Five Suit Bridge playing cards - 1930s

Thomas De la Rue & Co’s Five-Suit Bridge playing cards feature a unique fifth suit of crowns (called Royals), using the heart suit designs from the Paris pattern, with the crowns coloured blue. This set includes 65 cards plus a joker and dates back to around 1938.

Five Suit Bridge was invented in Vienna in 1937 by Walter W. Marseille and Dr. Paul Stern. At a time when cricket, chess and bridge were popular social games, special 66-card decks went on sale in the UK manufactured by De la Rue and Waddington’s with the fifth suit as crowns (called “Royals”). However, because the game was complex it proved to be unpopular, they were withdrawn in 1939 and have been forgotten.

The drop lid box is in very good condition and is completely intact, including the original Auction and Contract Bridge rules. It remains in excellent condition for its age and rarity. Grade 1 under the Hoyles Vintage Grading System (here).