Reading
Blog
Stories about the Spanish deck, the rules explained plainly, details about our decks and project news.
Expressions ·
Spanish expressions that came from card games
From telling someone a few home truths to bluffing or having an ace up your sleeve, Spanish is full of expressions that began at the card table. Here’s a selection and what they mean.
Read the article
Spanish history and leisure ·
How cinema and television transformed leisure in Spain
Local cinemas, followed by television, changed how people in Spain spent their afternoons. Here’s how they reshaped after-meal gatherings, lively conversations and card games.
Read the article
Game psychology ·
Card games and healthy ageing
Playing cards keeps your mind active and helps you stay sociable. We explore what is known about games and ageing, without overstating the science.
Read the article
Game objects ·
How modern printing began and changed playing cards
From woodblock printing and movable type to lithography and offset printing, each advance helped transform playing cards. Here’s how printing evolved and what it meant for the pack.
Read the article
Game objects ·
The history of paper: from China to Xàtiva and playing cards
Paper originated in China, reached Europe through al-Andalus and made playing cards possible. We trace its journey and explain why Xàtiva plays such an important part in the story.
Read the articleYou might also like the rules of each game and the illustrated decks.