Introduction
Cards! The standard deck of playing cards is one of the most versatile tools out there! There exist hundreds of card games (spoons, kings in the corner, solitaire, etc), much of gambling is centered in cards (like poker, which is not only a popular game, but a setting so established that it has its own “World Poker Championship”), and the long held art of magic has evolved to include a plethora of card tricks (Cardplayer)! These simple forms of entertainment have managed to gain and retain the attention of humans across various cultures and societies for hundreds of years (Playing).
With the growth of mathematical thinking and principels, individuals have been able to give explanations for why these card games are so addictive. Its roots are in the uniqueness of each game - no two are exactly the same. Or, the probability of two being exactly the same is near zero. As it turns out, there is quite a bit of hidden math in these beloved card games and tricks! Being able to identify and harness the mathematical knowledge behind the 52-card deck will allow individuals to engage more effectively. This could look like better buy-ins in poker, a higher probability of winning games during family gatherings, or simply not being fooled by a magician’s elementary tricks! The possibilities are endless with a deck of cards.
