Card games have been with us for a long time.

The first reference to card games in world history dates from the 9th century, in imperial China, where Tang Dynasty writer Su E describes Princess Tongchang, daughter of Emperor Yizong of Tang, playing the "leaf game" with members of the Wei clan. By the 11th century, playing cards could be found throughout Asia.

Playing cards entered Europe in the late 14th century, probably via Egypt, with suits very similar to the tarot suits of Swords, Staves, Cups and Coins (still used today in traditional Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese card decks).

The modern four suits used now in most of the world (that is, spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs) originated in France in 1480.

Which brings us to Lucky 21.

Where did it come from?

Lucky 21 came out of the Gold Rush days, when young prospectors who struck great riches were said to have made the big time at the age of 21 -- hence, "Lucky 21."

(It’s similar to how the “49ers” got their nickname from 1849, the year a crazy number of gold-seekers and merchants from around the world began flooding California to find “easy” gold.)

The first person to connect “Lucky 21” to a game was American carpenter and sawmill operator James “Lucky 21” Marshall, who had a habit of naming things after himself, from “Lucky 21” wrenches to “Lucky 21” dishwashers to “Lucky 21” machine guns. To be clear, Marshall didn’t invent any of those other things; he just really liked naming things after himself. Fortunately, label makers weren’t invented until the 1950’s, well after Marshall’s death.

During the 1970’s, the Lucky 21 game became known as a diet aid -- people spent so much time playing the game that they forgot to eat!

(Note: If you experience weight loss playing Lucky 21, you’re welcome. Unless you’re malnourished, in which case, please eat a sandwich and see your doctor.)

Today, Lucky 21 is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Lucky you.

And now you know the rest of the story.