Faro was undoubtedly one of the most popular card games of the 18th century, especially among the lower classes. Although both faro and Basset were forbidden in France, on severe penalties, these games continued to be in great vogue in England during the 18th century; apparently because it was easy to learn, [...]

A game of faro was often called a ‘faro bank.’ It was played with an entire pack of playing cards, and admitted of an indeterminate number of players, termed ‘punters,’ and a ‘banker.’ Chips (called ‘checks’) were purchased by the punter from the banker or house from which the game originated. Bet [...]

Faro is a card game, a descendant of Basset. It enjoyed great popularity during the 18th century, particularly in England and France, and in the 19th Century in the United States, particularly on the American Frontier, where it was practiced by ‘faro dealers’ such as the infamous Doc Holliday. It has since fallen completely [...]