The Suicide King Card: How the King of Hearts Got Its Name
The king of hearts carries a reputation that none of the other court cards can match. Often called the “Suicide King,” this figure has captured attention for centuries thanks to a peculiar detail in his artwork: the sword appears to pass through his head, creating the illusion that he is taking his own life.
The nickname has nothing to do with gameplay — in poker, blackjack, or casual home games, the king of hearts is valued exactly the same as the other kings. But visually, he inspires players, collectors, and historians to ask how this unusual design came about.
