Curse of Scotland Curse of Scotland The Curse of Scotland is a nickname used for the Nine of Diamonds playing card. The expression has been used at least since the early 18th century, and many putative explanations have been given for the origin of this nickname for the card. In a book printed in London in 1708, "The British Apollo, or, Curious amusements for the ingenious", a question is posed: Q. "Why is the" Nine of Diamonds "called" the curse of Scotland? A. Diamonds as the Ornamental Jewels of a Regnal Crown, imply no more in the above-nam'd Proverb than a mark of
Ober (playing card) Ober (playing card) The Ober, in Austrian also called the Manderl, is a court card in the German and Swiss styles of playing cards, which corresponds in the hierarchy to the Queen in French decks. The figure depicted on an Ober is usually a nobleman or officer. It is distinguished from the lowest court card Unter by the figure's suit sign located in the upper range of the card. In the Württemberg pattern the Ober appears on horseback, as they inspired by Cego decks whose face cards included a Knight or Cavalier as well as the Jack, Queen and King.