Card games have been around for centuries and have evolved over time. The 18th century was a time of great social change where card games became increasingly popular. The games were played by both the common people and the aristocrats. In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular 18th-century card games and how they were played.
Whist
Whist was one of the most popular card games of the 18th century. It was a game for four players and was played with a standard deck of cards. The game was won by the player who scored the most points. Points were scored by winning tricks.
The game was played in rounds, with each player taking turns to deal the cards. The dealer would deal out thirteen cards to each player, and then turn over the top card of the remaining deck to determine the trump suit.
Players would then take turns to play a card and try to win a trick. A trick was won by playing the highest card of the suit that was led. If a player did not have a card of the suit that was led, they could play a trump card or any other card in their hand.
Whist was a game of strategy and skill, and it was played by both the common people and the aristocrats.
Pharaoh
Pharaoh was a popular card game in the 18th century that was played with a special deck of cards. The deck was made up of thirty-two cards, with each card representing a different character from the Egyptian mythology.
The game was played by two to eight players, and the object of the game was to win the most tricks. Players would take turns to lead the trick, and the other players would have to follow suit if possible.
The game was won by the player who scored the most points. Points were scored by winning tricks, and bonus points were awarded for winning certain cards.
Piquet
Piquet was a two-player card game that was popular in the 18th century. The game was played with a special deck of cards that had only thirty-two cards.
The game was won by the player who scored the most points. Points were scored by winning tricks and by scoring certain combinations of cards. The game was played in rounds, with each player taking turns to deal the cards.
The game was played with a lot of strategy, and players had to be very careful about which cards they played and when they played them.
Conclusion
The 18th century was a time of great social change, and card games played a big role in the lives of both the common people and the aristocrats. The games were not only a source of entertainment but also a way of socializing and building relationships.
Whist, Pharaoh, and Piquet were some of the most popular card games of the 18th century. Each game had its own unique rules and strategies, and they required a lot of skill and practice to master.
Today, many of these games are still played, although they have evolved over time. They are a great way to connect with friends and family and to pass the time.