Over the next two months, schools, cafes, and community organizations are all coming together to play a part in Start to Card, a new initiative designed to help the people of Turnhout discover, learn, and enjoy card games together. The project celebrates a special milestone: 200 years since the first playing cards were printed in Turnhout by P.J. Brepols, a key moment in the city’s rich playing card heritage.
To mark the anniversary, we have joined forces with the City of Turnhout, the Playing Card Museum, IWWA (The International World Whist Association) have joined forces to encourage residents of all ages to pick up a deck of cards, whether for the very first time or after years away from the game.
Learning the Rules, Sharing the Fun
One of the biggest barriers to playing cards is often simple: people don’t know the rules anymore. That’s where “Start to Card” comes in.
From October 1 through November 30, residents can take part in more than 100 card-playing opportunities across the city. Cafés, community centers, schools, and local organizations will host activities where people can learn and play together.
As part of the initiative, Cartamundi and IWWA helped develop easy-to-use game rule cards, giving players a quick introduction to a variety of card games. More detailed rules are available through the Start to Card platform, making it easy for anyone to join in. These rule cards build on a long tradition of using cards to bring people together through shared experiences and friendly competition.
Bringing Generations Together Through Play
The program goes beyond cafés and community spaces. Staff from the Playing Card Museum will visit local secondary schools to introduce students to traditional card games, while card tables have been installed at the museum and a bridge course is being organized for those looking to deepen their skills.
The initiative reflects something we strongly believe at Cartamundi: play has the power to connect people. Around a card table, generations meet, stories are shared, friendships are strengthened, and new memories are created.
Want to join?
Start to Card activities take place throughout Turnhout from October 1 to November 30, culminating in the Belgian Kingen Championship and the World Wiezen Championship at the end of November.