Welcome to the World of Playing Cards

Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture. Over the centuries superb artwork, graphic design and self-expression has been hidden within packs of cards. Here we bring to light and admire these miniature treasures.

Playing cards have been associated with gambling and anti-social behaviour leading to their being demonised by church preachers. They have been used for educational purposes, to assist with learning. They have been used for fortune-telling or divination. In Victorian family circles card games were enjoyed by the fireside. They even relate to key areas of our school curriculum!

Blog

The World of Playing Cards Blog is a place where we feature card designers and new creative projects from the open collaborative community. View More →

Pagan Playing Cards by Uusi

A beautifully hand-painted pack inspired by wildlife and the wilderness created by the Uusi design studio.

Decked Out - Fashion Playing Cards by Connie Lim

Connie Lim has created a beautifully illustrated set of fashion inspired playing cards which she is funding through a Kickstarter campaign.

Creative Clash Card Game by The Infantree

The Creative Clash card game, by the Infantree, is a fast-paced card game where you become the Principal of a creative agency and battle with your friends for the biggest Ego around.

Breaking Bad Playing Cards by Jeff Nichol

A set of cards inspired by the hit TV show Breaking Bad, created by Jeff Nichol.

Parks and Recreation Playing Cards by Andrea Austoni

Custom playing cards based on the TV series Parks and Recreation.

Elevenses by Adventureland Games

Elevenses is a card game in which respectable 1920s socialites strive to serve the finest morning teas!

Political

Propaganda cards, war cards and even educational cards all carry a political message... View More →

WW1 Commemorative

In 1919 Brepols commemorated the victories of World War I with two new packs featuring portraits of Allied leaders and famous battle scenes.

Baralla Galega, 1983

'Baralla Galega' designed by X. Cobas and published by Imprenta Comercial Imprent S.A., La Coruña (Spain) in 1983

Political Cards

Political Playing Cards, Buenos Aires, 1890

International Playing Cards

For the marriage of Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra of Russia on 23 January 1874.

Reviews

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Ireland: Celtic Journey

Celtic Journey playing cards, where art and culture meet - designed by Carmen G. Carballeira.

Welsh Political Figures

Welsh Political Figures playing cards

Inner Realms Tarot

Saleire is an Irish artist and tarot reader who wants to bring the tarot into the future for teenagers and readers to reflect this day and age.

PolitiCards 2012

Politicards 2012 casts this year's American politicians as characters from classic feature films.

Art & Design

Jagiellonskie

Jagiellonskie playing cards

Aberdeen Angus, c.1975

Angus breed cattle promotional playing cards designed by Gustavo A. Pueyrredón, Argentina, c.1975

Masonic Playing Cards

A set of playing cards designed by Julien Lebleu, an original work in the history of Freemasonry.

Müller & Cie: Marguerite

Marguerite playing cards by Müller & Cie, Schaffhausen, Switzerland, about 1930

History

Antique playing cards reflect past eras and ways of life. So what do the oldest surviving playing cards look like? View More →

Gothic Spanish-suited cards

Jost Amman, 1588

The Book of Trades by Jost Amman, 1588

History

Early History of Playing Cards: The Origins of Playing Cards, an on-line tutorial covering the early history of playing-cards.

I.M.F. Engraved Cards, 1617

Engraved Playing Cards, Germany, 1617, by an anonymous artist with the initials I.M.F.

Children's

Card Games - a child's poetic universe. Children's card games are distinct from ordinary playing cards, the most obvious difference being the lack of any court cards or suit marks. Instead game cards are either numbered, lettered or grouped in some other way. View More →