There are limitless types of card games to be played. People think because two games use the same deck of 52-cards that they are similar games, but nothing could be more different than Barbu and Speed, or Pai Gow and Pinochle.

Here’s a list of twenty different kinds of card games, and some facts about them.

1.Bridge

Bridge is a popular contract bidding game. Bridge has a culture — there are websites, newspaper columns, and even radio shows devoted to bridge strategy. There is a world-wide obsession with bridge, even though it has been called the hardest card game in the world. With a complicated strategy and steep learning curve, to many bridge is not just a game, it is a lifestyle. I wish I were exaggerating.

2. Whist

Whist could be called “Bridge, Jr” — and though it is not as big a game as it once was, and is dwarfed in popularity by big-brother Bridge, Whist has never really died out. Card gamers love trick-taking games — beating out your opponent in such a visual way is one of the more exciting part of any card game. Whist has some of the complexity of Bridge without any bidding.

3. Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is something of a legend — a poker variation with a story as rich as a Spaghetti western. This version of poker, a drawing and betting game, was invented and then made popular by old time poker sharks in Texas, hence the name. This is easily the most popular poker variant right now, and is bringing more new people to card gaming than any other game.

4. Hearts

It is said that most of the professional poker tour players are hardcore Hearts players and that they bet big money on cutthroat games of Hearts in dark mysterious rooms during tournaments. Romantic as that may sound, it would make sense for these card sharks to love the game of Hearts – an otherwise childlike game of matching cards (and no bidding) usually turns into a competitive nightmare. Because of the game play, there are lots of ways to screw your opponents in Hearts. Trick-winning and passing card are big elements of Hearts.

5. Spades

People don’t realize it, but spades is a variation of bridge that simplifies the game even more than Whist and changes the outcome of the game as well. Spades is really popular in large groups, on college campuses, and in tournaments around the world. There may be as many variations of Spades as there are groups playing it — thanks to “jailhouse rules” which penalize tactics like point sandbagging and the existence of multiple versions of “house rules”. A strategic game you can play without paying much attention if you want.

6. Go-fish

This is the simple children’s card matching game we all remember from our childhood. You can play Go-fish with as many players as you have cards. Some people claim Go-Fish is a variation of Rummy but the simplicity of the game and the children’s game gimmick make it likely just some toy company’s creation. Strangely enough, Go-fish is known as Literature in some parts of the world. Write in if you understand that one.

7. War

Another children’s game (or time-killing game) War is a straight luck based game. Depending on the flop of the card, you either win or lose a war. Most people under the age of 30 learned War before they learned any other card game. You’ll see War played a lot in lines at airports.

8. Oh Hell!

Substitute your own dirty word for “Hell!” and you know this party game. Most of the fun is the fact that you get to cuss a lot and people laugh at you. What keeps this game popular is that it is a strict betting game. The object of Oh Hell! is to bid the precise number of tricks you will win. You have to take only the number that you bid, no more and no less. Play is precise, and because of the structure of the game, one player always blows it big time. There. That’s what’s fun. Screwing your opponent.

9. Blackjack

A skill game that in some casinos is the best bet you can make, if you can play a perfect hand. This is one of the most popular casino card game, and has a place in popular culture as THE “Vegas” game. The point is to build a hand that adds up to a total of 21 points without going over, and ending up with a higher number than the dealer. Players compete against the House directly, adding to the fun. Little known fact — there exists somewhere in this world a blackjack player’s hall of fame. Safe to say that this game’s got a cult following

10. Baccarat

James Bond’s favorite game (don’t believe the hype — it wasn’t poker or blackjack — read the books) Baccarat is a basic betting game. Players bet on who will win a given hand – the player, the banker, or if there will be a tie. Sure it looks easy, but Baccarat is a skill game. A small sidenote about Baccarat — the name comes from the name of the worst possible hand. This would be like calling your video poker machine “High Card Poker”. Just doesn’t have the same ring as “Royal Flush”.

11. Solitaire

The most varied card game in the world. In England, they call this game Patience, and for good reason. Solitaire requires little set up beyond putting cards in specific places, and is usually played by yourself. Solitaire is another popular airport line waiting game.

