Card games

The history of playing cards

When were playing cards invented?

The first playing cards were probably created in the 12th/13th century. They then came to Europe in the late 14th century and one or two centuries later the playing card sheets we know today were created.

Where were playing cards invented?

The oldest playing cards can be traced back to the 12th century in Korea and China. From there they spread to India, Persia and the Arabic countries. Subsequently, they came to Europe and first became known in Italy and France.

Card games for children

The card game, like many games, was originally a game for adults. Some of these games are also suitable for children. Of course, in the course of time, many games have been designed especially for children. The rules here are simpler, the motifs adapted to children.

What should you look for in a card game for children?

1. The rules should be clear and easy to learn.

2. The theme of the game should come from the children's field of interest.

3. The illustrations should be appropriate for children.

4. Card games with short game rounds are especially suitable for younger children.

5. To ensure that children of different ages can play together and that the card game can be used for a long time, it makes sense to choose a game with many variations and levels of difficulty.

Card games as learning games

There are some card games that can also function as educational games.

In our online shop, you will find arithmetic card games such as Multiplex and Grimms number cards. For the quick learning of letters, we carry Grimms letter cards and the beautiful ABC card game. Our Nature Memories and Quartet games introduce children to this area in a playful way and our Star Quartet teaches a first knowledge about the signs of the zodiac.

Card game for children: "Black Peter

This game is one of the most widespread for children. The origin of the game is probably a game of chance, where the aim was to determine someone who would pay for the next round of drinks. It is played in a similar way to the quartet, except that one card, Black Peter, remains. Whoever has it at the end loses the game.

With the rise of colonialism, the term "Black Peter" became part of everyday racism. Originally, however, the name may have come from the robber Johann Peter Petri, who is said to have been a contemporary of Schinderhannes in the 18th century and was nicknamed "Black Peter".

In the meantime, there is even a saying that originated from the game.

"To pass the buck to someone."

This means transferring a problem, blame or responsibility for something to another person against their will.

In other countries, the game has the following names:

• Old Maid - in England.

• Jackass - Fool - in England

• Vieux garçon - Old Boy - in France

• Asinello - Little Donkey - in Italy

• Svarte Petter - Black Peter - in Sweden

• Zwarte Piet - Black Peter - in the Netherlands

Card game for children: Quartet

Quartet is one of the most popular children's card games. Four cards belong to a family and must be collected in the hand and then discarded. Whoever has the most quartets wins the game.

Quartet card games are available with a wide variety of motifs from nature, such as animals and plants, from fairy tales and from children's toys and everyday life. Children can recognise which cards belong together by the symbols and/or numbers. If this is also reflected in the motifs, children can learn connections and contents through play.

In other countries, the game has the following names:

• Happy Families - in Great Britain.

• Jeu de familles - Family Game - in France

• Gioco delle famiglie - family game - in Italy

• Authors - in Great Britain and the USA

The Quartett games in Waldorfshop are characterised by their particularly aesthetic and, in the sense of Waldorf education, child-friendly design.

In addition to card games and educational games, we also offer a wide variety of parlour games.