Unit 223 Reporter

“Where did those cards come from?”

Not only did the Chinese invent fireworks, they also seem to have invented the notion of playing games with cards around 900 A.D.  There is some speculation that playing cards may have been introduced to the West by Marco Polo, returning to Venice from China.

Playing cards were in use in use in France, Germany and Spain by the 14th century, and probably reached England in the 15th century. There is a legend that sailors with Columbus had playing cards on board his ships.

Early cards were produced by hand, and only later (around 1400) were printed with wood-blocks. We now play with what is known as the “French Pack” – 4 suits (hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs) and 52 cards, but it took awhile to settle on the modern deck. Historically, decks have consisted of 38 and 78 cards, and one Hindu deck had 144 cards with eight suits. (How would you like to “count” cards with that deck?) In Germany, hearts, bells, leaves and acorns became the standard suits, and 15th century Italy and Spain used swords, batons, cups and rings.

Some design changes in playing cards over the centuries were made to thwart card sharps and cheating. Corners were rounded, and all-over designs were printed on the backs to make cards more difficult to “mark” or distinguish. Cards were thickened to make them impossible to see through. Numerals were printed on the corners, and honor cards made “reversible” or two-headed, so that players did not have to manipulate the cards to see them, and give away the presence of honor-cards in their hands.

Some items of interest:

The custom of printing the manufacturer on the Ace of Spades dates back to the 17th century in England, when cards were taxed (the King needed money to conduct a war) and an insignia on the Ace was proof that the tax had been paid.

Some design elements on the honor cards are almost universal:

The Jack of Spades, Jack of Hearts and King of Diamonds are usually drawn in profile (while the rest of the court are shown full-face) and are commonly called “one-eyed”.

The King of Hearts is the only king with no mustache.

Also, the King of Hearts is the only king with his sword in play, appearing to stab himself in the head, giving him the nickname “suicide king”.

The King of Diamonds is traditionally armed with an axe, while the other kings carry swords.

The Queen of Clubs traditionally carries a flower.

The Queen of Spades usually holds a scepter, and is sometimes called “the bedpost queen”.

The most common sizes for modern playing cards are Poker size (2 ½ by 3 ½ inches) and bridge size (2 ¼ by 3 ½ inches).  The narrower size came into vogue when bridge surged into popularity and now is almost universal.

And finally, an amusing quote for you from The New Book of Knowledge:
    “Contract Bridge is played by millions of people.Some treat it more as a science than as a pastime.”

Advancements in Rank

Congratulations to the following Unit 223 Players who have advanced in Rank.

New Junior Masters:

Barbara Duncan, Carterville IL

Michael Goldstein, Watson IL

Thomas Heinen, St Elmo IL

Lynn James, Centralia IL

Jeremy Lewis, Collinsville IL

New Club Masters:

Karen Bancroft, Highland IL

Margie Evans, Fulton KY

Betty Johnston, Marion IL

New Sectional Masters:

Doug Alton, Alton IL

Debbie Garnier, Centralia IL

Jane Renfro, Carbondale IL

New Regional Masters:

Kay Jenkins, Mt Vernon IL

New NABC Masters:

Peggy Eastburn, Paducah KY

Donna Kuehn, Paducah KY

Mary Parker, Eddyville KY

Unit 223 “Headcount”

On August 1st, Unit 223 had 381 members. They include:

46 Rookies (0-5 masterpoints)

25 Junior Masters (5+)

33 Club Masters (20+)

39 Sectional Masters (50+)

48 Regional Masters (100+)

29 NABC Masters (200+)

35 Life Masters (300+)

60 Bronze Life Masters

58 Silver Life Masters

8 Gold Life Masters  

Southwestern Illinois Sectional Bridge Tournament

Unit 223’s next sectional Bridge Tournament will be held Oct 25th and 26th in Marion IL at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Play commences on Saturday at 1 o’clock with Pairs. Swiss Teams (playthrough with hot meal) will be offered on Sunday starting at 10 A.M.

Partnership chair is Sue Davis (618) 969-4637 or embserbridgeclub@yahoo.com

Directions to the playing site:  Exit I-57 going east on State Hwy 13 toward Harrisburg . At the 2nd stoplight, turn right (south). Knights of Columbus Hall is on the right side of the street just past the Catholic Church.

Hope to see you there!