Which Is the Oldest Game in the World?

Have you ever wondered where card games come from? Many popular pastimes go way back in time. Some can be traced to the medieval period, while others have roots in ancient Chinese dynasties.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly which game has been around the longest, but history tells us games like Karnoffel and the Chinese Leaf game are among the oldest known card games. Trick-taking games like Whist also surged in popularity during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but have since died out.

However, offshoots of the game, like Spades, exist today and can be played anywhere. Online Spades games, like those at Spades.co, are among some of the most popular games today!

Early Origins of the Card Game

The distinction between card games versus board games has a long history. Many people enjoy the complexities of board games, while others prefer the fast-paced, social aspects of playing cards.

The ‘leaf game’ (Yezi xi) was played in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD). Eventually, card games gained in popularity and spread west. By the fourteenth century, card games reached Europe.

This is when card games saw a significant transformation that led to the development of many of the classic games we enjoy today. Because retirees often have more leisure time, there are card games to improve memory for the elderly and games that can be simply enjoyed with friends and family.

Whist: The Ancestor of Spades

Whist began in the early eighteenth century in England and is a classic trick-taking card game. The game became immensely popular among the British upper class and then spread worldwide.

Played with a standard fifty-two-card deck by four players in two partnerships, the primary goal of Whist is to win as many tricks as possible. Players take turns to lead cards and others follow suit.

Whist is known for its simplicity and strategic thinking–players must remember which cards are played and anticipate their opponent's moves. While not as popular as it once was, Whist laid the groundwork for other card games such as Bridge and Spades. Because of this, it cemented its role in the history of card gaming.

Euchre: A Trick-Taking Variation

Another old-school variation of the classic trick-taking game is Euchre. This lively, strategic game gained traction in the United States during the early nineteenth century.

Euchre needs four players in two partnerships and is typically played with a smaller deck of twenty-four, twenty-eight, or thirty-two cards. The game is known for its use of a trump suit, which is determined by a bidding process. During gameplay, players also have the opportunity to ‘go alone’ to earn extra points.

Known for being fast-paced and engaging, Euchre has a unique scoring system and special rules that set it apart from other trick-taking card games. Still played today, it has evolved into a popular pastime that continues to be enjoyed across the globe.

Spades: The Modern Offshoot of Whist

Spades is a popular trick-taking card game and a modern offshoot of Whist that started in the 1930s. It’s often played by four players in teams of two people each.

Unlike many other card games, Spades features a fixed trump suit (Spades) that always outranks other suits. Players bid on the number of tricks their team can win.

Play Spades Anytime, Anywhere

Spades is all about strategy and fun, but it throws in some unique twists that make it stand out. It's easy to pick up, but the tactical challenges keep things interesting. This is one of the reasons why it’s such a hit at parties, family gatherings, and competitive play.

Want to give Spades a go? You can hone your skills and play unlimited rounds for free on Spades.co–no matter where you are or what time of day it may be!