Card Games Books

My 4-year-old son has loved these cards for more than a year. He asks for them all the time.

I was given this deck as a gift just over a year ago as my introduction to tarot.

Inspired by Thoth and largely based on the principals of Hermetic Kabbalah/Qabbalah, the 'Tree of Life' appears to be the "root" or theme of this deck. Beautiful and esoteric, but perhaps not one that is recommended for most tarot beginners.

As shown, the deck is of standard size. A few of the Major Arcana cards are re-named from their standard titles. The 'suits' are standard: Pentacles, Swords, Cups, Wands. The 'court' cards are standard: King, Queen, Knight, Page. There is a single word above each card's image that attempts to sum up the meaning of the card. There is no other lettering, nor is there traditional numbering on these cards. On the back of each card is the image of the 'Tree of Life'.

This deck is deeply focused on one's own spiritual journey, of personal search and awakening, and thus it is suggested that the deck be used as intuitively as possible. This is partially why the deck is not recommended for most beginners, however if you think you're up for the challenge, it offers a wonderful learning experience.

A major highlight of this deck: the cards are absolutely *loaded* with imagery, symbolism, puns, and a sense of deeper hidden meaning. I have had these cards for over a year now and I find myself still discovering new perspectives and new meanings that I had never noticed before.

There is a small paper booklet that comes with this deck that includes very brief explanations of the cards, a unique spread layout, and a small blurb on the deck's history.

An instructional paperback book, which explains the meaning of the cards and how to use the deck in depth, can be purchased separately.

Whether your interest in this deck is for serious tarot purposes, or you simply enjoy the vivid artwork, I do believe this deck is a treasure to behold. Also an excellent addition to any collection.

Eichelmann was on an island off the Spanish coast when he began work on this deck and the brilliant colors and folk art approach speak well of fantasy islands and the bold spirit of Spain. As an American I found the images reminded me instantly of the art and literature of Mexico. Like some Magic Realist version of the mystic realm they unfold with playful images dancing before tapestries of richly patterned fabric.

Physically the deck is roughly 3X4 inches, making it easy to hold even for small hands but large enough to show detail. The coating on the cards is adequate though not as smooth and resilient as some. Perhaps this owes to the fact that the deck is printed in China. I have found that decks printed in Belgium are often superior, but there is a trend toward lighter cards with cheaper coatings almost everywhere. Decks put out by a variety of companies lack their former durability. While this doesn't affect their usefulness to the casual reader it is a consideration for the collector or professional reader.

Reading with the cards is sheer delight if you respond intuitively to rich color. The minor cards display the suit on a hanging tapestry while traditional Rider imagery is shown as if it were a small stage play taking place at the base. The scenes remind me of the traveling miracle plays that roamed Europe in the middle ages.

In addition to this theatrical feeling, the minors are often visted by a variety of brilliant icons that express the energy of the cards and give them a feeling of movement. I especially liked the red birds on the five which is a card that can indicate stagnation. They seem to take you with them as they fly in unified formation. Something is lost to the hooded figure, but already he is directing his energy toward a solution.

Like the birds, water and vegetative symbols run through the cards, reinforcing the feeling that we are looking at a form of Folk Art still attached to the natural world. Even when the symbols act out the basic meaing of the Rider symbolism, vibrant colors and additonal icons take them to a new level. This is evident in the Seven of Wands, a card that usually shows a man on a hill actively and easily fending off anyone who challenges him. In the New Century, tiger-like monsters replace the imagined foes which aren't shown in the Rider. The vibrant red tapestry shares its color with the monsters and we can feel the "heat" of the interchange even though it commands much less space on the cards than the Rider image consumes.

The court Cards are well done though less inspired than the Major and Minor cards. Here much of the traditional symbolism is missing and there is little added to make up for it. This is a common issue with many decks. It seems to stem from the fact that the court cards often come to be associated with people we know and are void of circumstance. I find that some artists feel a strong attraction to the characters in the court while others tend to be constrained by these archetypes. That often results in less "original" interpretations. My favorite of the court is the Page of Swords who comes across as rather vain, leaning casually on his sword as we watches the world through a deceptive mask.The artist is obviously someone who has firsthand knowledge of how nasty this little character can be!!

The real artistry in this deck lies in the Majors. Every one is vibrantly beautiful. Here the natural world comes alive as if dancing a sacred jig before the Lords of the Universe. The faces on most of the cards are small, while their huge flowing garments play out the energy of the concept. Elementals of every description accompany this high court with the Hermit being dogged by a small red dragon in much the same way that the Fool is nipped at by his dog. Though no meaning is given for the "visitor" he invites the intuition to name him and wonder what worldly temptation the Hermit is trying to rid himself of. Each card has a season suggested by a row of distant trees that change foliage from card to card and each, like the minors, acts upon a "stage". But the majors are sole performers and their size, complexity and backdrops of numerous tapestries set them apart. While I hope card makers rethink their cost cutting measures in producing these decks, I would not hesitate to recommend this one, especially to anyone who enjoys the art and colors of the Latin world.

The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot set is a wonderful way to introduce oneself to the strength and power of Yoruban practices. The four trumps are arranged by four traditions - Rada, Petro, Santeria and Congo - and the major arcana is a conjoining of them all. The book illustrates stories, ideas for ritual and offerings, and even VeVes for each of the lwas or orishas represented, and gives the reader and practitioner powerful suggestions for the incorporation of spreads in ritual settings (including offerings!). It is not a deck for someone new to Tarot, but is a wonderful way to learn more about these incredibly rich and diverse traditions. Being a student of Tarot for the past 13 years, I found this deck highly stimulating and inspiring!

Good size, useful engagement calendar to keep track of all your bridge commitments (and anything else you might take part in!)

Bryan delivers a great book with easy to understand strategies that still work. With practice, the money spent on this book will be priceless compared to what a skilled player can make at the casinos.

The Book Is in excellent Shape for a Collectible. I am not into Bridge Game, however my grandmother is. She Find The Book extremely interesting, also its antiquity adds its charm and carry the reader to a different era!

No game (except, possibly, baseball) has enriched the English language as much as poker. We all understand "ante up" and "playing close to the vest" and, possibly, "four-flusher" and "dead man's hand". But, how about a "double belly-buster", an "Elmer", or a "juice joint"? Well all these terms, and many hundreds more, are defined in this book with wit and precision by an author who has obviously spent many hours at the poker table with his ears open. He also gives examples of how the terms are used in real poker table talk. Read this book. You'll enjoy it and you'll talk like the most experienced poker pro, even of you still play like an Elmer.

The imagery is wonderful and the style of these cards is very nice. I bought them just for the art.
perfect as a gift for anyone who likes the victorian area or angels.

There are many books describing the rules of card games, but this is the only book that explains why the rules are what they are. David Parlett's text winds through the intriguing history of card games. From early gambling games to modern contract bridge, this book explains why we play what we play. This book is for anyone who ever wanted to know where the jokers came from or what all those suit symbols meant. A great gift for the game players in your family.