Rūfa

Published September 02, 2015 Updated May 28, 2022

Rūfa is a game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by De la Rue. The object is to build a pagoda with specially-designed cards without causing the building to collapse.

1934 United KingdomErnest LeghDe la RueCard Games

Rūfa is a game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue, first registered in 1934. The object is to build a pagoda with specially-designed cards without causing the building to collapse. See: the rules

Rūfa card game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue
Rūfa card game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue, c.1934 Rūfa card game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue, c.1934
Rūfa card game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue, c.1934

Above: Rūfa card game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by Thomas De la Rue, c.1934. Images courtesy Jo Clarke.

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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.

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