History of card games

Card games are an exciting hobby for many. Playing cards not only allows you to unwind and forget all your worries, but it also helps to develop the mind. In the ancient world, card games were amongst one of the most popular pastimes and were an accepted element of culture. They gained immense popularity and gradually became part of daily life for both ordinary citizens and influential members of society.

According to legend, card games first originated in Ancient China in the 12th century. Artists amused themselves in their spare time by drawing pictures of plants, birds, animals, and men and women on small pieces of paper. Every piece had a secret meaning, and they claimed, magic properties. As time passed, people started to use these paper cards for play. Even modern online card games contain some elements of the ancient Chinese cards. Within a short period of time, card games penetrated every level of human activity, there were different games for children, families and soon commercial card games were invented. Everyone could enjoy card games: rich and poor, kings and beggars, it was universal in its appeal.

Ancient Romans believed that these small coloured pieces of paper had magical powers that could be used to put curse a person or a group of people. Owing to concerns for such curses, in the 16th century governments tried to put a stop to the distribution of card games. Anyone found guilty of possessing a set of cards had to pay a huge fine. In spite of such measures, card games didn’t become extinct, but continued to bring enjoyment to players everywhere. At the time three distinct types of cards existed: German, French and Italian. Each had different set of suits and images. Of course, modern online card games offer much better choice and allow players to choose games according to their tastes and preferences.

Card games reached Russia at the beginning of the 17th century; it is believed they were brought over by the Ukrainian Cossacks. Despite their late appearance, card games achieved popularity amongst Russians. Unfortunately, Russian authorities weren’t any different from their counterparts elsewhere in the world and the harmful influence of card games on individuals and society is mentioned in the Russian Law Code of 1649. During the next century, card games and gamblers were harshly persecuted. After a while, however the Russian government permitted commercial card games which weren’t considered harmful. On the contrary, it was believed that commercial card games were beneficial to the development of intellectual abilities.

Nowadays card games have achieved even wider popularity, thanks to online card games that allow players to compete both against human opponents and the computer, allowing players to win cash and improve their skills.