12. Rummy and variations

There are lots of different kinds of Rummy, more than are probably written down on any list. I’ve written for a website that had me list 500 variations or other names for Rummy, so I’ll spare you the reading and just say there’s lots of kinds of Rummy. The more popular versions are called Gin Rummy, Liverpool Rummy, and Contract Rummy. The feature that makes a game a Rummy is a player matching identical cards into pairs and other groups. Some experts believe the Chinese game of Mahjong is part of the Rummy family, though I’d bet the Chinese are just fine with Mahjong as it is.

13. Pai Gow

This is an old Chinese domino game that has been passed down through the years as a poker variation. You’ll see Pai Gow at casinos in both as a poker and a domino game — it is probably the casino game that the least number of people understand. This is a game of fast bets, player versus dealer. Pai Gow strategy is just as rich as any other poker betting game, and the culture of Pai Gow is similar to the Blackjack culture — super-fast bets and edgy behavior at the margins.

14. Spoons

A silly card game probably invented to keep kids out of trouble, Spoons is a bluffing game (with some elements of matching) that uses simple kitchen utensils as an added play element. The first player in the group to draw a poker style four of a kind reaches to a pile of spoons in the middle of the table, signalling the other players to grab for one. Since there’s one less spoon than players, one player will be left out every time. So its a social interaction game, and not a game chock full of card strategy. its still fun. Great date night game.

15. Speed

Speed (sometimes called Spit) is a matching game that is unique because both players play simultaneously and as fast as they can. In Speed, a player tries to ‘get rid’ of his or her cards by matching them to cards placed face-up on the table. This is a face to face game, though there’s actually little interaction between the two opponents. The last few moments of any game of Speed reminds me of solitaire on fast-forward, with hands and cards flying around and rows forming and draining like water pipes. Strange game, Speed.

16. Crazy 8s

This is another children’s matching game, you could say it is cousin to the popular game Uno. The 8s in the deck of standard cards are considered “crazy” not because they need to be medicated but to indicate they are wild cards. In some variations of Crazy 8s, not just Wild Cards but other “rule cards” exist, making the game more complex for older players.

17. Slapjack

If you want to teach more complex card games to younger kids, Slapjack is the perfect vehicle. The object of Slapjack is to acquire the whole deck of cards by matching and slapping pairs. Kids like to slap stuff, and the game can be played over and over again.

18. Old Maid

You don’t need an “Old Maid” deck to play this kid’s card game — any standard 52 card deck will do. Just remove one of the Queens. Old Maid is a matching game where players find pairs You trade cards with your opponent until that player is left with the unmatched Queen. Matching games are popular, and the novelty “Old Maid” packs are fun for kids.

19. Cribbage

This is a hybrid board and card game with complicated rules that generally intimidates people, even hardcore card gamers. You play cribbage by forming groups of cards that are worth different point values, and moving a peg on a board that represents your progress accordingly. Requiring a specific board (or a quick hand with a pen and paper) cribbage isn’t the best travel game, but as fans of cribbage will tell you, no two games are alike. There are solitaire versions of cribbage, and other varieties of cribbage game play to choose from if you’re bored with the standard version.

20. Pinochle

Pinochle is popular because it is a trick-taking game that you play with a 48 card deck. In Pinochle, you try to make melds or tricks, much like in Gin, but there’s a really complex scoring system making the game fun to learn and to master. To be good at pinochle, you have to play for a number of years, and lose plenty of hands. Though it is less popular year after year, Pinochle is one of those “heritage games”.

With the advent of the mobile phone industry, mobile phone companies have long been contesting for the latest models that would captivate the market and make the buyers go “gaga” over it. So far, there are countless cellular phone models from BlackBerry, Apple, LG, and other companies.

The market differs in all parts of the world. A company may dominate in USA but not in Asia, same is true with the network service providers. Recently, there was a survey which showed a result of the Top five models in the US last year.

As you take a read, you will discover that according to Amazon.com and our reviews, sales show that the US mobile phone market is dominated by BlackBerry and no trace of Nokia could be felt.

