Thursday, December 28, is National Card Playing Day. Since the days are short, this is a great time to pull out a deck of cards and gather family and friends or treat yourself to learning a fun new card game.
Before we play, let’s take a brief look at the history of cards. According to Will Roya, author of Card Night, playing cards originated in Asia, most probably in China during the Tang dynasty, sometime before 1000 CE. In the 1370’s, playing cards made their way to Europe, and evidence exists to show that a 52 card deck with swords, clubs, cups, and coins as the four suits existed at that time. Italian decks in the late 14th century included a King, Queen, and Knave (later called a Jack). At this time, cards were hand-painted luxury items, and thus were a pastrim only for the upper classes. From there, the idea of playing card games moved along trade routes, where they were changed forever by two inventions: woodblock printing and engraving in Germany and the creation of stencils in France. France is also credited with standardizing the suits as diamonds, hearts, clubs, and spades and dividing the suits into red and black colors, making it easier to differentiate while playing. As cards moved to England, the Ace was added to the deck, and eventually, playing cards made their way to the US, where in the mid-1800s, the Joker was introduced. Today, playing cards are mass-produced and card games can be played with as few as one player to as many as over a dozen, making card games a fun and affordable pastime for people of all ages.
Are you ready to have some fun? Check out the following eight books:
Card Games for One by Peter Arnold
“More than 70 of the world’s most famous and fascinating games of patience and solitaire will keep solo card players engrossed and happy for hours on end. From simple to challenging, this super collection covers all levels, from easy Pairs Patience to the more complex Victoria Reel. The instructions explain all the rules, tactics, and terminology, while the color card layouts illustrate the different hands in an easy-to-understand way. Take out a single pack and try your luck on Accordion, Beleaguered Castle, Easy Go, Eight Off, Quadrille, Monte Carlo, and dozens of others, including Flower Garden, which doesn’t depend entirely on the fortuitous order of the cards. Or double your fun with two-packers, like Alhambra, Big Bertha, Heads and Tails, and Kings’ Way. There are so many possibilities, you’ll be able to keep on playing for days without repeating a game!”
(From Amazon)
Card Games by Barry Rigal
“Card games are a classic source of entertainment, great for family night or some post-dinner-party fun. This lively book provides rules and tips for more than 20 card games that will keep you, your family, and your friends entertained for hours! From fun games for your kids all the way to winning strategies for Texas Hold ‘Em, this is your guide to learning the rules and improving your skills. Whether you’re into serious Contract Bridge or just want to have a fun evening playing Euchre with your neighbors, grab this book now!”
Hoyle’s Modern Encyclopedia of Card Games : Rules of all the Basic Games and Popular Variations by Walter B. Gibson
“Shuffle your deck and get ready to discover your new favorite card game! Hoyle’s Modern Encyclopedia of Card Games explains the rules of all the most popular and timeless card games clearly and simply, using special symbols, charts, and drawings alongside written instructions. This accessible guide lists games alphabetically and includes extensive cross-referencing for all game variations. Plus, the unique glossary-index features definitions of terms and games’ alternative names.
Whether playing solitaire or hosting a rowdy game night, Hoyle’s Modern Encyclopedia of Card Games is the ultimate card game resource.”
(From Amazon)
“The Everything Card Games Book is packed with loads of variety to keep you entertained for hours with games you can play solo or with a group of people. Wow your friends and family with your card-shark skills by mastering these basic games – along with a handful of more advanced ones, too! In addition to key rules and instructions for play, The Everything Card Games Book provides tips on shuffling and dealing, essential etiquette, and knowing when to hold and when to fold.
Learn how to play:
- Classic games, such as bridge and whist
- Team games, such as pinochle and spades
- Variations of games, such as Mexican Stud and Pai Gow Poker
- Games from abroad, such as Black Maria and Scopone Scientifico
- Kids’ games, such as Go Fish and Memory
- and more!
The perfect way to get you up to speed on more than fifty popular games, The Everything Card Games Book is your wild card for scoring big. Pull up a seat, gather your friends, and let the games begin!”
(From Amazon)
Card Night: Classic Games, Classic Decks, and the History Behind Them: 52 Games for All Ages by Will Roya
“Learn when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em with Card Night, a compendium of 52 classic card games, including Hearts and Bridge, Rummy and Go Fish. At various points in history, playing cards were also used as currency, tools for propaganda, and even as a means for sending coded messages. In addition to providing the rules of standard game play, Card Night also details the fascinating stories and peculiarities behind some of the world’s most famous card decks.”
The Step-by-Step Guide to Playing 250 World’s Best Card Games : Including Bridge, Poker, Family Games and Solitaires by Jeremy Harwood and Trevor Sippetts
“Learn how to play classics such as Baccarat, Cribbage, Go Fish, Gin Rummy and Kaluki. Clearly explained with more than 1200 easy-to-follow photographs and illustrations; with a special focus on poker games, rules and winning strategies, skills and tactics, and useful tips for players at all levels as well as expert guidance for professional players.”
Bicycle Official Rules of Card Games by Joli Quentin Kansil, editor
“The United States Playing Card Company, makers of Bicycle brand playing cards, brings you this comprehensive guide to over 250 card games. Complete with a history of playing cards, advice on choosing a card game, and ‘bet-you-didn’t-know inserts’; this book is a thorough reference for card games. This new edition, with countless illustrations, is designed for ease of use and ready reference. The “Game Sidebar” that appears before each major game allows readers to determine, at a glance, the number of players and cards required, and the degree of skill and complexity for each game. All you need is this book and a deck of Bicycle brand playing cards to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes!”
(From Amazon)
And specifically for the younger crowd:
Crazy Eights and Other Card Games by Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson
“Introduces the different suits and face cards in a deck of cards, explains how to hold, shuffle, and deal them, and provides instructions for such games as Aces Up, Go Fish, and Spit.”
Grab a deck of cards, practice shuffling like a pro, try out a new solitaire game or gather a group and be as competitive or relaxed as you’d like. Whatever you choose, have fun!
“Deck the halls with spades and diamonds, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.”
