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Sherlock Holmes Box Welcome to the World of Playing Cards, where we delve into the rich heritage and history of playing cards, and the many ways in which they bring people together. Playing cards have been shared and enjoyed for centuries for everything from games and gambling to fortune-telling, magic and conjuring. Today they continue to be a popular and educational pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Playing cards combine many aspects of our history including paper-making, printing technologies, innovation, symbolism, graphic design and how these have changed over the years. Whatever your interest in cards, you'll find something interesting here.

Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis

French navigators and explorers on a promotional pack for the C.M.C.R shipping company.

Storia del Fascismo
Storia del Fascismo

Published by Il Meneghello, this pack provides a visual history of Fascism in Italy between 1919 and 1945.

Roddy Somerville • 25 November 2023, 11:22
Romeo and Juliet playing cards
Romeo and Juliet playing cards

Romeo and Juliet playing cards illustrated by Belgian artist Virginie Carquin 2016.

Peter Burnett • 24 November 2023, 20:51
Jeu de cartes Armelle
Jeu de cartes Armelle

Advertising pack designed by James Hodges for a company specialising in regional cakes and biscuits.

Roddy Somerville • 24 November 2023, 11:17
Mechanical Decks – Part 1
Mechanical Decks – Part 1

This article examines the long-short principle in mechanical decks used in magic, detailing various types such as the Svengali, Mirage, and Stripper Decks. It explores their history and usage without ...

Roy J Hopwood • 23 November 2023, 08:24
Morgan-Greer Tarot
Morgan-Greer Tarot

Based on the knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arthur Edward Waite.

Adam West-Watson • 22 November 2023, 11:27
Banjo playing cards
Banjo playing cards

Banjo playing cards featuring the collection of Akira Tsumura, Japan, c. 1978.

Peter Burnett • 23 November 2023, 12:40
EPCS February 2023 Newsletter
Print or Digital Subscription From £10

Broaden your knowledge of playing cards and their rich history by joining our print subscription that offers a newsletter three times a year.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

“Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots” video game characters on playing cards, Japan, 2008

Peter Burnett • Yesterday at 12:12

Umbrella Academy playing cards
Umbrella Academy playing cards

Umbrella Academy playing cards created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, USA, 2019.

Peter Burnett • 29 November 2023, 11:22

Playing cards
Playing cards

Hi I would like to know when these...

Janelle Frewin 29 November 2023, 01:49 • 0 Comments

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Pack featuring six images from the Disney film of the same name, on cards made for Eastern Europe.

Roddy Somerville • 28 November 2023, 18:56

Shrek the Third playing cards
Shrek the Third playing cards

Characters from the 2007 film Shrek the Third, a DreamWorks Animation production.

Roddy Somerville • 28 November 2023, 12:03

New York Consolidated Card Company No 142
New York Consolidated Card Company No 142

I have a full deck of Silent Film stars, both Men and Women with their p...

Mary Fiedler 28 November 2023, 05:42 • 1 Comments

German (circa 19th century?)
German (circa 19th century?)

Can someone help with what my grandfathers playing cards are, as well as...

Lauren Thomas 28 November 2023, 01:57 • 0 Comments

Mardi Gras playing cards
Mardi Gras playing cards

Mardi Gras playing cards illustrated by Dave Edgerly, USA, 2015

Peter Burnett • 27 November 2023, 11:32

Storia del Fascismo
Storia del Fascismo

Published by Il Meneghello, this pack provides a visual history of Fascism in Italy between 1919 and 1945.

Roddy Somerville • 25 November 2023, 11:22

Romeo and Juliet playing cards
Romeo and Juliet playing cards

Romeo and Juliet playing cards illustrated by Belgian artist Virginie Carquin 2016.

Peter Burnett • 24 November 2023, 20:51

Jeu de cartes Armelle
Jeu de cartes Armelle

Advertising pack designed by James Hodges for a company specialising in regional cakes and biscuits.

Roddy Somerville • 24 November 2023, 11:17

Banjo playing cards
Banjo playing cards

Banjo playing cards featuring the collection of Akira Tsumura, Japan, c. 1978.

