Card Games Around the World

by Sid Sackson

A leading inventor and collector of games, Sid Sackson is also an expert on game history. For this highly entertaining volume, the self-proclaimed "game addict" has selected over 60 popular games from around the world.
A brief but fascinating introductory chapter to the history of card playing is followed by a valuable glossary of terms associated with this popular pastime. Additional chapters supply instructions, detailed illustrations, and an abundance of clear examples for playing such intriguing diversions as Sampen, Kowah, Kabu, Cha Kau Tsz' and Khanhoo from Asia; Skat, Blackjack, Old Maid, Fan Tan, Eights, Klondike, La Belle Loucie, Accordion, and Hearts from Europe; Whist, Blackout, Cribbage, Spoil Five, and Casino from the British Isles; Pif Paf, Samba, Bolivia, and Canasta from Latin America; and Poker, Pinochle, Contract Bridge, Rummy, and Oklahoma Gin from the United States.
Most games can be played by children or adults with a common deck of 52 playing cards (a few will need additional cards from a second deck).

Genres: Games, Nonfiction, Reference

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 1994

Reviews

[Jack]

The book that taught me how to play Scat, Crib, Blackjack, and more when I was 11 years old.

[David Franklin]

The other main Sid Sackson book (board game guru). It's ultimately is simply a collection of card games which, again, one day I might read individual games and play them. (29/8/10 - legacy review still relevant).