Masters of the Deck – The Fascination with Card Games

Culture & Art, History 43' 2024 HD

"Masters of the Deck – The Fascination with Card Games" explores the origins, development and appeal of card games. From its beginnings in the 12th century in the Far East to the glittering tables of Las Vegas today, the film follows card players and enthusiasts as they walk the fine line between their fascination with the game and the slight air of wickedness that surrounds it. 

Card games have intrigued people around the world for centuries, but what exactly is it that makes them so appealing? The documentary follows professional card player Chris Willet to the gambling metropolis of Las Vegas. There he tries to make his fortune at a variety of gambling tables, aiming to double his bets at the blackjack table. In Wiesbaden, the film looks over the shoulder of the experienced croupier Friedhelm Höbel, who gives us a secret insight into the preparations for an evening of poker and explains the etiquette and the different characters in the casinos.

By delving deep into their history, the film provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of playing cards. Card game experts such as Thierry Depaulis from Paris explain the sometimes bumpy road of card games from their beginnings over 800 years ago to the present day. A visit to the playing card capital of Europe, Turnhout in Belgium, shows not only how playing cards are traditionally made and how they are designed today, but also the little secrets and stories that the artistic motifs of the cards tell.