First in the list is BlackBerry Bold 9000. What makes it a hit? It is a mobile professional and likely to be the best device on the market. This is a serious communication device catering to those who need the best of email and connectivity to their other office information in an instant. BlackBerry Bold is the best BlackBerry yet. It capitalizes on the industry-leading email and communication abilities and adds improved document handling features. While remaining enterprise centric it makes major multimedia and entertainment strides to broaden its market appeal.

Another great phone from Blackberry is their Blackberry Storm. What makes it the number 2 best seller for Americans? It is the first entry by smartphone leader BlackBerry into the world of touchscreens. BlackBerry’s claim to fame has always been its exceptional mobile email functionality and manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) has steadfastly insisted that a physical keyboard is best suited for typing. That said, even stalwart RIM couldn’t ignore the market pressures, led by Apple’s phenomenally successful iPhone 3G, which have placed priority on a touchscreen.

The third spot is the throne of Apple iPhone 3G. This iPhone 3G isn’t necessarily blazing new territory, it is paving that territory, refining the available technologies, while placing at utmost importance the overall design of its body and interface. The reduced price tag, expanded memory and incorporated 3G technology are truly new, and are likely to represent a new direction for the industry. On another note, the iPhone 3G, like its iPhone predecessor, is taking a big chunk out of many different markets, offering a solid mix of business, entertainment and everyday use.

G1 Google Phones takes number four. The T-Mobile G1 is the first of many expected smartphones to reach the market that are based on the Google Android operating system. Before being introduced by T-Mobile, it was known as the HTC Dream. The Google Android OS is seen as having the potential to expand the capabilities of smartphones generally because of its open source orientation to third party applications. It is reasoned that because developers have free rein to show off their best and most creative work that the possibilities are limitless.

Doing well at number five is the LG Lotus. It has a unique and exceptional design that is both beautiful and functional. It is a great messaging phone that can send all types of text messages and can communicate by IM and email. It is also a great music phone that can play and store up to 12 GB of music.

Feel the American mobile phone culture, go buy one. Yes, one of the five top selling mobile phones in the United States.

With the turn of the century, the means of entertainment and relaxation have been revolutionized. Video games, PC games, and console games have grown greatly in popularity. Better gaming systems, advanced micro-chips, and video enhancement and display cards clearly indicate the improving game designs, mind blowing game ideas, and spectacular levels of detail. Casual and hardcore gamers look for games that completely mesmerize them and draw them deeper into the scenario of the game. Video gaming has become so popular that organizations have actually started offering money to video gamers.

A large number of hardware companies, software developers, and game promoters employ hardcore gamers having excellent skill in the games. These gamers are commonly referred to as Pro-gamers. Pro-gamers and even teams are employed on a contract basis to represent the employer at large gaming events and tournaments. Gamers are given a sponsorship deal and the employer pays for gaming practice sessions at cafes, provides personal computers and accessories, pays for travel and lodging expenses during tournaments and so on. Some of the common games that skilled gamers can be contracted for are Counter-Strike, Quake 3, Quake 4, Starcraft, Warcraft 3, FIFA, and so on. Gaming contests for these games are held through out the year all over the world. Mega gaming events are sponsored by multinational companies such as Intel, Pepsi, Coca Cola, and so on, and may involve cash prizes for up to $400,000 for the winners.

Another way of getting paid for video games is through video game testing. Large game developers and designers require reviews and feedback about a game before finally releasing it in the market. Game testers are experts that can provide a fair view and opinion about the quality of a game, its game play and over all storyline. Developers actually employ gamers to play their video games and assess them. Game testers are paid after they complete their contract.

In today’s world, playing video games has become a viable career option.

There were two male birds challenging each other and trying to win the attention of the nearby female bird.

She walked away while they ‘duked’ it out. When the ‘hero’ emerged and I captured him on digital film, he was following her up the hill for a little fun and merriment and family making.

So what does this have to do with you?

Few of us are in businesses that are so   unique  that we don’t have any competition. So as a result, we’re constantly having to distinguish ourselves as different, better than, smarter than, more prestigious than, cheaper than…You get the picture. It’s a primitive battle where only the strongest survive. And it’s really hard getting deals done like that.

The key is to position yourself as the go-to expert so that your reputation raises your above the herd. When you do that, you get people seeking you out. When they seek you out, they’re already pre-sold on you. They’ve already decided they want YOU so there is less need for you to ‘convince’ them that you’re the best choice. You become a client magnet!