Peter Burnett • 23 November 2023, 12:40

Mechanical Decks – Part 1
Mechanical Decks – Part 1

This article examines the long-short principle in mechanical decks used in magic, detailing various types such as the Svengali, Mirage, and Stripper Decks. It explores their history and usage without ...

Roy J Hopwood • 23 November 2023, 08:24

Saxon playing cards
Saxon playing cards

A deck of cards belonged to my great grandfather who came to US from Dre...

Anna Symington 22 November 2023, 16:32 • 1 Comments

Czech/German Playing Cards
Czech/German Playing Cards

I'm unable to locate information o...

Matt Burton 22 November 2023, 12:13 • 1 Comments

Morgan-Greer Tarot
Morgan-Greer Tarot

Based on the knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arthur Edward Waite.

Adam West-Watson • 22 November 2023, 11:27



Cyberpunk Lenormand Beginner Deck by Marcus Katz & Tali Goodwin — Kickstarter

Marcus Katz and Tail Goodwin second AI generated c...

Adam Wintle 22 November 2023, 08:27 • 0 Comments

Jeanne d’Arc, “La pucelle d’Orléans”
Jeanne d’Arc, “La pucelle d’Orléans”

Joan of Arc and her contemporaries in a colourful pack designed by Patrice Louis.

Roddy Somerville • 17 November 2023, 12:15

Jane Austen playing cards
Jane Austen playing cards

Jane Austen playing cards published by Prospero Art, USA, 2013.

Peter Burnett • 16 November 2023, 12:41

Strange very old deck of cards with switzerland view aces
Strange very old deck of cards with switzerland view aces

Dear Paul Symons, me and my partner are infected since a year about playin ...

Emily 16 November 2023, 08:53 • 0 Comments

1935 Swiss cards agm
1935 Swiss cards agm

Hi I inherited this 2 full decks of cards. I see it similar to what you pos...

Peter 16 November 2023, 07:45 • 0 Comments

Original playing card wood block
Original playing card wood block

Hello, I have recently acquired a wooden printing block for cards. I think ...

Mark Cropper 16 November 2023, 07:21 • 1 Comments

non-standard Lyxspelkort playing cards for Finland, c.1930s
non-standard Lyxspelkort playing cards for Finland, c.1930s

I purchased this deck for a minimal amount. It is complete with jokers and ...

Karen Parker 16 November 2023, 04:37 • 0 Comments



Louis De Poortere
Louis De Poortere

Psychedelic designs promoting Louis De Poortere, a company selling carpets and rugs.

Roddy Somerville • 15 November 2023, 12:50

75: Early American cards
75: Early American cards

An overview of some of the early cards made in the United States.

Ken Lodge • 15 November 2023, 12:30

Fox Lake Playing Cards
Fox Lake Playing Cards

A Magician’s Perspective.

Roy J Hopwood • 15 November 2023, 05:18

Papyrus Playing Cards
Papyrus Playing Cards

Papyrus playing cards distributed by Egypt Trade, c.1996.

Ian Taylor • 14 November 2023, 16:13

Russell’s Recruits Playing Cards Copyright 74E.
Russell’s Recruits Playing Cards Copyright 74E.

Russell’s Recruits playing cards with red plaid backs. The ace of spades ha...

Olin Bankhead III 14 November 2023, 12:46 • 1 Comments

Murphy Varnish pack
Murphy Varnish pack

Reproduction of the 1883 Murphy Varnish transformation pack, USA, 2019

Peter Burnett • 14 November 2023, 00:02

New Palladini Tarot
New Palladini Tarot

“The New Palladini Tarot” by David Palladini published by U.S. Games Inc., in 1996.

Adam West-Watson • 13 November 2023, 12:07

Costumes Alsaciens
Costumes Alsaciens

Typical costumes and views of Alsace together with lists of the principal sights.

Roddy Somerville • 12 November 2023, 21:19

Das Nassauische Kartenspiel
Das Nassauische Kartenspiel

Pack conceived by Berthold Conradi, commemorating the 700th anniversary of the granting of town rights to Idstein.

