How did I get started?
Since childhood I have always been fascinated by Playing Cards. I grew up in a card playing house, and as students we played cards all the time. Often during the breaks we wouldn't even leave the class room, but turn into 4s and play cards. It was mainly Whist, but we did also play card games with less sober sounding names. As an adult I am a keen "BRIDGE" player. Throughout I have preferred to play with non-standard (mostly Scandinavian) courts.

My collection therefore started with various NON-Standard (unusual) European Courts (Kings/Queens/Jacks), but always with French Suits
(ª  ©   ¨  § ).
This is still what a large proportion of my collection consists of, but since then I have also acquired a number of Historical Packs (the courts represents people from history) International/Ethnic Courts and various Novelty Cards. In addition I have a number of Transfer and Art cards.
I find English (International Standard) Courts uninteresting and less colourful, so I only collect these if they are "somewhat different".

Why do Playing Cards fascinate me?
1. Basically they are ONLY 52 pieces of paper - or in some countries less. And the mere fact that 52 pieces of paper can keep people occupied for HOURS and have been able to do so for many centuries, can be no less than astonishing
2. I also see Playing Cards as "Works of Art". Indeed many famous artists have designed packs of cards, either individually or collectively. You will find some examples on these on this site.

I have tried to make this site educational by adding additional information on some of the Card Pages especially with regard to History and Culture.
Most of this information has been obtained from the leaflets/info cards that came with the packs. But some of it I have researched myself. If however you find any inaccuracies or areas of dispute then please let me know via the "Comments" option above.
Indeed if you have any additional information about any of the decks displayed, then this would be most gratefully received.