So how do you become that expert & client magnet? There are 3 ways to do that.

Speaking – Most people are literally scared to death of speaking in public. You’ve probably heard that when surveyed, people rate speaking in public ahead of dying as their top fear. So if you have the guts to stand up in front of a crowd (even a small one) and have your voice be heard, automatically, you’re a rock star in the eyes of the audience. Even if you’re quaking in your boots on the inside, you’ve still accomplished a mighty feat from their perspective.

Writing – Whether writing articles for a national publication or your local neighborhood periodical, having your name in print makes you look smart! Clearly the national publication will get you seen by WAY more people, but you’ll get credibility none-the-less with the readers of your work

Publicity – Being written about is even more compelling. That third party endorsement goes a long way toward building credibility. When someone with familiarity, name recognition and credibility (like a report) writes about you, their importance and credibility transfers over to you. It’s like having someone make a referral introduction for you.

I’ve been using all three of these strategies for years and now I get to reap the benefits of them. Wherever I go, people tell me “I see you everywhere!”

Can you imagine how great (and humbled) that makes me feel? Can you imagine if people were saying that about you, that you wouldn’t have to work so hard to dredge up new clients? You betcha! So start using these three magic strategies to raise your visibility, credibility and client-magnet quotient.

1. The earliest known paintings that were done in oils date back to the 7th century BC. These paintings were Buddhist murals that were discovered in caves in Western Afghanistan. Oil paint didn’t become widespread for use in art works until the 15th century, when it became popular throughout Europe. Jan van Eyck, a 15th century Flemish painter, is widely believed to have invented it, though in reality he did not invent it, instead he developed it.

2. Oil paint is credited with revolutionising art. One of its key properties is that it’s very slow to dry. It gave artists a lot more time to work on their paintings and it allowed them to correct any mistakes they might have made. Oil paints allowed for artists’ creativity to flourish more because artists could devote more time to each painting. Many of the most widely praised paintings were done in oils.

3. For a few centuries artists had to store their oil paints in animal bladders. This was because the paint tube wasn’t invented until 1841. It was invented by John Goffe Rand, an American painter. Before the tube was invented, artists would have to mix their paints themselves before painting. They would have to grind the pigment up themselves, then carefully mix in the binder and thinner.

4. The most basic type of oil paint is made up of ground-up pigment, a binder and a thinner, which is usually turpentine. For the binder there are lots of different substances that can be used, including linseed oil, walnut oil and poppy seed oil; each of these gives the paint different effects and has different drying times.

5. There are modern versions of oil paint that can dry a lot more quickly than the standard version. The way that it dries is not by evaporation, but by oxidation, the process where substances gain oxygen. It is generally accepted that the typical painting done in oils will be dry to touch after about two weeks, though it can take six months to a year before the painting’s actually dry enough to be varnished.

6. Oil paint is very durable and tough, so it’s used as a finish and protector. It can be used on wood and metal and in both cases, it can be used internally as well as externally. It’s often applied to wood during building construction and can be found on metallic surfaces on things like planes, bridges and ships.

There is a new breed of leopards known as the Diablo Blanco which is genetically a pattern-less gecko with a complete red-eye. This new red-eye leopard gecko or the Diablo Blanco may or may not be all completely red, some possess only with one or more eyes being 50% of the solid red and the other one acquires the solid red color in both eyes.

Actually this new morph called the Diablo Blanco has three eye variations and only two body variants. As of now there are only two categories of this kind: the Blanco’s and the Diablo Blanco.

The Blanco is also a genetically pattern-less gecko, only they have the normal colored eyes of an albino. The head, body, and tail color is white. Although some Blanco’s may possess a yellowish color in their body, it may be totally wiped out through selective breeding of the next generation.

The other category is called the Diablo Blanco, this variety possess the complete or partial red-eyed color leopard gecko. Just like the raptor morph, there can also be a snake-eyed Diablo Blanco. That would mean that there could be one or more eyes that will have only half of the solid red color and there could also be a gecko with the two eyes being solid red. The best quality of this morph may possess a complete white skin from head to tail with two vividly solid red eyes.

How did these breed came about?

