In the enchanting world of card games, where strategy and chance intertwine, a myriad of superstitions float around, adding an extra layer of intrigue to every shuffle and deal.
These beliefs, ranging from the curious to the bizarre, have been passed down through generations, embedding themselves into the fabric of the gaming culture.
Let’s dive into some of these superstitions and explore their origins and implications.
The Unlucky Bare Table
Have you ever wondered why some players insist on a tablecloth before laying down their cards? It seems odd to link the outcome of a game to whether or not the table is dressed.
One theory posits that a tablecloth could facilitate the sleight of hand, offering cheaters a chance to manipulate the game. Yet, this hardly explains the widespread acceptance of such a belief among honest players.
The Borrower’s Advantage
A peculiar notion exists that lending money during a game curses the lender with bad luck, while the borrower rides a wave of good fortune.
Contrary to what experience might teach us about the risks of gambling on borrowed money, this superstition persists.
It’s a curious belief that seems to fly in the face of common sense, as typically, those who gamble with borrowed funds are more likely to face ruin.
A Walk and a Win
There’s a slice of humor in the advice that one should walk away from the table, take a round turn, and then decide whether to continue playing for money.
This ritual offers a moment of reflection, a break in the heat of the game, allowing players to ponder their next move. It’s a clever piece of superstition that encourages a pause for thought in the midst of gambling’s excitement.
Luck and Tragedy at Monte Carlo
In the grand casinos of Monte Carlo, a grim superstition holds that the tables turn in favor of the players following a suicide.
This belief prompts a rush to the tables, as players gamble on the notion that misfortune for one leads to luck for others.
The Magic of a Crooked Pin
Borrowing from ancient traditions, sticking a crooked pin in a player’s coat is believed to bestow good luck.
This practice echoes rituals found in cultures around the world, where small tokens or actions are thought to influence outcomes in significant ways.
Signs of Impending Loss
Several signs are believed to predict bad luck in card games: dropping a card suggests a lack of focus and interest, singing while playing foretells a loss, and playing across from a cross-eyed individual spells disaster.
Additionally, losing one’s temper is thought to attract bad luck, as if the very intensity of the emotion scares fortune away.
