Court cards, also known as face cards, are the cards in a standard deck of playing cards that depict a person rather than numerical pips.
Understanding Court Cards
In a standard 52-card English pattern deck, court cards consist of the following:
- King: Represented by a male figure, usually depicted with a crown.
- Queen: Represented by a female figure, typically depicted with a crown or other regal attire.
- Jack: Represented by a younger male figure, often depicted in a page-like or knight-like outfit.
Key Characteristics of Court Cards
- Depiction of Figures: Unlike pip cards that display a number of suit symbols, court cards each feature a specific person.
- Rank and Value: These cards hold a higher rank and value compared to the numbered cards. The exact value of each card can vary across different games.
- Role in Games: Court cards play significant roles in many card games, often having special functions or values.
Summary Table of Court Cards
| Card | Figure Depicted | Common Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| King | Male with crown | Power, authority, leadership |
| Queen | Female with crown | Grace, influence, diplomacy |
| Jack/Knave | Younger male | Youth, resourcefulness, messenger |
The provided reference states, "In a deck of playing cards, the term face card (US) or court card (British and US), and sometimes royalty, is generally used to describe a card that depicts a person as opposed to the pip cards. In a standard 52-card pack of the English pattern, these cards are the King, Queen and Jack." This confirms that court cards are the King, Queen, and Jack.
