Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first became a part of popular culture, perhaps seen as a miniature model of the universe. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. Their popularity is undoubtedy due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
Latest Articles
Belle Vue Gueuze
• December 28, 2017 at 03:20pmPromotional playing cards designed by Wim Simons, Belgium, 1960s. Read more →
Georgian Fortune Telling Cards
• December 24, 2017 at 12:40pmGeorgian Fortune Telling Cards, c.1800 Read more →
DSA Textil Berlin
• December 22, 2017 at 11:08pmSpecial deck for Erste Deutsche Sack-Centrale / DSA Textil Berlin manufactured by VEB Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik, c.1970. Read more →
Kleine Tierwelt
• December 18, 2017 at 10:08am“Kleine Tierwelt” wildlife quartet game designed by Heinz Osthoff, published by Bielefelder Spielkarten GmbH, 1963. Read more →
Jonas Fouquet Navarra Pattern
• December 17, 2017 at 07:30pmNavarra Pattern by Jonas Fouquet, c.1720 and c.1820. Read more →
Vizaĝo playing cards Blog Post
• December 17, 2017 at 12:42pmVizaĝo playing cards created by Annette Abolins, 2017 Read more →
Black Cat Fortune Telling Cards
• December 15, 2017 at 05:38pmBlack Cat Fortune Telling Cards published by Parker Bros, 1897 Read more →
Boulogne-sur-Mer Chamber of Commerce
• December 14, 2017 at 08:39pmBoulogne-sur-Mer Chamber of Commerce & Industry playing cards illustrated by James Hodges, c.1974. Read more →
Royal Cards Reign of Queen Anne
• December 13, 2017 at 01:16pm“Royal Cards Reign of Queen Anne” cover historical events, both honourable and treacherous, during the period 1702 to 1704. Read more →
Pedro Varangot, 1786
• December 11, 2017 at 10:26amArchaic Navarra pattern produced for the Pamplona General Hospital Monopoly by Pedro Varangot in 1786. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
Sections
paypalpoker.org and paypalcasino.net offer the best poker sites and casinos for European players.
Playing cards are the foundation of modern casino games. Try one today at TitanPoker.