In the United States and beyond, every face card is a delight to hold because each plays a vital role in various table games—power, strategy, fortune, you name it! Considered top cards, they can form a solid hand.
These cards are of royal ranks—Jacks, Queens, and Kings. Therefore, they have deep historical significance, which is why designers or manufacturers pay attention to every detail, including their attire and regal expressions in both live and online casino games. Each face card has a story to tell.
In this casino news, we’ll discuss every face card in a standard deck, their history, and their variations.
Tracing the Roots of the Face Card from East to West
The precise origin of face cards often intertwines with the more elaborate history of playing cards, dating back thousands of years. However, historical records provide compelling insights into their origins. It is worth noting that the term, face card, became popular in the United States. They are called court cards in many other places where casino games of cards and table games are popular.
Historians believe playing cards originated in China during the Tang Dynasty between 618 and 907 AD. People used them for games and divination practices. However, face cards didn’t come from them; the Persians designed the first set of these cards but didn’t include actual “faces.” As they grew in popularity, they eventually found their way to Europe through trade routes.
The earliest European playing cards first appeared in the 14th century and featured deck suits such as swords, cups, coins, and clubs. These decks often included court cards representing royalty, which evolved into the familiar face card we recognize today. By the 15th century, European card makers added specific historical and mythological figures aligned with medieval times.