you got jacked::

You won't believe all the cool, bizarre and frequently useless information we've amassed about our favourite word... don't know jack squat about jack? You've come to the right place!
b.j. - "before jack":: In the earliest examples of playing cards, the jack (and the queen) didn't exist... instead, there were three male court cards, the king, the cavalier and the foot soldier, or knave.
the first jacks (english pattern):: As playing cards evolved and spread throughout Europe, two distinct styles of cards emerged... the English pattern is the basis for the jack we know and love today.
the first jacks (french pattern):: A second card style developed in France, where all the court cards were given names from classical myths, mythology or history.
jacks in transformation and fanciful decks:: Novelty cards have existed for many years. Transformation decks are particularly imaginative and gave card designers an opportunity to create new court cards that broke away from traditional patterns.
jack equivalents in tarock and tarot cards:: Tarock and tarot cards were developed as both a new way to play games as well as for divination, but they still have strong links to playing cards.
the modern jack:: Functionality often sacrifices design and playing cards were no exception. In order to make game playing easier, the English pattern jacks changed in a variety of ways.
old/new jacks:: Many modern playing card companies are making beautiful decks that have old world style... but while these jacks look old, they are actually relatively new... I guess really should have stayed out of the sun! It does serious damage to the complexion.
jacks as portraits:: Modern decks occasionally use real historical figures or royalty to illustrate their court cards. This is but a sampling of some of the decks that have been designed in this fashion.
   
wacky jacks:: Playing card collectors have fun finding weird decks in all shapes and sizes... big, small, square, round... these are jacks gone wild!
 
other jacks:: Did you know there are over twenty different definitions of the word jack? Check out jack etymology and cool trivia here!