A New Look at the Evolution of Whist Markers and Gaming Counters

Published July 09, 2023 Updated August 03, 2023

This article aims to illustrate the evolution of whist and gaming counters from the 18th century to the 20th.

United KingdomEphemeraDe la RueGoodallBridgeCribbageGamingPokerWhist
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By Tony Hall

United Kingdom • Member since January 30, 2015

I started my interest in card games about 70 years ago, playing cribbage with my grandfather. Collecting card game materials started 50 years or so later, when time permitted. One cribbage board was a memory; two became the start of a collection currently exceeding 150!

Once interest in the social history of card games was sparked, I bought a wooden whist marker from the 1880s which was ingenious in design and unbelievably tactile. One lead to two and there was no stopping.

What happened thereafter is reflected in my articles and downloads on this site, for which I will be eternally grateful.

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