Card games have been around for centuries, providing endless entertainment for people of all ages. Some of the oldest card games date back to the 9th century, and they are still popular today. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the oldest card games that are still played today.
1. Ganjifa
Ganjifa is a Persian card game that dates back to the 17th century.
The game is played with a deck of 96 circular cards that are traditionally made out of ivory or tortoise shell. Each card is beautifully hand-painted with intricate designs and symbols. The game can be played with two or more players, and the objective is to win tricks by playing higher cards or by playing special combinations.
2. Mahjong
Mahjong is a Chinese tile-based game that has been around since the Qing dynasty (1644-1912).
Although it is not strictly a card game, it shares many similarities with traditional card games such as poker and rummy. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles that are divided into three suits (bamboo, characters, and circles) as well as honor tiles (winds and dragons). The objective of the game is to form sets and runs in order to score points.
3. Tarot
Tarot cards were originally used for divination purposes in medieval Europe, but they eventually evolved into a popular card game known as Tarocchi in Italy.
The game is played with a deck of 78 cards that include 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards. Each card has its own unique symbolism and meaning, making the game both challenging and intriguing.
4. Piquet
Piquet is a French trick-taking game that was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The game is played with a deck of 32 cards that include the ranks of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, and 7. Each player is dealt a hand of twelve cards, and the objective is to win tricks by playing higher cards or by playing special combinations.
5. Bridge
Bridge is a popular card game that originated in the 19th century in England.
The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and can be played with four players in pairs or individually. The objective of the game is to score points by winning tricks and bidding on contracts.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of some of the oldest card games that are still played today. Each game has its own unique history and rules, making them fascinating to learn about and play. Whether you’re looking for a challenging strategy game or a fun way to pass the time with friends and family, these classic card games are sure to provide hours of entertainment.