Roddy Somerville • 12 November 2023, 16:08

The Aquarian Tarot Deck
The Aquarian Tarot Deck

The Aquarian Tarot Deck illustrated by David Palladini, published by Morgan Press, Inc., 1970.

Adam West-Watson • 11 November 2023, 18:32

Pendleton playing cards
Pendleton playing cards

Pendleton playing cards inspired by indigenous American artwork, USA, 2019.

Peter Burnett • 11 November 2023, 12:52

Âs Nas playing cards with box
Âs Nas playing cards with box

Hand made cards from Persia

Paul Symons • 10 November 2023, 15:27

Een Kaartspel
Een Kaartspel

Minimalist playing cards from The Netherlands

Paul Symons • 10 November 2023, 15:26

Winnie the Pooh Rummy
Winnie the Pooh Rummy

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and friends on a pack made for Eastern Europe.

Roddy Somerville • 10 November 2023, 12:24

Oriental playing cards
Oriental playing cards

Hi, I am wondering if you can help. I have been clearing my Mother's drawer...

Tim Watson 10 November 2023, 07:49 • 1 Comments

Help w/ Prewar Spanish soccer playing cards
Help w/ Prewar Spanish soccer playing cards

This site was fantastic to go through and I spent a good part of my evening...

Sebouh 10 November 2023, 07:06 • 1 Comments


Playing Cards from Around the World


Queen High Equality Deck

A women’s liberation deck described as “A New Deck For A New Deal”.

Pictures of Riga

Playing cards with colour photos of buildings and monuments in and around Riga.

Banco Borges & Irmão

Commemorating the centenary of a Portuguese bank, depicting historical figures.

Dondorf Patience playing cards No.26

Patience playing cards with children in historical costumes

Four Continents playing cards

made by Fulladosa y Comp of Barcelona

Miniature French fashion playing cards

Tiny 19th.century ‘Cartes Mignonnes’ playing cards depicting the fashions of the period

Kashmir Playing Cards

Kashmir playing cards designed by Lev Liberman and printed by Printissa, Saint Petersburg, 2005.

Moscow Poker

“Moscow” - from the Soviet series produced by Sprint, Ivanovo, 2013.

Treasures of the Russian Museum

Treasures of the Russian Museum

Treasures of the Russian Museum / Russkii Muzei : suvenirnye igral’nye karty.

16: European Standard Playing Cards

16: European Standard Playing Cards

A brief survey of the different types of standard cards to be found in Continental Europe.

39: Mixed Packs

39: Mixed Packs

A number of mixed packs appear for sale from time to time, but it's important to sort out what is me...

62: French regional patterns: the queens and jacks

62: French regional patterns: the queens and jacks

Continuing our look at the figures from the regional patterns of France.

Imperial Royal Pack

Imperial Royal Playing Cards published by S. & J. Fuller, London, 1828. The court cards show portrai...

Deakin’s 1st edition

Deakin & Co., 45 Eastcheap, London EC published a political pack in 1886 with caricatures of politic...

Le Florentin

Éditions Philibert published playing cards in Paris from 1954 to 1960 including Le Florentin in Rena...

Anonymous Dutch deck, 1940s

Anonymous Dutch deck, 1940s

Anonymous Dutch deck, 1940s

Ainu culture

A terrific deck of cards made by Nintendo c.1979 with original designs on every card showing the Ain...

Abbatt Animal Families

Abbatt Animal Families

Abbatt Toys Animal Families, c.1970.

Morgan-Greer Tarot

Based on the knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arthur Edward Waite.

New Palladini Tarot

“The New Palladini Tarot” by David Palladini published by U.S. Games Inc., in 1996.

The Aquarian Tarot Deck

The Aquarian Tarot Deck illustrated by David Palladini, published by Morgan Press, Inc., 1970.

Jack-O’-Lantern Tarot

Giuliano Costa's Jack-O’-Lantern tarot blends Rider-Waite symbolism with the rich and atmospheric th...

Tarot of the Unknown

Inspired by the Halloween Cartoon “Over the Garden Wall”.

Back to the 80s Lenormand

History meets pop culture in a 36-card set that pays tribute to Lenormand's legacy and the colourful...

