The World of Playing Cards Logo

The English Playing Card Society

EPCS Logo

Promoting research into English card history since 1984. Members receive the EPCS magazine three times a year.

Join from £10/year

Argentinean Tango playing cards

Published November 10, 1998 Updated June 12, 2023

The Tango - sultry and seductive - is Argentina's form of popular music and dance, invented in Buenos Aires in the 19th century.

1999 ArgentinaGardelMusicTango

TANGO

Carlos Gardel on Ace and reverse

The Tango - sultry and seductive - is Argentina's form of popular music and dance, invented in Buenos Aires in the 19th century. It is usually performed on the piano with accordion, or bandoneon, and guitar accompaniment: "I was deceived… you see that everything is a lie… now I sell caresses and love to forget…"

Carlos Gardel became the tango's first international superstar, aided by the emerging gramophone and radio industries. His portrait is featured here on two modern packs, attesting to his legendary status.

Left: Gardel charismatically smiles from this special pack manufactured by Gráfica 2001 for Editorial Perfil, Buenos Aires, 1999. The cards were distributed with a weekly music magazine, making it hard to complete a set! A bandoneon is also shown on the ace.   more →

Below: 'Naipes Tango' by Producciónes Gráficas Arco Iris, Buenos Aires. 48 cards + 2 Jokers. The cards have been computer designed and feature several digital effects. Carlos Gardel himself appears as 'El Rey del Tango' on the four 12s.


Naipes Tango by Arco Iris, Buenos Aires, 1999
Black Tango, 2003
Milonguita, 2003
‘Tango’ playing cards from Argentina, c.2004
avatar
1,494 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

Activity for Argentinean Tango playing cards

Sign in to comment or save this article.


Related Articles

2003 Milonguita

Milonguita

Naipes de Poker “Milonguita” featuring early Tango music score covers, Gardés Editorial, 2003.

2003 Black Tango

Black Tango

‘Black Tango’ playing cards with photographs of dancing couples published by Gardés Editorial, 2003....

2006 Truco “Únicos”

Truco “Únicos”

Naipes Truco “Únicos” with caricatures of national celebrities designed by Gerardo N. Perez, 2006.

2008 Foto Joker

Foto Joker

'Foto Joker' Spanish playing cards for Matera Color Laboratory, 2008.

2005 Caballos Argentinos

Caballos Argentinos

“Caballos Argentinos” playing cards with photographs of horses and ponies on each card.

1999 Naipes Tango by Arco Iris

Naipes Tango by Arco Iris

Naipes Tango by Producciónes Gráficas Arco Iris, 1999.

2001 La Cumparsita Tango deck

La Cumparsita Tango deck

Tango playing cards manufactured in Argentina, 2001.

G. Berger, Buenos Aires, c.1935-50

G. Berger, Buenos Aires, c.1935-50

Berger also produced a Hungarian-type "Seasons" pack with the brand name "La Estrella" and a six-poi...

2004 Tango

Tango

‘Tango’ playing cards from Argentina, c.2004.

Mambrú

Mambrú

Mambru pop group playing cards from Argentina, 2002.

2002 Bandana

Bandana

Bandana Argentine pop girl group playing cards 2002.

Argentinian Playing Cards - Naipes Argentinos

Argentinian Playing Cards - Naipes Argentinos

Playing cards were introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

2000 Rodrigo El Potro

Rodrigo El Potro

Naipes El Potro Rodrigo with Spanish suit symbols and photos of the pop singer on each card, c.2000....

1999 Naipes de Truco

Naipes de Truco

Naipes de Truco manufactured by Gráfica 2001 for Editorial Perfil, Buenos Aires, 1999

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Buenos Aires, 1960-80

Nascal S.R.L., Paisandu 760, Buenos Aires c.1960-80, manufacturers of plastic playing cards.

Impuestos Internos Sobre Naipes

Impuestos Internos Sobre Naipes

Duty was first introduced on playing cards in Argentina in 1892, as part of the Internal Duties law,...

C. Della Penna & Cía, Bs Aires, c.1930-1978

C. Della Penna & Cía, Bs Aires, c.1930-1978

C. Della Penna S.A. playing card manufacturer and publisher, Buenos Aires, c.1930-1978.

1970 Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970

Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970

Playing Cards Imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1...

Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A.

Cía General Fabril Financiera S.A.

Founded in 1889 as Compañía General de Fósforos, and favoured by certain economic factors, the firm ...

List of Argentinian Playing Card Manufacturers

List of Argentinian Playing Card Manufacturers

List of Argentinian Playing Card Manufacturers from the 19th and 20th centuries.


Sign in with Google