There is a certain romance attached to playing cards, from the riverboat gamblers on the Mississippi to genteel parlor games to our love of solitaire. The origins of playing cards are shrouded in mystery, but their centuries-old genesis has an obvious link to the minor arcana of the tarot: both decks contain four suits, and the nature of the suits in playing card decks is similar to that of the suits in tarot decks. Just like the tarot, playing cards can be used to give insight into a person's life and personality and a glimpse into the future. This user-friendly guide will show you how to turn an ordinary deck of cards into a fun and simple tool for fortune telling. The author explains the meaning of each of the fifty-two cards in the deck, plus the Joker, presenting several layouts for general readings and answers to specific questions. Book jacket.