Play More Cards Day

Play More Cards Day is celebrated annually on February 22. The day encourages people to put away their digital devices and engage in the tactile and social experience of playing a game with a physical deck of cards. It emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interaction, cognitive health, and the simple entertainment found in a standard 52-card deck.

History of Play More Cards Day

The holiday was established in 2013 by the United States Playing Card Company, the manufacturer of the iconic Bicycle® brand. The company created the day to bring playing cards back to the center of social gatherings at a time when digital gaming was becoming increasingly dominant. By selecting February 22, the founders aimed to provide an easily memorable date for families and friends to gather for a friendly match of poker, bridge, or rummy.

While the modern holiday is relatively new, the history of the cards themselves spans over a millennium. Historians believe that the earliest forms of playing cards appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century before spreading to India and the Middle East. They reached Europe in the late 14th century, likely through trade routes with Egypt. Over the centuries, the designs evolved from hand-painted luxury items for the aristocracy to the mass-produced, standardized decks featuring hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades that are recognized globally today.

Why is Play More Cards Day important?

This day serves as an important reminder of the cognitive benefits associated with card games. Many popular games require players to utilize strategic thinking, mathematical probability, and memory skills, acting as a “gym for the brain.” For older adults, regular card playing is often cited by health professionals as a way to maintain mental agility and delay the onset of cognitive decline. For younger players, it teaches patience, sportsmanship, and the ability to read social cues in a competitive yet friendly environment.

Beyond the mental exercise, the holiday highlights the role of cards in fostering human connection. Unlike video games, which often involve solitary play or remote interaction, card games necessitate physical presence and conversation. They have historically been used to pass the time in diverse settings, from military barracks and community centers to family dinner tables. The simplicity of a deck of cards makes it one of the most portable and inclusive forms of entertainment, requiring no electricity or internet connection to bring people together.

• Card games stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for memory and concentration.
• Playing with a physical deck encourages a necessary break from screen time.
• The variety of games available ensures that people of all ages can participate.
• Card playing can lower stress levels by providing a relaxing social outlet.
• Low-stakes games help teach children basic math and logic in a fun setting.

How to Celebrate Play More Cards Day

The most direct way to observe this holiday is to gather a group of friends or family members for a dedicated game night. You can stick to traditional favorites like Hearts, Spades, or Blackjack, or use the day as an opportunity to learn a complex new game like Bridge or Pinochle. To make the event more festive, some hosts provide themed snacks and small prizes for the winners. If you are alone, playing several rounds of Solitaire with physical cards offers a meditative and satisfying alternative to the computer version.

For those interested in the artistic side of the hobby, the day is also a time to appreciate custom deck designs and cardistry. Many collectors share photos of their unique decks on social media or practice “flourishes,” which are impressive displays of card handling and shuffling. Teaching a child a simple game like Go Fish or War is a meaningful way to pass on the tradition. No matter the specific game chosen, the goal is to enjoy the rhythmic sound of a shuffle and the shared anticipation of a new deal.

• Host a neighborhood poker or rummy tournament with simple refreshments.
• Learn the rules to a card game from a different culture or country.
• Teach a younger family member how to shuffle and deal a deck properly.
• Turn off your phone for an hour and play a few rounds of Solitaire.
• Buy a new deck of cards with a unique artistic design to start a collection.

Play More Cards Day Dates Table