This is the result of cross breeding of the snowy white Tremper Albino “Blazing Blizzard” females with the best raptor male available as well as breeding those het offspring together. It is definitely not the cross breeding of two Blazing Blizzard’s with a pure Blizzard and miraculously came up with a new variety of a red-eye morph. Never yet in the history has that, two Blazing Blizzard geckos produced an all red-eyed leopards.

The Diablo Blanco variety, act as a recessive trait just like the other albino morph. When mixed together, they will produce the same characteristics, traits, and appearance of that of the parents.

The New Diablo Blanco red-eye leopard gecko is a new variety from trial breeding of hobbyist. With patience and painstaking observation of their pets they have finally produced a beautiful flawless white with the possibility of having two solid red eyes lizards. Producing your own new gecko variety greatly depends on your creativity. Study about these reptiles and try to cross-bred it yourself and be able to produce a unique and beautiful variety that can be called your own.

Find out more about this red-eyed leopard geckos; how to care for them and what to feed them. Are they the same with other leopard geckos?

For the average working adult, going back to school can be one of the largest investments he will make in his life. But if you have some time before you pursue your studies, instead of applying for a bank loan, why not let time and capital work for you. Even if you plan to pursue a bachelor degree in the near future, say, in three years more, you can still save for it.

First of all, you need to have a target amount. Usually, the course fees represent a large portion of the cost. Other costs are examination fees and living expenses for those who come from other towns.

Some students may choose to study full time so that they can focus on their studies. In this case, if your employer doesn’t give you paid time off to do your studies, your budget will increase significantly, as you now have to account for your entire living expenses. In addition to that, you’ll still have to continue paying for things like insurance, car, mortgage, credit card as well as utility bills.

However, expenses can be higher if the course is done part time, as the person has less time to devote to his studies. As a result, he may have to prolong the program or even have to re-sit some papers, which means additional examination fees.

How much time you have to put aside the money depends on when you plan on taking up the program. When is the ideal time to start? To get more out of a bachelor degree, it would be good to have real world working experience of two to three years, on which to reflect upon when you’re doing the units.

At least three years of working experience would be good but you shouldn’t wait too long as the motivation level will drop. Even if you commence your studies in three years, you don’t have to pay the money in one lump sum. You can save through the study period as well which, gives you more time to accumulate funds.

Many education centers and colleges have worked out interest free schemes that you can use to your benefit. You can let your money work for you while you use the interest free payment option.

There is also an option for students to pay their fees in the monthly payments over the period of study and if the amount is paid in a lump sum, students are given a rebate. Another option is a scheme in collaboration with a bank, where students pay few hundred dollars at the start of the program and nothing else for two years. Thereafter, they have the option to repay in installments upon completing their studies.

Finally, you need to work backwards; given the number of years, inflation rate and a projected rate of return to come up with how much you need to put aside regularly. However, inflation may not have a large impact if your study period is short.

Once you have the total figure, you can start saving but you may not have to start from scratch. Perhaps you need not finance the whole amount yourself. Though the competition for scholarships is high, you may run into a bit of luck.

With a short time frame of three to five years, there are few choices in terms of investment vehicles. If you only have three to five years, you should seek a liquid and low risk investment such as putting your funds into a portfolio of fixed deposits, bonds and balanced funds. However, the chosen investment vehicle should also take into account the individual’s own risk profile and how much return is required as well.

Last but not least, it is important to review your plan regularly and rebalance your portfolio accordingly.

Sandy beaches, music festivals, boho chic bohemian style for Summer 2017 season is filled with effortless shapes, bright oranges and pinks inspired by Florida sunsets. The modern boho chic girl has everything she needs and wants – love and harmony! She wears lightweight cotton tunics, loose-fit caftans, lots of crochet, sexy cuts and sheer fabrics. Everything looks sweet and harmonized and laid back luxe. Chunky jewelry, copper bracelets, mala bead accessories and vintage head pieces complete the story.

Boheme summer street and beach looks to follow and be inspired by include fashionistas like Rihanna, Selena Gomez and Nicole Richie. If you want to be more bold try maxi gowns made of lightweight rayon, embellished with tie dye prints. These dresses are ideal for summer beach getaways, music festival or just relaxed evenings. Go for slouchy styled boho pants with crochet tanks and use lots of accessories and semi precious stones. for a playful and bold look!

