This blog post examines the history of, and superstitious beliefs around, playing cards. The author traces the history of playing cards up to their introduction to America and discusses their use in poker. The author notes that poker is considered an "American game." The author argues that Americans developed a unique risk-taking view of gambling and poker. She also argues that this view includes spiritual undertones that are also present in American culture.
The author concludes that poker has distinctly American undertones including risk-taking behaviour. Risk-taking behaviour is found in other gambling forms. Researchers should look for similar behaviour and undertones in other gambling forms that use playing cards.
