Q 01/05

On a standard die, the numbers on opposite faces always add up to what?

A) Seven

B) Eight

C) Nine

D) Twelve

Answer · why

A) Seven

Terracotta dice from the Indus Valley, 4,000 years old, already followed the rule.

Q 02/05

The oldest known dice, from around 2800 to 2500 BC, were found at the Burnt City in which modern country?

A) Egypt

B) Iran

C) Iraq

D) Greece

Answer · why

B) Iran

They were part of a backgammon-like set; Romans later played with two sizes of dice despite official bans on gambling.

Q 03/05

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

A) India

B) Persia

C) China

D) Egypt

Answer · why

C) China

They reached Europe via Mamluk Egypt in the late 1300s, and the French suits we use were fixed around 1480.

Q 04/05

The joker was added to the deck in the United States around 1860 as a trump card for which game?

A) Poker

B) Whist

C) Cribbage

D) Euchre

Answer · why

D) Euchre

The ace of spades, meanwhile, once carried England's tax stamp, which is why it is still the fancy one.

Q 05/05

The Ridotto, generally considered the first casino, opened in 1638 in which city?

A) Venice

B) Paris

C) Monte Carlo

D) Vienna

Answer · why

A) Venice

Patrons had to wear masks and three-cornered hats; the city closed it in 1774 to preserve public piety.