Be more creative, try mismatched floral tunics for extra boheme vibes. The lightweight kaftan tunics are ideal for covering your bikinis, perfect for the resort or yoga retreats. Maxi skirts in intricate prints and summertime blues are ideal for teaming with paisley print tops and cool lemonades. Try sheer tunics that can be teamed with ripped cut-offs. Seventies chic and disco inspired dashiki tunics are quite the trend. Wear a simple dress, but embellish it with cool accessories, boho copper bracelets to Indian necklaces and earrings.

Bohemian summer caftans in vivid floral and batik prints are ideal for yoga retreats and cruises. Easy slip on and cool comfortable loose fittings caftan tunics are a must have. Funky tank tops and flowing wrap skirts in exotic Indian prints will add to the boho fashionista style. Batik prints, tie dye tunic dresses in lightweight rayon, breathable clothing for the vagabond earth caring girl.

Over sized tunic dresses worn with cropped leggings or knee length shorts can be accented with a flowy printed scarf. Go wild with sunset colors or peaceful blues, lush cotton tunics with chikan embroidery from India can be worn as dresses, cover ups or loungers. Intricate hand embroidery makes each piece unique and perfect for only you.

Silk wraps made from exotic colorful vintage saris are beautiful coverups, earth friendly up cycled sari maxi skirts are dressy and chic for the barbecue dinner or a stroll on the beach. Summer time bohemian chic clothing can be dressed up in so many different ways, its your imagination unlimited!

Online blackjack has surpassed the expectations of many game experts and players as well. The game of blackjack has created new and exciting experiences for many avid players. That’s why this game became the latest trend in the online gaming business. Blackjack has really come a long way. It has a rich history which can be traced during the time of King Louie, the 14th of France. Blackjack, perhaps, is one of the games which will definitely provide players with mixed emotions of excitement, tension and satisfaction.

Why should you play blackjack?
The game of Blackjack was also called Lucky 21 because the main objective of this game is to have a hand with the value closest to 21. Many players would often speculate that blackjack is a very complicated game, but in reality, this game is very easy to learn. In order for a player to win in this game, the player must know how to count and that’s it. If a player knows how to count the cards correctly, the player will have a greater chance of winning the pot. The main question though is – Why should you play blackjack?

Honestly, the game of blackjack is not that difficult to understand. Even a beginner can play this game without having any practice. A player should only be watchful of the cards being dealt by the house, and the player must only create a hand that adds up to 21 or close to it. If you want to win in this game, you must beat the house by creating a hand with a value that adds up to 21 or closer.

Many players are now enjoying the game of blackjack for the following reasons. First of all, blackjack is a game which provides players with the opportunity to meet new people. On the downside, online blackjack may somehow give you a smaller chance of meeting new people, unless you join the live dealer blackjack game. Blackjack is considered as one of the famous casino games, both land-based and online, because players can develop many strategies and tricks in order to win the game, and in return, the player experience a great amount of pleasure from it.

If you are a beginner, you must not worry because blackjack is quite easy to learn. Many online casinos are offering free tutorials for players who want to do well in blackjack. Online casinos also offer free games for those who want to practice their skills and strategies before joining the real event. The pleasure and the opportunity to win are the factors that make this game even more popular, and the fanatics will continue to grow in number for the years to come.

The upside and downside of online blackjack.
Although many players are becoming die-hard fans of online blackjack, many traditional players are still having doubts about the fairness of the online blackjack. In the traditional blackjack, players will have the firsthand experience of the actual game. The player will see the cards face to face, and the player will definitely be sure of the reactions of the dealer and the opponents.

On the other hand, online blackjack can be played in the comforts of your own home. If you are playing the traditional online blackjack, you will be dealing with a virtual dealer, and you will not see the reactions of your opponents. The only ways that you can read your opponents is through card movements and live chatting.

When it comes to security, land-based casinos have security cameras and casino managers which are always available to monitor your gaming experience. On the other hand, online blackjacks are powered by software. It also pays to know that it is possible that these softwares can be used for cheating, so the player should choose a reputable online casino to ensure that he or she will get his or her money’s worth.