Q 01/05

Playing cards were most likely invented in which country, around the 9th century?

A) China

B) Persia

C) India

D) Egypt

Answer · why

A) China

The Tang dynasty's woodblock printing made them possible.

Q 02/05

Cards probably reached Europe via which Egyptian dynasty's decks?

A) The Ayyubids

B) The Mamluks

C) The Fatimids

D) The Ptolemies

Answer · why

B) The Mamluks

The earliest European mention is a 1371 Catalan rhyme dictionary, so Spain likely got them first.

Q 03/05

The French suits of hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades emerged in roughly which year?

A) 1480

B) 1580

C) 1680

D) 1780

Answer · why

A) 1480

'Clubs' and 'spades' come from the Latin/German symbols even though the French pips are clovers and pikes.

Q 04/05

The joker was created in the United States during the Civil War as a trump card for which game?

A) Rummy

B) Whist

C) Euchre

D) Poker

Answer · why

C) Euchre

It was known as the Best Bower.

Q 05/05

Why does the ace of spades traditionally carry an ornate design?

A) It was the highest card in the first Tarot deck

B) Sailors decorated it for luck

C) It marked the maker's signature for collectors

D) 17th-century laws required it to bear the printer's insignia

Answer · why

D) 17th-century laws required it to bear the printer's insignia

James I and Queen Anne imposed the rule, and the card is also called Old Frizzle and the Death Card.