5. During the 14th century, playing cards were already being used all throughout Europe, and each country had their own unique suits. That said, the cards we currently use all over the world today originated in France.
6. In the 1800s, before poker became the most popular card game in the world, Americans were obsessed with a game called “euchre.” In this game, there was a German “juker” card that designers eventually twisted into a “joker,” adding bells and floppy hats to the design.
7. If you’ve ever looked at an Ace of Spades and thought, “This card stands out more than the rest of them,” it’s because it’s supposed to. The symbol used to be a tax stamp England imprinted on decks of cards so buyers could prove they paid the tax on them.
8. The face cards of a playing deck are full of interesting details. For example, British card publishers apparently mixed up the designs of the kings when they printed them, and the orb held by the King of Clubs was meant to be placed on a different king’s card.
9. The King of Hearts is often referred to as the “suicide king” because it looks like he’s plunging his dagger directly into the back of his head. But, this is completely wrong. Due to printing errors, it looks that way, but he’s actually supposed to be raising his sword for battle.
10. The King of Diamonds is the only king who doesn’t have both of his eyes showing on the card. That’s because the picture isn’t supposed to be a king at all, but a god. In Norse mythology, the god Odin only had one eye, and he’s depicted on cards as being ready to strike down an opponent at the snap of his fingers.
Credits: boredomtherapy
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