Join us for an introduction to Ireland's national card game: '25', a game which has been passed down through generations of families and local communities in the oral tradition for over half a millennia. The game can be traced back to 1650 when it was then known as ‘Maw’ (‘trump’) or ‘Five Cards’. Long Winter nights spent in learning and laughter with friends, family and neighbours, 25 wasn't just a card game - it was a national past-time played in houses and community halls. Attendees will be introduced to the game via initial demonstration and then by sitting in to learn it by playing themselves. Each table of 6 will be hosted by an experienced 25 card game player. '25' is a game based on taking tricks. Come learn the fundamentals of the game: what are best cards in the pack, what is a ‘dealing’ trick, when is it appropriate to ‘rob’ and maybe, just maybe, when to renege!
This event seeks to both introduce '25' to new players and to revive it for those who may have played previously and forgotten through lack of opportunity to practice. '25' is a living part of rural Ireland's history. Immigrants brought the game with them to Canada - come hear how they changed it. Still today, '25' is played in Irish centres abroad. A game of 5 cards, played individually but players will quickly learn when to play for the table! Some were raised on songs and stories and others on '25'!
