The card game enthusiast’s ultimate reading list

It’s not surprising that so many books have been written about card games over the years, with the captivating blend of skill, probability and high-stakes wagers being an extremely potent mix. Whether it’s non-fiction books helping to teach players about the ins and outs of games like blackjack and poker, or fictional titles revolving around these games, there’s something out there for all types of readers.

One of the best things about these books is the almost infinite amount of source material to draw from. Card games have been constant fixtures throughout our lives for thousands and thousands of years, with historians generally agreeing that rudimentary playing cards were in existence since at least the 1000s. This has led to all manner of different games and strategies being devised over the years, creating an extremely fertile environment for readers and authors.

But here’s the thing – as much as card game books can be exciting and helpful, it’s important to separate the wheat from the chaff. There are also numerous terrible books about card games, which can be boring to read at best and unhelpful for strategies at worst. Fortunately, we’ve done the important research so you don’t have to. Keep reading for some of our favorite books about card games, with a nice mix of non-fiction and fictional titles.

Card Games For Dummies – Barry Rigal

Card game books for beginners or those wanting a broad-scale summary don’t get much better than Card Games For Dummies by Barry Rigal. Part of the world-famous For Dummies series, Rigal’s book provides an accessible and wide-ranging guide to various card games. Readers get essential introductions and overviews of popular options like poker and bridge, but there are also various niche card games to get a flavor of. The helpful illustrations and straightforward writing style make Card Games For Dummies an essential part of any card game enthusiast’s library.

Novelas Ejemplares – Miguel de Cervantes

Wait a minute? What’s a short story anthology from the renowned 17th century Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes doing here? While he is better known as the author behind Don Quixote, widely regarded as the first novel ever written, Cervantes is also an important figure in the history of card games, especially blackjack. In the earliest written reference to the popular card game, the short story Rinconete y Cortadillo references a game called ventiuna several times. This is all the more impressive and significant when you consider how far blackjack has come. Online casinos can now offer video-based versions and live dealer-powered titles, making the blackjack experience more accessible and entertaining with real-life human croupiers.

Casino Royale – Ian Fleming

Casino Royale, the iconic first instalment that introduced readers to 007 and everything associated, is many people’s favorite James Bond novel. Interestingly, the original 1953 novel features Bond tussling with Le Chiffre over a high-stakes game of baccarat, but this was later changed for the movie adaptation to reflect the growing popularity of Texas Hold’em poker. This film, starring Daniel Craig, will go down in history as one of the best Bond films of all times, and this is mainly due to the nail-biting poker scenes that were instrumental in adding to the card game’s nascent popularity.

The Gambler – Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novels are routinely quoted as having the power to change your life, and The Gambler is no different. This semi-autobiographical account of a person embroiled in the highs and lows of a gambling lifestyle explores various facets of the hobby, with Dostoevsky’s trademark psychological insight. While the novel focuses mainly on the central character’s love of the roulette wheel, there are also various other allusions to popular card games like blackjack.

Aces and Kings: A History of Card Games – David Parlett

Exploring the history of card games is a truly fascinating way to get deeper insight into the origins and continued evolution of everything from poker to UNO. David Parlett is a renowned authority on this subject, and his book Aces and Kings: A History of Cards traces the history of card playing, voyaging from the Far East in the beginning before arriving at Europe in the high Medieval period and going further afar during colonialism. It’s a riveting read and one that will reshape your understanding of the modern card game world.

Hoyle’s Modern Encyclopedia of Card Games – Walter B. Gibson

An updated version on the classic Hoyle’s guide, Walter B. Gibson’s encyclopedia is probably the most comprehensive card game overview on the market. The author researches hundreds of different card games, providing an all-encompassing look at the different rules, strategies and histories.