The Magical 52

Today is my 52nd birthday, but well I am not talking about my age as there is nothing magical about it. What I am referring to is a deck of playing cards which contains 52 cards. If you were to ask me which game has had the most reach, I would definitely say it is a game of cards. The games played would vary from place to place and people to people however everyone knows to play at least one card game. If Flash is for the gambler then Bridge is for the intellectual and between the two there are thousands of card games that can keep everyone engrossed and happy by their pursuit. I am yet to come across a person who has not touched a pack and played some kind of card game. Among all the games played on the computer too, I think the card game of Solitaire would be the most popular. The pack of cards that we use now is called the French Deck. This consists of 13 ranks of each of the 4 suits namely, Hearts, Diamonds, Spades and Club – the magical 52. It is said that the playing cards like most other things originated in China and India around the 7th century AD. I wonder if any of the earlier games are still in circulation.

My association with the pack started pretty early in life. My parents enjoyed playing cards and the arrival of any house guests meant that an hour or two after dinner was devoted to the game. The first game I have heard of was called Pontoon. On keenly observing the players, I had learnt how to play it. I remember vaguely that the number 21 was of great significance in this game. Also there was some petty change involved. As kids we never got to play it. By the time we were in our late teens, Pontoons seemed to have gone forever in our family’s scheme of things to be replaced by Rummy. Rummy for those who enjoy it can become very addictive. Luck and skill play equally important roles when playing Rummy. Again to spice up the game small change was involved. Rummy on a professional level means big money and it is said that men have become paupers playing Rummy. This is a setback to any kind of gambling but sincerely I feel that this should not go against the game. We all know that anything in excess will have a negative effect. In Tamil there is a saying which when translated means; even the nectar churned by the God’s when taken in excess can turn into poison. So where does a poor game of cards stand a chance!!! Alongside Rummy, a game of twenty eight was also popular in our household. As for this game, I really don’t know how international or for that matter national is its reach and appeal. I have heard of only Malayalis playing this game. Since there was no money changing hands (at least when we played), the youngsters were allowed to play it. It was a game where intelligence was involved. It sharpened your memory and helped you to focus a lot. Since it was played with partners, there was good rapport among the partners and this also led to bonding and friendships. I really wish the children of today would play some of these games as it would do them a world of good. It is sad that their only interaction is with cards of the virtual variety.

Much later I was introduced to a game called Fifty Six. This I am sure like the game of Twenty Eight mentioned earlier is confined to the Malayalis of the world. This is one of the best card games I have played. It is a game which requires very good skill, concentration and memory and the nuances are far too many. To master this game would surely take a very long period of time. Once you get hooked to Fifty Six, any other card game will seem like child’s play and the interest to play them would also wane. A game of Fifty Six needs six players who form two teams with three members in each team. My association with the game was very short lived. I have tried many a time to organize an evening of Fifty Six but my attempts have been futile. I am still on the look out for five players. Any takers please let me know!!! A game of bridge, it is said can be truly obsessive. The popular Casino card games like Poker, Black Jack and Baccarat have their own following.

With the proper company, any card game can be a pleasure. The power of the 13 cards while playing Rummy or that of the 8 cards while playing Fifty Six is truly amazing. I think these cards weave a magic spell on the players and keep them totally mesmerized. Thus is the magical charm of the 52 pack which no other board, indoor or outdoor games can match.