Spanish playing cards (10-12). Since the mid-20th century, they have usually been sold with two "comodines" (Jokers), for a total of 50 cards. Stripped decks have 40 cards and lack ranks 8, 9 and "comodines". The popularity of the stripped deck is due to game of Ombre, which became a craze throughout Europe during the 17th century. The Spanish suits closely resemble Italian-suited cards as both were derived from the Arab cards. The four suits are "bastos" (clubs), "oros" (literally "golds", that is, golden coins), "copas" (cups) and "espadas" (swords). Unlike the suits found in northern Italy, Spanish swords are straight and the
Pack o' Cards Pack o' Cards The Pack o' Cards is a historic house built about 1690 in Combe Martin in North Devon. Today it is a public house and hotel. It is listed Grade II* on the National Heritage List for England. Located on the long High Street in Combe Martin, the building was constructed in about 1690 by local squire George Ley, who, it is said, celebrated his good luck at card games when, after winning a large sum of money, he built a house to represent a house of cards on a plot of land measuring 52 × 53 feet,