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# How suit and rank are encoded in pictures on early modern playing cards
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/oboznacheniia-na-igralnykh-kartakh-novogo-vremeni-mogut-silno-otlichatsia-ot-tekh-k-kotorym-my-privykli-i-bezuslovno-nuzhdaiutsia-v-poiasnitelnom-tekste/
- Published: 2024-03-12T07:32:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T18:49:30.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: Observations, Humour

The markings on the playing cards of the early modern period may differ greatly from those we are used to, and certainly call for an explanatory note. The suit and rank of a card are encoded in pictures, the combination of which yields the correct value. 5 is a branch with five leaves, 4 is a man on his knees, 3 is a person lying on the ground, 2 is a seated lady, 1 is a sad elephant