What is a Card Table?
A card table is a folding table that usually accommodates four people, though larger folding tables may seat many more. The typical card table was first used in the 17th century in Europe, as card games became popular entertainment, and a source of gambling for middle and upper class families. Games like whist and loo were often four person games, and an upper middle class family or the nobility might have numerous card tables. These could be brought out and used either by the family or to entertain guests. Each card table could be folded and neatly stored for the next party or family gathering. Although we commonly think of balls as places where people danced, one room was often set aside and filled with card tables, generally for use by men. It wasn’t that women couldn’t or didn’t play cards. It was simply that often at balls they were either occupied by dancing, watching dancing or supervising their grown up daughters during a dance. At less formal gatherings, both women and men pla
A card table is a folding table that usually accommodates four people, though larger folding tables may seat many more. The typical card table was first used in the 17th century in Europe, as card games became popular entertainment, and a source of gambling for middle and upper class families. Games like whist and loo were often four person games, and an upper middle class family or the nobility might have numerous card tables. These could be brought out and used either by the family or to entertain guests. Each card table could be folded and neatly stored for the next party or family gathering. Although we commonly think of balls as places where people danced, one room was often set aside and filled with card tables, generally for use by men. It wasn’t that women couldn’t or didn’t play cards. It was simply that often at balls they were either occupied by dancing, watching dancing or supervising their grown up daughters during a dance. At less formal gatherings, both women and m
