9th century CE
Playing cards are thought to have first appeared in China during the Tang dynasty. These early cards, sometimes called “leaf” games, may have used paper money or domino-style designs.
12th–13th century
Cards spread across Asia, turning up in Persia, India, and Mamluk Egypt by the 1200s. Mamluk decks had four suits (cups, coins, swords, and polo-sticks) and included three court cards (or “face cards”) per suit.
1299
Possibly the earliest mention of cards in Europe appears in an Italian record using the term naibbe – though some dispute this. Another early reference is a 1367 ban on cards in Bern, Switzerland, but the evidence is uncertain.
1370s
Cards clearly arrive in Europe, with mentions in Catalonia, southern Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, and the Low Countries. These all suggest that playing cards were a new phenomenon at the time.
1377
Swiss monk John of Rheinfelden writes a detailed account of a deck with four suits, each containing 10 numbered cards and several court figures, showing that the basic structure of modern decks was already in place.
1380s
Card playing spreads quickly across Europe. Records show decks being used in Florence, Basel, Regensburg, Paris, and Barcelona by 1380.
1387
The Spanish word naipes (from the Arabic naib) is used for the first time in written form.
1392–1393
King Charles VI of France receives three sets of hand-painted cards, as recorded by his treasurer, evidence of cards being used at the royal court.
1397
A law passed in Paris bans workers from playing cards during weekdays, showing just how widespread the pastime had become.
15th century
Playing cards are now found across Europe. Different regions develop their own suits – Latin suits in Italy and Spain, German suits, and French suits by the end of the century. Authorities often try to ban or limit card games, but their popularity keeps growing.
1413
Earliest known mention of playing cards in England.
c.1430s
In northern Italy, a new kind of deck is created by adding 22 trump cards (including The Fool) to the usual four playing card suits; these become the first tarot cards, originally used for games.
1440
Not long after Gutenberg invents the printing press, German card makers use woodcuts to produce decks, helping them spread even further.
1462/1463
England passes a law banning imported playing cards, suggesting local card-making was already underway.
1480
France introduces the suits we still use today: hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs. These simple shapes make cards quicker and cheaper to print.
Late 1400s
French decks start including Queens alongside Kings and Knaves (later Jacks). Around this time, the Ace card begins to count as high in some games, instead of always being the lowest card.
Early 1500s
The “Paris” court style appears, with the stylised royal figures still familiar today. These designs later influence English cards.
1520
The Spanish game Triumph (Triunfo) is recorded for the first time. It’s one of the early trick-taking games that would inspire others like euchre and whist.
1588
Queen Elizabeth I grants a monopoly on card production in England to Ralph Bowes. All official decks must carry a special mark – an early form of tax.
1628
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards is founded in London, bringing card makers together under a royal charter from Charles I.
1674
The Compleat Gamester by Charles Cotton is published, explaining the rules of many popular card games. It shows just how common card playing had become in England.
1685
In Quebec, Canada, cards are used as emergency money. Governor de Meulles marks playing cards with values to help during a coin shortage.
1711
The UK introduces a playing card tax of six pence per deck. A special Ace of Spades becomes mandatory to prove the tax has been paid. This tax lasts until 1960.
1742
Edmond Hoyle publishes a guide to Whist, one of the most popular card games of the time. “According to Hoyle” becomes a saying for following the rules properly.
c.1765
Britain introduces stamped Aces of Spades to show the tax has been paid. Forging these cards is illegal, and the Ace becomes heavily decorated with tax stamps and maker names.
1793
During the French Revolution, new decks replace Kings, Queens, and Jacks with characters like Liberty and Equality. The change is short-lived as Napoléon brings back traditional courts by 1805.
Early 1800s
The Industrial Revolution improves how cards are made. New machines and colour printing make them cheaper and more widely available across Europe and North America.
1820s–1860s
Big changes in design appear: face cards become double-headed (so you don’t need to flip them), and small corner symbols and numbers make hands easier to hold. In England, the “Knave” is renamed “Jack” to avoid confusion with the King.
1857
The Joker card is first used in the USA, originally as a high trump card in the game Euchre. It soon becomes a standard extra card in most decks.
1860s
Card production becomes big business. Companies like the United States Playing Card Company start mass-producing decks with decorative backs and novelty themes. Double-headed court cards become common in England too.
1914–1918
During World War I, soldiers play simple card games in the trenches to pass the time. British troops often choose Pontoon, a form of blackjack.
1925
Contract Bridge rules are created by Harold Vanderbilt. The game quickly becomes hugely popular in both the UK and the US.
1935
An attempt to add a fifth suit to Bridge decks (green “Eagle” in the US and “Crown” in the UK) fails, as players prefer to stick with tradition.
1960
The UK finally removes the playing card tax. Although the Ace of Spades no longer needs to carry a tax stamp, many British decks continue the tradition with decorative designs.
Today
Playing cards are as popular as ever, used for games, magic, collecting, and even as premium playing cards for enthusiasts and collectors alike. The classic 52-card Anglo-American deck leads the way, but regional styles like Spanish and Italian decks are still going strong.
Modern printing has opened the door to luxury playing cards, with foil details, embossed boxes, and incredible artwork. And while styles have evolved, the deck’s core design remains unchanged – proof that the history of playing cards is far from over.
