Other improvements

Other improvements included reversible (double-ended) figures, round corners and refined finishes. These features had occurred in isolated instances in Europe but were not promoted consistently and simultaneously. Americans recognized the efficiency of the new improvements and readily accepted them. During this ferment, the Joker was born. It was formerly believed that the Joker evolved from the Fool, a kind of wild card in the Tarot deck. However, we now know that the Tarot had not yet entered the U. S. when the Joker first appeared.

Double-headed courts by Russell & Morgan, Cincinnati, 1885

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