Collecting

Already hundreds of books were written about playing cards (not card games). But these works usually concentrate on old cards. A lot of research was done and the author wanted to publish his findings. Often he was just looking for a platform to show off his personal collection.

Even if a lot of valuable work was done, those books do not help the "young" collector in any way. On the contrary they can scare him away to start an own collection, because he mostly sees playing cards he will never possess. For the same reason exhibitions - no matter how interesting they are - do not gain new collectors for this hobby, like nobody gets the idea to start collecting paintings, after spending a visit to the Louvre.

This book wants to show, that collecting playing cards can be attractive to a beginner who concentrates on recent cards. The idea is to give the basic knowledge to people interested and also practical tips how to build up an own collection. The content is limited - with very few exceptions - to games that are still in use and can be bought in ordinary stores.

On the other hand the established collector will find little that is new to him. Specialities of old cards - such as tax stamps, manufacturers that do not exist any more or card patterns not in use any longer - are not subject of this book. They are only occasionally mentioned, but certainly not in the depth that is of interest for the collector who has been occupied with this topic for many years.

The Symbol    can be found in the header line on all pages of the book. When you select it, the entire table of contents will be opened.

Why Collect Playing Cards?

Collect What, Collect How?

Suits and Patterns

Card Games

Other Criteria for Collecting

Where do I find Interesting Playing Cards?

What Should I Be Aware of When Buying?

How Do I Maintain an Overview?

Literature

Glossary