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Ace and Joker. History and origin of the name

Post cover: Ace and Joker. History and origin of the name
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
The name "ace" (English: "ace") comes from the Latin word "as", which meant "unit" or "one". The word passed into French as "as" and into English as "ace". In the Roman numeral system, "as" denoted the coin with the lowest value.
In medieval card games, the ace was often the card with the lowest value, which corresponded to its value as a unit. However, over time, the role of the ace changed, and in some games it began to be used as the card with the highest value. This transformation made the ace the most powerful card in many modern games, including poker.
Interestingly, in different cultures, games could determine the meaning of an ace in different ways. For example, in some games, the ace could be either the lowest or highest card depending on the rules of the game.
The Joker map has a less long history, but no less fascinating. The Joker appeared in the mid-19th century in the United States. It was originally created for the game "Euchre", which was popular among German immigrants in America. In this game, there was a "Bower" card (from the German "Bauer", meaning "farmer" or "helper"), which had the highest value. Later, "Best Bower" was added to the game, which became the prototype of the modern Joker.
The name "Joker" comes from the German word "Jucker" (another name for the game is "Euchre"), but can also be related to the word "joke" (joke), as the Joker is often depicted as a cheerful jester or clown.
The Joker was originally used exclusively in "Euchre", but over time its role expanded to include many other card games. In poker, for example, the Joker is often used as a "wild card", which can replace any other card. In other games, the Joker may have special features or be the most powerful card in the deck.
Interesting facts
  • Design and Images: Jokers often have unique and diverse designs, from traditional clown images to modern interpretations, making them collectible maps.
  • Number of Jokers: Standard decks usually have two Jokers, but some games may use only one or more than two.
  • Joker Symbolism: Due to its flexibility and special role in many games, the Joker symbolizes unpredictability and the possibility of changing the rules of the game.
Ace and Joker are not just maps, but a reflection of historical, cultural and linguistic transformations. The Ace who went from one to the most powerful card and the Joker who came to us through the game "Euchre" are evidence of the rich and diverse history of card games. They add a special charm and depth to each deck of cards, making the game not only exciting, but also historically rich.

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