Children's card games have been enjoyed for generations but no one knows who invented these games. There is a reference to children playing cards in Italy in 1393 A.D. but no mention as to what card games were played. Card games designed specifically for children's amusement and education did not appear until after the mid-18th century. One of the most popular of these games was Authors. In the mid-1700s, English writer Edmond Hoyle wrote the first book of card rules. Even today, when the phrase "according to Hoyle" is used, it means "to play strictly by the rules."
Fun Fact: Did you know there are over 350 versions of Solitaire?
For more information, please see our Early American Playing Cards (3010) for the historical background on playing cards.
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