French Cartomancy cards, c.1830

French Cartomancy cards published by J. Gaudais; printed by Mansion, Paris, c.1830.

Âs Nas

Âs Nas

Âs Nas type playing cards from Persia.

Hand-painted and Silk-inlaid playing cards

Complete pack of 36 hand-painted and silk-inlaid playing cards with French suits made in Germany.

The History of Playing Cards

Scene of people playing cards

Playing cards arrived in Europe the late 14th century and rapidly became a part of popular culture. Antique playing cards are like a visit to the local museum and evoke images of past eras and ways of life and also demonstrate archaic technology or production methods. So what do the oldest surviving playing cards look like?


History of Blackjack

History of Blackjack

Over the years the origin of Blackjack, like many other games, has eluded researchers for a long tim...

1885 Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition

Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition

1st edition of famous Bicycle Playing Cards printed by Russell & Morgan Printing Co., Cincinnati, 18...

1686 Arms of English Peers

Arms of English Peers

The Arms of English Peers playing cards were first published in 1686. Heraldry, or a knowledge of th...

Antoine de Logiriera

Antoine de Logiriera

Archaic Spanish-suited playing cards published in Toulouse by Antoine de Logiriera (1495-1518).


Art & Design

Design Caricatures Abstract Cartoon Celtic Deco Jugendstil Renaissance Rococo Surrealism

The playing card calls for artistic treatment and although the constrained size imposes some limitations there is an almost bewildering wealth and variety of designs in playing cards and their tuck boxes. The serious player requires design to be unobtrusive so that aesthetic considerations remain in the background. However, with modern manufacturing technology more eye-catching designs are becoming popular as gifts, collectibles and for their attractive appearance.


2010 Käpt’n Blaubär

Käpt’n Blaubär

Käpt’n Blaubär quartett for Deutsche Postbank AG, 2010.

Production Methods for Small Scale Editions

Production Methods for Small Scale Editions

Some alternative approaches to producing small, hand-made editions of playing cards

1988 The Game of Four Queens

The Game of Four Queens

In 1988 the Danish School of Design set the examination project to design a pack of playing cards. T...

1978 Egbert Moehsnang

Egbert Moehsnang

The suit signs and indices are clear and easily recognisable, and each suit has a different predomin...


Oracle, Divination & Tarot

Cat Cartomancy The art of interpreting divine omens - augury or reading karma - has since ancient times been integral to political, civic and religious life.

More recently, Cartomancy and modern esoteric tarot packs have been produced in a wide variety of conceptions and involve use of imagination and intuition to assess one’s thoughts and feelings from the view point of the symbolic images and numbers. It is possible for an object to be construed as a game in one context, and as something other than a game in a different context.

Tarot, originally a 15th century card game, has evolved into a popular system of personal mysticism, self-exploration and spirituality   Learn more about tarot


1879 La Sibylle des Salons

La Sibylle des Salons

La Sibylle des Salons facsimile of 19th century deck published by J M Simon, 1979.

EPCS February 1989 Newsletter

Reynolds & Sons Fortune Telling • Superfine Playing Cards • Collecting Theme: GAS • Joseph Reynolds ...

1980 Venetian Tarot

Venetian Tarot

Scenes from the history of Venice on a set of the major arcana.

Conjuring and Magic

Conjuring and Magic

The art of mystifying people is very old indeed. The first conjurers were priests who obtained power...


Schwarzer Peter Cards

The games we play mirror the world we live in, like popular art. There was a time when friends and family played indoor games by the fireside and enjoyed countless hours of pleasure and amusement. Children don’t play card games so much because they prefer computer games, the ultimate excitement. Antique and vintage card games offer documentary evidence, as well as nostalgic memories, of the social interaction, fashions and stereotypes of bygone days and are a study in social anthropology.

French card games are mostly Jeux des Sept Familles. German games are often pleasing on the eye, and they seem to favour quartet games. USA love quartets of world worthies like authors, painters, composers. Games are not simply an escape from the real world, they are also educational and provide a place to process what it all means.


