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The History And Purpose Of Card Games

Card games have been around for the longest time; hence, people tend to overlook it and forget its significance and value. The history of card games can be traced back centuries ago, and its evolvement also spanned several countries as well; not a surprising fact, considering how expeditions to other countries were also responsible for the development of other commonplace innovations today. Now, card games are the most flexible type of entertainment known to man. Card games can be played by families or a group of friends, for leisure or for education purposes, for clean fun or with something more at stake. Before analyzing which card game you would want to play, it may be beneficial and refreshing as well to step back and know a little more about the card games you have grown to love.

History

Not surprisingly, studies and researches have traced the origins of card games to Asia, specifically China. This isn’t surprising because a more in-depth study would reveal that many specific types of card games actually originated in China. An example of this is the popular game Mah Jongg. While not exactly a card game, Mah Jongg is perhaps one of the first prototype of the Rummy card games, a popular group of card games today. In any case, the Chinese used paper dominoes during the 10th century. Like the card games today, these paper dominoes were also shuffled and dealt out. The Chinese also used these paper cards for different types of card games as well, similar to how people use card today for different types of card games. Perhaps due to the explorations during those times, the Chinese paper dominoes reached Europe, where it evolved into something similar to what people know today. According to studies, the cards reached the Moslem world first. It should be noted that during this time, the Europeans routinely went to Moslem territories for the Crusades, a movement that aimed to reclaim their “Holy Land.” Hence, it was said that the cards were adapted by the Europeans during these travels. It was between the Moslems and the Europeans when the cards sported the designs that are much similar to the designs of cards today. This was during the 13th century. However, at that time, the cards were hand-painted; some even say that they were made from wood, making reproduction severely difficult. Hence, cards were considered luxury, something only the rich can afford. Fortunately, this changed during the 14th century, when woodcuts were invented. However, it was the French who developed the cards that people use today. They gave the cards the clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds suits, as well as the use of flat colors. More than the design, these were developed to facilitate easier production. From British Colonies, the cards were exported to America, where it took on an entirely different life. Americans developed the double-headed court cards, the varnished surfaces, and the rounded corners. They also invented the card known today as the “Joker.”

Types

However, the history of specific card games differs altogether, although the mode of evolution and development is similar. Just like cards, card games were developed due to the transition of specific games from one territory to another. This is also the reason why a number of different card games have similar rules, or why there are a number of card game rules which are similar to each other. In any case, there are a number of card games according to classification alone. The most popular classification of card games includes trick-taking, matching, accumulating, fishing, shedding, and comparing. Some specific card games overlay, so they belong to more than one category. The popular card game Poker belongs in the comparing category, although Poker games itself is a subcategory on its own. Rummy games, while also a subtype, belong in the matching and shedding categories.

Purpose

The purpose of card games is obvious: they are used to entertainment. As many materials would tell you, the need for entertainment is a natural sensation engraved in our system. Hence, we are always looking for ways to entertainment ourselves, as means to distress or simply to spend leisure time. However, a number of card games can also be considered as educational; more than for entertainment, they can be used to promote good mental skills. This claim is based on actual studies, and card games such as Rummy are proven to improve one’s cognitive and analytical skills. Not to mention, these games are also fun. Card games are known accessible for everyone, and can be used for a number of reasons, making it still one of the main forms of entertainment for many.

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