What Card Games Did They Play in the 1700s?

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By Valerie Becker

In the 1700s, card games were a popular pastime for people of all social classes. Whether it was at a royal court or in a local tavern, everyone enjoyed playing cards.

But what were some of the most popular card games of the time? Let’s take a look.

Whist

One of the most popular card games in the 1700s was Whist. It was a game for four players and involved taking tricks and trumps.

The objective was to win as many tricks as possible to score points. Whist was so popular that it was often played in coffee houses and became known as “the game of polite society”.

Piquet

Another popular game was Piquet, which was played with only two players. Piquet involved playing several rounds and keeping track of points earned by winning certain combinations of cards. The game required strategy and skill, and it was often played for high stakes.

Faro

Faro was a high-stakes gambling game that involved betting on cards drawn from a deck. Unlike other card games, Faro did not involve taking tricks or playing against other players. Instead, players bet on whether or not their selected card would be drawn from the deck.

Basset

Basset was another popular gambling game that involved betting on cards drawn from a deck. Players would bet on specific cards or combinations of cards, with the goal of having their chosen card(s) appear in the final draw.

Conclusion

In conclusion, card games were an important part of daily life in the 1700s. From Whist to Faro, there were many different games to choose from, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether played for fun or for high stakes, these games provided hours of entertainment for people of all walks of life.