How Many Cards Should You Design For Custom Card Decks?

Imagine holding a deck of cards in your hands, each card a portal to a different tradition, culture, or story. Card decks are as varied as the games they inspire, offering a diverse array of structures, designs, and purposes. But one question arises: Do all card decks have 52 cards? The answer, quite simply, is no. The number of cards in a deck can range widely depending on the game, culture, or purpose of the deck.

 

In this article, we'll take a journey through the rich world of custom card decks, exploring their variations and offering insight into how many cards you should design for your deck if you're thinking of creating one. Along the way, we'll explore examples from around the world, unraveling their historical and cultural significance.

 

How Many Cards Should You Design For Custom Card Decks?

 

1. Standard 52-Card Deck: The Global Standard

 

Number of cards in a deck: 52

 

The 52-card deck, used in games like Poker and Bridge, is the most widely recognized and utilized deck around the globe. Originating from French playing cards in the 16th century, this deck consists of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit contains 13 cards, including numbers 2 through 10, and three court cards: the king, queen, and jack.

 

What makes this deck so versatile is its balance of complexity and simplicity, allowing it to be used in everything from casual family card games to high-stakes international tournaments. The 52-card deck has not only transcended geographical boundaries but also inspired countless variations like pinochle decks, which consist of two 24-card decks, or euchre decks that drop to 32 cards.

 

When considering designing your own deck, the 52-card structure provides a classic and well-understood framework. Whether you're creating an artistic or a functional deck, the standard 52 cards offer flexibility and widespread appeal.

 

 

2. Tarot Cards: A Mystical 78-Card Deck

 

Number of cards in a deck: 78

 

Moving beyond standard decks, Tarot cards offer a completely different experience. Rooted in mysticism and divination, Tarot decks traditionally consist of 78 cards divided into two major parts: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

 

The Major Arcana contains 22 cards that represent significant life events, themes, and archetypes, such as The Fool, The Magician, and The Empress. These cards carry deep symbolism and are integral to Tarot readings.

 

The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, consists of 56 cards split into four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. Each suit has 14 cards, similar to standard playing cards, with numbers 1 through 10, plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).

 

If you're thinking of designing a deck for divination or storytelling purposes, consider the Tarot's structure. With 78 cards, you'll have more room to explore creative themes and symbolism, making the Tarot deck perfect for rich narratives and spiritual guidance.

 

 

3. Spanish Decks: A Regional Twist

 

Number of cards in a deck: 40 or 48 depending on the game

 

The Spanish deck, also known as "Baraja Española", has its roots in the 15th century and comes with some key differences from the standard 52-card deck. Spanish decks have four suits—cups, swords, coins, and clubs—each symbolizing different aspects of life: emotions, challenges, wealth, and strength, respectively.

 

Depending on the game, Spanish decks can have either 40 or 48 cards, as they often omit the 8s and 9s (and sometimes the 10s). These decks are used in many traditional Spanish games, such as Mus and Tute. The visual style of Spanish cards also differs, with simple and bold illustrations that reflect the cultural history of Spain.

 

When designing a deck with a regional twist, the Spanish structure can be a great option. The reduced number of cards also makes these decks ideal for fast-paced, trick-taking games.

 

 

4. German-Suited Decks: A 32- or 36-Card Variant

 

Number of cards in a deck: 32 or 36 depending on the game

 

Germany has a long-standing tradition of unique card decks that deviate from the French model. German-suited cards have four suits: hearts, bells, acorns, and leaves, which differ significantly from the familiar hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Many popular games, such as Skat, Schnapsen, and Sheepshead, use German decks that contain either 32 or 36 cards.

 

Typically, the number cards in each suit range from 7 to 10, and there are three face cards—king, queen, and jack. These decks have been cherished for centuries, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and carry distinct cultural significance.

 

If you are aiming for a non-standard deck with historical richness, consider using the 32- or 36-card format found in German-suited decks. These decks offer an excellent opportunity to experiment with unconventional design elements.

 

 

5. Uno and Custom Card Games: Flexible Deck Sizes

 

Number of cards in a deck: 108 for Uno, but flexible for custom games

 

Not all card games rely on traditional structures. Take Uno, for example, a game that has become a family favorite since its introduction in the 1970s. Uno's deck consists of 108 cards, far more than the traditional 52, and includes wild cards, reverse cards, and skip cards, which create dynamic and unpredictable gameplay.

 

When designing a custom card game, you're free to break the rules entirely. You can design a deck with any number of cards depending on your game mechanics and goals. For instance, games like Exploding Kittens and Cards Against Humanity use unique card counts and game dynamics that are tailored to their gameplay.

 

So, how many cards should you design for your deck? The answer depends on the function of your game. If you're creating a casual, family-oriented game like Uno, you might need over 100 cards. But for more focused or strategy-based games, you can choose anywhere between 20 and 60 cards to keep the game concise and engaging.

 

 

Conclusion: Designing Your Ideal Custom Card Decks

 

As we've seen, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how many cards should be in a deck. The number of cards depends on the purpose, cultural tradition, and type of game you wish to play or design. Whether you're sticking with the classic 52-card deck, exploring the mystical Tarot, or crafting your own game with a custom number of cards, the possibilities are endless.

 

In designing your own deck, consider both the aesthetics and functionality. The card count can influence the pace of the game, the depth of strategy, and the overall experience. Let the stories and histories of past card decks inspire you as you create something entirely your own, be it for gameplay, art, or divination.