Early literary evidence indicates that playing cards arrived in Switzerland sometime around 1376. However, by 1379 card games had been prohibited.

The Swiss national suit system of shields, acorns, hawkbells and flowers originated sometime during the fifteenth century. A distinguishing feature is the 'banner 10' which is now more or less counted as an ace. The kings are seated.

As new cantons joined the ancient Swiss Confederation they brought with them the customs of other lands: Italian-suited tarot cards and French-suited cards in the Paris and Lyons styles... cards in foreign styles have also been made for export.