Thursday, April 13, 2017

Let's Talk Playing Cards...!

No one would ever believe that the ordinary playing card has such a long and interesting history, but it does.

It must be a fairly profitable business to make the cards and it is watched fairly closely to make sure that all the guidelines for manufacturing are followed.

Snap



Fact: It is glue, not plastic, that makes playing cards “snap”.

Contrary to popular belief, it is glue that makes playing cards snap, not plastic. Quality playing cards are known for their feel, spring and snap. The tension and elasticity is important for the durability and feel of each card. But while cards feature a plastic coating (usually dimpled, to give a little bit of a slide), it’s layers of glue that give each card its backbone. 

Each card is like an Oreo, where laminated sheets of cardboard are the cookies and glue is the cream filling. The combination provides a curiously strong, thin and pliant piece of paper perfect for a shuffle or a trick. 

Bonus detail: The plastic surface on the paper does not completely enclose each card. The sheets of cardboard are laminated before the gluing process. You can spill a drop of water directly on the center for a few seconds without ruining the card, but if the water gets to the edge? Ruined. The water seeps into the card’s paper like a sponge.

Who would have ever guessed that cards had so many facets to look for? Certainly not me. I found this article over at Listverse.

Coffee outside on the patio this morning

8 comments:

linda m said...

Wow, that is so interesting. Now I know why the edges are always the first to go. Thanks for a great article.

Momlady said...

I've seen many a worn deck and wondered why the edges were the first to go. Now I know. Thanks! Have a great day, HJ.

JO said...

This is very interesting, yes it must be quite a process. Would be interesting to watch them being made.

Coffee out on the patio sounds great. Been over cast here and looks like it might be the same today but hot.

HermitJim said...

Hey linda...
There are so many articles about cards, maybe I should do more post about them.
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Momlady...
I'm glad to share my library of almost useless information with ya. Playing cards are an interesting subject, for sure!
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Jo...
There might be a video on YouTube about making the cards. I'll have to check!
Thanks for dropping in, girl!

Unknown said...

I always did enjoy playing cards. Still do.I will be the firstto admit that I never gave a thought to their "birth". Love you.

HermitJim said...

Hey B...
All ready for Easter? Guess you and the girls are decorating eggs and such, huh? Most of us never give a thought as to where the cards came from or their history.
Thanks for the visit this morning, B.

Shadowmoss said...

I'd be interested in the connection between Tarot cards and the modern playing cards. I'll let you do the research, if you are so inclined. ☺️

HermitJim said...

Hey Shadowmoss...
I've already done the requested research and if you follow the link on the original post that leads to Listverse, it's there. Look at the bottom of the post...OK? http://listverse.com/2017/04/11/top-10-secrets-in-a-deck-of-playing-cards/
Thanks for coming over today!