Tarocchi

Book excerpt: It might surprise you to learn that tarot cards were created for playing card games and not fortune telling. Indeed, contrary to popular myths, there is nothing occult in their origins. The family of tarot games has been played since the 15th century and continues to be played throughout continental Europe to this day. Sadly, English speakers have usually only heard of tarot in the context of magic and divination. This little book sets out to correct that, starting with chapters about the real history of the cards and continuing with the rules to more than 40 games from across Europe. To help you get started many of the terms and conventions have been standardised and Anglicised, and there is a guide on buying cards suitable for modern game play.Tarot includes some of the most sophisticated and challenging card games ever devised - discover what you've been missing and you may never pick up a 52 card pack again.