1900 District Messenger

District Messenger

District Messengers were uniformed young men wearing little pill-box hats and mounted on bicycles wh...

Spear’s Old Maid

Spear’s Old Maid

Spear’s “The Jolly Game of Old Maid” was introduced around 1900. The cards contain some interesting ...

2019 Carousel Playing Cards

Carousel Playing Cards

Carousel Playing Cards commissioned by Tesco stores, 2019.

1896 Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales

the Game of Fairy Tales published by Multum in Parvo Co,, from 1896

The Big Picture

Playing cards have a universal appeal and are a reflection of human culture.

Simon & Adam Wintle

Above: Chinese money-suited cards. Some of the earliest cards have origins in the Far East.

Playing cards are a part of almost every culture and society around the world. These small, rectangular pieces of paper have been a source of entertainment for generations and are still enjoyed by people of all ages today. Whether it’s a simple game of solitaire, a high-stakes game of poker, or a magic trick that delights, there’s something about playing cards that captures the imagination and inspires creativity. As Delef Hoffmann once said “whether we consider cards as mere merchandise or as the bond which unites people with one another, just think of what we would be if we had no cards! How boring and unsociable our lives would be without this invention!

Joker by Simon Wintle

Above: Dasavatara Ganjifa from India. Playing cards from India are often circular.

The origin of cards can be traced back to China, where they were first used as early as the 9th century. From there, the cards travelled across Asia and the Middle East, and finally found their way to Europe in the 14th century.

Since then, playing cards have been used for a wide range of purposes, including fortune-telling and even propaganda. But the most significant impact they have had on humanity is through their use in games, which have brought people together for centuries.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks.

While playing cards have brought people together for fun and play, they have also been a source of disruption in the form of gambling. For many, gambling has become an addiction, leading to financial ruin and even anti-social problems.

The artistic value of cards cannot be overlooked, with their intricate details and unique designs of each card reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of artists. Playing cards are a reflection of our society, with each country and region having its unique designs and styles. As Sylvia Mann put it “there are fashions in cards, and these fashions very often reflect the history of the times”. From the bold and colourful designs of India to the intricate and detailed patterns of Russia, playing cards are a testament to the creativity and diversity of the human experience.

Simon & Adam Wintle

Above left: Kashmir Playing Cards, above center: Ethiopian Air Lines playing cards produced by Nintendo, above right: striking playing cards designed by Masuo Ikeda.

Playing cards have a wide embrace, spanning across cultures and countries, with a scope of diverse subjects that reflect the values and beliefs of their respective societies.

Playing cards are an enduring symbol of human connection and creativity, transcending language, borders and cultures. Through the power of games, they have brought people together for centuries, creating shared experiences that have fostered friendships, learning and social bonds. While their role in gambling has been disruptive, their stunning artistic designs elevate them to works of art, worthy of appreciation and admiration. Playing cards are a testament to the power of human creativity and a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry of our world.

References

  • The Playing Card, Delef Hoffmann, 1972
  • Collecting Playing Cards, Sylvia Mann, 1966

Contribute to the World of Playing Cards

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If you have an interesting perspective, idea, theory, opinion, observation, or how-to guide related to playing cards that you’d like to share, then fill in the form below.

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About the World of Playing Cards

Our aim is to increase awareness and appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of playing cards.

The World of Playing Cards was established in 1996 as a place where you can learn about playing cards, their history, design and manufacture, and see cards from around the world.

Simon & Adam Wintle

Simon Wintle (right) with Adam Wintle (left) visiting Ayutthaya in Thailand, 2016.

They reflect the traditions of many countries. They vary widely in size, style, shape, artistry, usage and many other purposes in education, marketing or even for fortune telling. There is a fascination in playing card design: the neat symmetries and quirky symbols. The composition of the pack - court cards, suits, pips - provides endless scope of play.

Joker by Simon Wintle

They are recognised everywhere around the world - we rarely question their origins.

Since their invention, cards have lost none of their popularity. Playing cards have a long history and it's in the art that the richness of playing cards is to be discovered.

Simon & Adam

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The amount you donate is up to you and we are grateful that so many people find value in the World of Playing Cards and want to sustain its future.