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Some good things to know about playing cards:

I’ve been working on a game that uses a deck of playing cards, and have been keeping track of a number of simple stats and factoids about the cards during the design process. I thought I’d be nice and share.

There are 52 cards in a deck (not counting Jokers):

  • 13 spades (black)
  • 13 clubs (black)
  • 13 diamonds (red)
  • 13 hearts (red)

That means there are 26 black cards and 26 red cards.

Of the 13 cards in each suit:

  • 3 are face cards (Jack, Queen, King)
  • 10 are number cards (Ace through 10).

In total, a deck of cards contains 12 face cards and 40 number cards.

Counting by color, there are:

  • 6 face cards of each color
  • 20 number cards of each color.

We can add the values of number cards together to come up with total sums:

  • Total sum of each suit: 55
  • Total sum of each color: 110
  • Total sum overall: 220

Lastly, here’s a good rule to keep in mind:

  • If you’re going to leave the country for six months, bring at least one deck of playing cards with you!

I must have six or seven decks back in Pennsylvania. Now I have to go out and buy a French set. Just remember:

  • Jack is Valet
  • Queen is Dame
  • King is Roi

Photo from itzjere on Flickr. Thanks!

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