The word "ecarte" is spelled with a silent "e" at the beginning and pronounced as /əˈkɑrt/, with emphasis on the second syllable. It comes from the French phrase "faire écarte" which means "to spread apart" or "to make a distinction". In English, it refers to a card game played with two players and a deck of 32 cards. In the game, players try to win tricks by playing high cards and avoiding low ones. Despite its French origins, "ecarte" is now commonly used in English-speaking countries as well.
Ecarte is a card game that is typically played by two players. The game originated in France in the 19th century and gained popularity across Europe and later in the United States. It is usually played with a deck of 32 cards, although a standard deck of 52 cards can also be used.
In Ecarte, the objective is to be the first player to reach a certain number of points, which is often set at five. The game involves tactics, strategy, and skill. Each player is dealt a certain number of cards, and the remaining cards form a stockpile. The players take turns either drawing a card from the stockpile or playing a card from their hand.
The game revolves around winning tricks, which are formed by playing cards of higher value than the opponents' cards. Certain cards have special effects, such as the ability to trump suits or change the course of the game. Players need to carefully plan their moves and consider the cards played by their opponents in order to maximize their chances of winning tricks.
Ecarte requires both luck and skill, as players need to make strategic decisions based on the cards they possess and the actions of their opponents. The game is known for its quick pace and dynamic nature, making it an exciting and engaging activity for card game enthusiasts.
A game at cards so called.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "écarté" comes from the French language, specifically from the verb "écarter", which means "to discard" or "to remove". In the context of the card game, écarté refers to the act of discarding or putting aside certain cards from one's hand. The term was first used in English in the early 19th century, adopting the French spelling and pronunciation.