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Stories about the Spanish deck, the rules explained plainly, details about our decks and project news.
Spanish deck ·
Who invented the Spanish deck?
No one invented the baraja española (Spanish deck) overnight. We explain how it arrived from the Mamluk world, how it was adapted in the Peninsula, and who gave it its current appearance.
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Spanish deck ·
Differences between the 40 and 48-card Spanish decks
The Spanish deck is sold in two versions: 40 and 48 cards. We explain which cards change, which games use each one, and which is best to have at home.
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Spanish history and leisure ·
Why did Spanish bars always have a deck of cards?
For decades, asking for a deck of cards in a bar was as common as ordering a coffee. We look at how cards became a fixture behind the bar and their role in village life.
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Expressions ·
What does it mean to have an as up your sleeve?
To have an 'as' [ace] up one's sleeve means keeping a secret resource to use at the perfect moment. We explore its origins and modern usage.
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Curiosities ·
Why is the As worth more than the Rey in many games?
Today it seems normal for the As (Ace) to beat the Rey (King) in games like poker, Brisca or Tute, but it wasn't always that way. For centuries, it was the lowest card in the deck. Its rise to become the most powerful is a story full of curiosities, cultural changes, and the evolution of games.
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