December 28th marks National Card Playing Day, a fun US holiday for card player fans. From casino classics like Blackjack and Poker to family games like Go Fish and War, there’s an endless list of card-playing games you can enjoy. Dating back to the 9th century during the Tang Dynasty in China, playing cards has always been a form of entertainment and has evolved into different formats and games.
As the holiday takes place right before New Year’s, the OUSC team thought it would be fun to learn more about playing cards with a few fun facts. Keep reading to see what we found out as well as a few examples of online casino games you can play in honor of this holiday.
7 Things You Should Know About Playing Cards
Almost everyone has held a deck of playing cards in their hands at one time or another, but not everyone has given too much thought to the cards themselves. Check out a few interesting facts about playing cards below.
1. Based on a Class System
When you use a modern deck of cards, there are four card suits: the Spaces, Hearts, Diamond, and Clubs. Did you know that the modern sets of cards were based on a class system in Europe?
- Spades represent nobility
- Hearts represent the clergy
- Diamonds represent merchants
- Clubs represent peasants
2. Decks are Replaced Every Hour in Vegas
Because card tables are so busy on Las Vegas casino floors, it is not uncommon for a card deck to be replaced on the hour. As cards are dealt time and time again, they become worn.
With wear comes markings or bent areas, which can be used by players to have an edge against the house in the game. The casinos will change out cards on a regular basis to maintain their edge.
3. Face Cards Are Based on Famous Leaders
Everyone knows what the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace cards are in a deck of playing cards, but did you know that the King cards design is based on actual famous leaders from history? Here are the Kings of the deck:
- King of Hearts represents Prince Charlemagne
- King of Clubs represents Alexander the Great
- King of Spades represents King David
- King of Diamonds represents Julius Caesar
4. Stimulates the Brain
Playing cards is a great way to stimulate the brain and has been scientifically proven as a way to enhance your mental state. Studies have found that playing games like Bridge help to stimulate areas of the brain that help with problem-solving. Also, card games can improve short and long-term memory, as well as other cognitive functions.
5. The American Joker
The Joker card in a deck of playing cards was created by Americans. After players began to enjoy a card game known as Euchre in the 1800s, the Joker was born. Added to card decks, players in America find that every deck now includes this famous character.
6. The Mistaken Queen
The queen cards are often thought to be a representation of Queen Elizabeth the first, particularly the Queen of Hearts. However, Queen Elizabeth I was born in the early 1500s, and the queens actually date back further than this.
History indicates that the Queen of Hearts is based on Judith from the bible with the remaining queens designed after other important women from history.
7. 150 Years of Card Manufacturing
Today, playing cards are still manufactured by the US Playing Card Company. The business is based in Kentucky and recently celebrated 150 years of business. Every year, the company sells over 100 million decks of cards. They produce well-known and reputable brands such as Bee, Bicycle, Aviator, and Hoyle.
Follow Suit and Play Your Favorite Card Games!
After all the holiday parties and family visits, take some time today to relax and unwind with some of your favorite card games. Visit one of our recommended online casinos to see what they have to offer and get ready to enjoy a few games in celebration of National Card Playing Day!
