Russian playing cards some famous Russian writers, particularly Alexandre Pushkin who wrote "The Queen of Spades". Because the 6 is the lowest card of the Russian deck, Russian slang uses the derogatory word "shestyorka" meaning "underling, lackey". Russian playing cards Russian playing cards are cards that used predominantly in Russia and in the former Soviet Union. Unlike the internationally known standard French 52-card deck, most Russian card games employ either the 36 card (games such as Durak) or the 32 card (particularly Preferans) decks. Playing cards were first introduced into Russia at the beginning of the 17th century from Western and Central Europe
United States Playing Card Company Card Company to form Consolidated-Doughterty. Tally-Ho cards come in two back designs, known as the "fan" back and the "circle" back, typically in traditional red and blue. Due to the unique finish, known as "linoid", the distinct designs, and the limited availability of the cards, they are popular for card flourishes. Tally-Ho Cards have been mentioned as the card brand of choice by famed magician Harry Lorayne. Created by the Russell Card Company (no relation to the USPCC's predecessor Russell, Morgan, & Co.) in 1912 and acquired by the USPCC in 1929, Aristocrat was best known for its higher quality