Re: Origin and history of Barbu

An apparent forerunner of Barbu is the Russian game of King (Koroly), mentioned at
http://www.pagat.com/reverse/king.html
and described on p.148 of my Penguin Encyclopedia of Card Games. My source was Anthony 
Smith, 
whose informants believe it was played in their family in St Petersburg as early as 
the 1920s.

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David Parlett
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
For books and games visit www.davidparlett.co.uk