards spread across different cultures, the term "playing cards" became the standard name for these versatile game pieces.

Why is the Card Called Joker?

The Joker card, introduced in the United States during the 19th century, was initially created as a trump card for the game of Euchre. The name "Joker" likely derived from the German word "Jucker," which was the original name for Euchre.

Over time, the Joker took on a life of its own, becoming a wild card in many games and often symbolizing the unpredictable.

Why Were Playing Cards Banned?

Playing cards have been banned at various points in history, often due to concerns over gambling and moral conduct. For example, during the 16th and 17th centuries, some European countries banned cards to curb gambling addictions and maintain public order.

In certain regions, religious leaders also viewed card playing as sinful, leading to periods where card games were outlawed.

Every Card Tells a Timeless Tale

Playing cards are more than just a simple game; they are a reflection of history, culture, and human ingenuity. From their mysterious origins in ancient China to their widespread popularity in modern casinos, playing cards have a story that spans continents and centuries.

Whether you’re playing Blackjack, Poker, or Solitaire, remember that every card you hold has a rich legacy behind it, filled with fascinating facts and historical significance.