There are many things in our daily lives that are so ordinary, we never stop to consider how we got them. One such thing is featured in my next Jesus De La Cruz mystery – working title PLAYING DEAD – a deck of cards. Mr. Will Roya posted a history of playing cards back in 2018 on the website Playing Card Decks This was one of the most fascinating trips I’ve taken down the internet rabbit hole. There are few things I can think of (although I’m sure some of you can) that combine anthropology, art, societal evolution, and gaming into something that fit in the palm of your hand. Here are a few of my favorite fun facts (paraphrased, of course):
- Face cards have long been an element of a deck but who is on the face card varies with deck origin. A king, a knight, a knave. A king, a queen, a prince (later called jack). A king and two knaves. (FYI a knave is a tricky, deceitful fellow according to Merriam-Webster)
- 52 cards is a deck is far from standard. Some decks have 40 cards, others 48. It wasn’t so much I didn’t know this as I never stopped to think about it.
- Hundreds of years ago, innovative printers with modern techniques who could mass produce cards and bring costs down to an “every man” level became a standard, as they were widely circulated, and had a large influence on deck of card we know today. By sheer volume, they pushed aside older styles of cards that were much more expensive and fewer people owned.
How did I use the information in the book? As inspiration my friends. How could a mystery write not be inspired by the lore of suicide kings and dead man’s hands.
And hey, since its the Holiday season, check out Playing Card Decks at playcarddecks.com main page for some fantastically unique decks will stuff that stocking. They have decks to suit every interest and hobby.
TG Wolff 