The Fascinating History of Playing Cards: From Ancient China to Modern Times

The number of possible arrangements of a standard deck of 52 cards is an astonishing 8 followed by 67 zeros.

Paper, the material for playing cards, was invented in China around 2,000 years ago. The secret of paper production was revealed to the Islamic world in 751 AD during the Battle of Talas. The first paper mill in England was established in 1490.

The first mention of playing cards in Europe is from a Catalan rhyme book dated 1371. In 1461, the English Parliament allowed card playing only during the 12 days of Christmas. The church referred to playing cards as the 'book of the devil's pictures'.

The traditional French deck design, with two colors and simple shapes, became popular due to ease of printing. In the 15th and 16th centuries, some decks were printed with political slogans and used for propaganda. In Italy, playing cards were used as birth certificates for abandoned children in orphanages. In England, playing cards were taxed, and the ace of spades was used to indicate tax payment.