Joffre

A Game of Many Names

Throughout Canada, many people of different backgrounds play a game, each with their own name, and all claim to be its creator. Some call it Troika, others Kaiser, some Les Rois, others Three-Spot, and some Joffre.

The game has existed since the late 19th century but spread throughout Canada during the First World War where it was played by soldiers who then brought it back with them. This is where the name Joffre comes, from the French General Josef Joffre.

Specialized Deck

This deck, produced by Jean de Lorraine Cartes à Jouer, is designed with Joffre in mind. The deck includes 34 cards to support the two major variants of Joffre, with or without the blind. Rather than needing to sort through a standard deck of 52 cards and remove those not used, with the Joffre deck you can just grab and play.

The deck uses the Paris pattern, bringing some variety to the face cards from the standard Anglo pattern. In addition the extra point cards, the 5 of Hearts and 3 of Spades, are tastefully marked to indicate their special role in the game.

The deck is available in two backs: a blue fleur-de-lis patter or a red maple leaf.