Poker Taurino

Published July 22, 1998 • Updated July 05, 2022

Baraja Taurina was published by Enrique Guerrero, c.1950. Subsequently published as Poker Taurino by Clemente Jacques y Cia, S.A.

Poker Taurino by Carlos Ruano Llopis, Mexico, c.1950

boxes from different editions of Baraja Taurina designed by Carlos Ruano Llopis, Mexico

Baraja Taurina first edition was published by Enrique Guerrero (printed by Offset-Latina, Mexico, c.1949) in red or blue hard boxes. Subsequently published as Poker Taurino by Clemente Jacques y Cia, S.A. in cardboard tuck boxes. In both cases the oil paintings are by Carlos Ruano Llopis (1878-1950), a Spanish bull-fight artist from Valencia who had emigrated to Mexico during the Spanish Civil War. There have been some changes in the design details over the years, notably the manufacturer's details printed on the Joker and King of Hearts and the reverse. A Spanish-suited version is shown below.

two editions of Baraja Taurina and Poker Taurino published by Enrique Guerrero and Clemente Jacques y Cia, Mexico, 1950s

Above: two editions of Baraja Taurina (and Poker Taurino) published by Enrique Guerrero and Clemente Jacques y Cia respectively. There appears to be an unfortunate typographical error on the Queen of Diamonds.

Spanish-suited version

Above: box and three cards from the Spanish-suited version of Baraja Taurina designed by Carlos Ruano Llopis. This early edition was published by Enrique Guerrero but later editions were published by Clemente Jacques y Cia. 40 cards. The Spanish-suited version is much harder to find than the French-suited versions shown above.

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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.