However, many countries use other, traditional types of playing card, including those that are German, Italian, Spanish and Swiss-suited. The most common type of playing card in the West is the French-suited, standard 52-card pack, of which the most widespread design is the English pattern, followed by the Belgian-Genoese pattern.
Playing cards are typically palm-sized for convenient handling, and usually are sold together in a set as a deck of cards or pack of cards.
They are most commonly used for playing card games, and are also used in magic tricks, cardistry, card throwing, and card houses cards may also be collected. Often the front (face) and back of each card has a finish to make handling easier. Hand of French-suited cards Tarot playing cards from Austria Suit of Bells from a Bavarian packĪ playing card is a piece of specially prepared card stock, heavy paper, thin cardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blend, or thin plastic that is marked with distinguishing motifs.
For other uses, including specific playing cards, see Playing card (disambiguation).
