The Story of Playing Cards: How the Modern Deck Evolved

The question “Who invented playing cards?” is one that is on the minds of card historians across the world. The roots of the card games lie in 9th Century China. However, modern-day card games like poker and the different Rummy games are usually played online by people across the globe.

Keep reading to discover the history of card games.

The Origins of Playing Cards

Debatably, the Chinese Tang Dynasty is given the credit for creating card games, with the suits being denoted with coins or strings of coins. This was during the 9th Century, from 618-907 AD.

From the Chinese, card games slowly spread across Asia and Europe. By the late 14th century, card games were popular in India and Persia, owing to the various medieval travelers who brought their cultures with them. 

However, playing cards, as we know them, was standardized by the French in the 15th and 16th centuries. This further spread among people with a little help from woodblock printing which led to mass production.

The Role of Playing Cards in Different Cultures

From ancient China to medieval Europe, playing cards rose to popularity owing to the below:

• A bonding experience between friends and family members belonging to the nobility as well as the middle class.
• Served as political satire during the uprisings.
• As an educational tool for children
• Provided an insight into the social structure and culture of the times

Further, cards are not limited to regular card games like Rummy and Poker. In contrast, a number of traditional games use playing cards in a different design:

• Tarot Decks used for fortune-telling were created from the Italian Deck.
• Tichu and Gong Zhu are popular Chinese games that use playing cards.
• Arpaa Turup is a popular card game from Somalia
• Karuta, a Japanese card game also uses playing cards

The Development of the Modern Deck

A standard deck of cards, as we see today, was developed by the French. However, there used to be many variations to the modern deck. For instance, the suit of Hearts in the usual deck is actually a suit of Chalices in the Italian deck.

Key Design Elements of a Modern Deck

The French were the first to divide the cards into suits and also into the two colours: Red and Black. This was during the early 15th century.

Usually made from cardstock, thin cardboard, or plastic coated paper, modern Playing cards are two-sided:

• Side one has an identical colorful design that carries through the entire deck.
• Side two shows the card value and suit.

All playing cards are double-headed, so unless you get an Ace, you cannot tell which side is up. Further, the cards are indexed on the top left and bottom right corners. 

The art we see on cards is a blend of medieval times and incorporates the cultural elements of the 15th to 19th centuries.

How the Suits Came to be

When playing cards reached Europe, the suits were designed to represent things that were relevant to the times. Based on this, the below classes were made:

• Clubs for the Peasants (a three leaf clover)
• Spades for the Nobility (a spearhead)
• Hearts to identify with the Clergy (a heart)
• Diamonds to stand for the bourgeoisie (red cobblestones that acted as weapons in uprisings)

Further, based on the country of origin, the images used to represent the suits vary:

• Clubs are also shown as Acorns in Germany and Staffs in Italy and Spain
• Spades are Leaves in a German Deck and Swords in the Italian and Spanish Deck.
• Hearts are chalices in the Italian and Spanish Deck.
• Diamonds are Bells in German Cards and Coins in the Italian and Spanish Deck.

Thus, the suits we see today on playing cards are a representation of medieval European society.

Creating the Joker

According to David Parlett, a popular card game historian, the first Joker was seen in the 1860s as a part of the 32 card deck. In the game of Euchre, players needed an extra boost and the Joker was the ultimate trump card. The US Playing Card Company was the first to print this card. By the 1880s, the Joker was manufactured by all brands. In Tarot, there is a card similar to the Joker from playing cards: “the Fool”. Often, the Joker has the company’s logo and branding.

Read for more info: Uses of Joker Card in Rummy Game | A23 

The Evolution of Face Cards

Just like the suits represented the social strata, the face cards represented the historical personalities. Further, they also depict the ranks of the nobility. Thus the Kings are assigned the highest value, followed by the Queens and the Jack (or Knave).

Though you may find most of the face cards of today looking fairly similar, this was not always the case. Alexander the Great was often used as the King of Clubs. Hector, the Trojan Prince has been seen as the Jack of Diamonds. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom became the icon for the Queen of Spades. 

The Spread and Influence of Playing Cards

As colonialization spread across the continents, the popularity of playing cards also grew. This has led to the development of popular card games such as Poker, Rummy, Blackjack, Bridge, and more.

Playing Cards across the World: USA and India

When it comes to the USA, the first cards are said to have reached the country from England. Later, the American printers started publishing their own decks. The American printers are also given credit for creating the Joker. Further, they also streamlined the design that was created by the French and made the cards we see today.

In India, however, the rise of playing cards predates this. The earliest known Indian rummy cards are the Patrakrida. However, the earliest record mentions are that of Ganjifa, during the rule of the Mughal Dynasty. A derivative of the Persian game of Gangifeh, its origins lie with the Chinese Mamluk immigrants.

Later, the 52 card deck became popular in India. This was brought over by the European colonisers.

Playing Cards and Gambling

While any game can be played for money, games like poker and blackjack are designed for gambling. A surprising historical trivia is that the French Financial Minister Cardinal Mazarin padded the Royal Treasury by using the Palace of Versailles as a casino.

In the 2023-24 financial year, India had a record 23% growth in the online gaming market. Further, the card game market is expected to 11.8% from 2024 – 2032.

This shows the impact card games have on the economy and society.

The Artistic Side of Playing Cards

Playing cards can be beautiful and artistic. Companies often make collectibles that are unique in their design for card game enthusiasts.

Historically, the face cards were designed based on popular icons. Further, their attire was made to suit the times. While modern card games have kept up with this imagery, some companies are trying to put their own mark on this. The modern rise in the popularity of online card games is due to multiple platforms offering poker and rummy games. This has led to people buying collectibles and gifting them as well. You can also find a number of companies that print your design for a price on a deck of cards.

Further, Tarot Cards also have some beautiful artwork.

The Legacy of Playing Cards

From the 9th Century to the modern day, card games have stood the test of time and prevailed. Instead of losing significance, they have adapted to the times and created several modern-day variants. This has led to the creation of rummy games, poker, bridge, and others.

Whether a friendly game between peers or a competitive match between rivals, card games are always popular. Though the person who invented playing cards remains unknown, various historical sources have told the story of their origin.
For a fun bonding experience, try a friendly card game.