NaPM 26 April 2022

[dukealien]

Metagame


The game of cards transcends
any specific rules
of tricks, of bidding, bluffing
or configurations - no,
the inner game of cards
played out over centuries
is evolution of the pack
from dreamy mysticism–  Tarot
with its four-card court
of King, Queen, Knight and Page
and fifth Major Arcana suit–
to the common mid-Atlantic
bridge or poker deck in which
knight and page amalgamate
into a rascal Jack.
Further north the four
suit names and symbols change
and rationalize Germanically
by losing Ace and all below
six or seven except the Deuce;
Queen becomes Over (male)
and Jack dutiful Under (male)
leaving newly-promoted Deuce
not only higher than the King
but also only possible female
(nicknamed the Sow)...
All that, recall, before
the pack is ever opened or
a game is named.