” The proper study of mankind is man,”

it plainly follows, that as Playing Cards are the instruments of the most fascinating species of gambling that ever was devised by the ingenuity of man, their origin and history arc a very proper subject for rational discussion. The cooking, tool-making, gambling animal displays its rationality, according to Dr. Franklin, by its knowing how to find or invent a plausible pretext for whatever it has an inclination to do.

Judging from the manner in which the origin and history of Playing Cards have been treated by various authors within the last hundred and fifty years, it is evident that the subject, whatever they may have made of it, is one of great ” capability,” to use the favorite term of a great designer in the landscape-gardening line; and it seems no less evident that some of those authors have been disposed to magnify its apparent insignificance by associating it with other topics, which are generally allowed to be both interesting and important. In this respect they have certainly shown great tact; for though many learned men have, at different periods, written largely and profoundly on very trifling subjects, yet it does seem necessary for a man, however learned and discreet, to set .forth, either in his title-page or in his proemium, something like an apology for his becoming the historiographer of Playing Cards,— things in themselves slightly esteemed even by those who use them most, and frequently termed by pious people ” the devil’s books.” i..e example which has thus been set I am resolved to follow; for though, in the title-page, I announce no other topic for the purpose of casting a borrowed light on the principal subject, I yet wish the reader to understand that I am writing an apology for it now; and in the progress of the work I doubt not that I shall be found as discursive as most of those who have previously either reasoned or speculated on Playing Cards.

A history of Playing Cards, treating of them in all their possible relations, associations, and bearings, would form nearly a complete cyclopaedia of science and art; and would still admit of being further enlarged by an extensive biographical supplement, containing sketches of the lives of celebrated characters who have played at cards,—or at any other game. Cards would form the centre—the point, having position, but no space,—from which a radius of indefinite extent might sweep a circle comprehending not only all that man knows, but all that he speculates on. The power of reach, by means of the point and the radius, being thus obtained, the operator has his choice of topies; and can arrange them round his centre, and colour them at his will, as boys at school colour their fanciful segments of a circle.

Facts and Speculations on the Origin and History of Playing Cards
By William Andrew Chatto London; April, 1848.

GamesforEducators.com have recently implemented a searchable games database that can perform a  search for games ranked by educational value, age, classroom guidelines, and/or appropriateness.

For example, imagine you’re a 1st grade teacher looking for a great card game to help your students brush up on social skills, math, and problem-solving. This database will fill that need. It will be free for website visitors to use – an independent resource dedicated to helping teachers, parents and librarians find the games they need.

Game Finder is  a community-run resource, that is sure to help in finding  exactly the games we’re looking for. They also allow you to suggest and to enter any games you think could be included as it is a community database. ]]> http://card-player-center.com/blog/2009/04/game-finder-online/feed/ 0 http://card-player-center.com/blog/2007/09/how-not-to-lose-at-spades/ http://card-player-center.com/blog/2007/09/how-not-to-lose-at-spades/#comments Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:11:35 +0000 ccc http://card-player-center.com/blog/?p=15 To write a successful instructional book on cards, or any subject for that matter, requires numerous skills and abilities. Having expert knowledge of the subject matter is not enough. Among other abilities, you must know how to write and how to teach. Expertise in these areas is, in fact, what often separates the average “How To” book from the classic instructional work.

JohnGalt Strichman is one of the most highly regarded Spades players on the Internet, where he has won well over 200 tournaments, been ranked number 1 in various leagues and ladders, and earned a reputation for having a true strategic mastery of the game. Truthfully, however, most card game authors know their games inside and out.

John’s strengths include having had extensive experience both writing and teaching. He has taught very technical subjects to very non-technical audiences at the corporate level, and spent many years preparing articles and reports for trade journals, conferences, and media distribution.

Most important, he has learned that humor and common sense are far better teachers than statistics and equations, and his ability to weave these two ingredients into a complex, yet highly structured tapestry of teaching is incomparable.

The book identifies 80 common mistakes that players make which cause them to lose games that they could have won. Through the use of over 100 bidding and playing examples, the author shows readers how to avoid these mistakes, and in a very structured approach teaches readers how to think and play like a winning Spades player.

The majority of readers see an immediate improvement in their game, and many readers order additional books for their regular playing partner(s) or friends.

“How NOT to” is highly unique compared to other books on card theory. It is written in a simple and fun style, with the emphasis on humor and enjoyment of the game, rather than on complex diagrams, statistical theory, and technicalese.

All in all it is a stand out read by a stand out player – who seems to be nice human being too – visit his site for more information

We all know the game of Hearts  and I am betting that we have all been soundly beaten by our computers a number of times. Hearts is a deceptive game, apparently simple when learning the rules, but quite difficult to play and consistently win.

Reading this book may change all of that – if you begin applying Joe’s strategies to your game, you will more than likely find that your win/loss ratio will improve improving and your rating steadily increase. Granted, you can’t win them all, but with the help of the strategies Joe outlines,  you should certainly win at least your fair share.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the game of Hearts, whether a newcomer to the game or a seasoned veteran. Rules (even for variant forms of the game), tips, strategies, a little history, and even a glossary of terms and list of Hearts web sites – this book has it all!

The The Complete Win at Hearts
Is available from Amazon