Playing Cards: Hungary


Hungarian cards

Purchased in Hungary and donated to the collection in 1971, the partially pictured deck on the left incorporates the German style suit indicators - leaves, bells, acorns, hearts.

This deck of 33 cards is used to play the Hungarian game of Klobiosch - a trick taking game.

The 16.4cm long x 15cm wide blue and white paper wrapping (right side of photograph) was originally folded and sealed around the deck. All of the cards have the same blue backs (upper right).

Of the 33 cards (10cm long x 6cm wide), there are 16 numbered cards, numbered from 7 through 10 that feature Roman numbers in addition to the suit indicators as identification.

There are 16 double-faced honor cards - four in each suit - a mounted king, an over nave, an under knave, and a "deuce". Names of medieval heroes are printed on the sides of the picture cards, while each "duce" has pictures of the seasons.


NOTE: This page was originally created and posted on the Web on February 18, 1998. Subsequently it has been modified and periodically updated. Last update: June 13, 2010