Playing Cards

It is uncertain when and where exactly playing cards were invented. One possible explanation, from an old Chinese dictionary, states that they were designed in China in the twelfth century. The four suits symbolize the year's four seasons, and the 52 cards are for the year's 52 weeks. Playing cards are used to play a variety of games: Bridge, Preference (card game), and have other uses as well, such as magic tricks, fortune telling, board games, or simply building houses of cards. The front of each card carries marks that distinguish it from other cards and determine its use in the game being played. The back of each card features an abstract design.