Burn Cards

In card games, the term burn cards refers to the top cards from a deck that are discarded without ever being played. These cards are placed on the table in such a way as not to be mixed with the other cards. Usually, as a measure against card counting, burn cards will not be shown to the players.

Where does the term burn card come from?

The term comes from the idea that when a card is taken away from the deck, it no longer exists and could as well have been burned.

Why are burn cards necessary?

Traditionally, card burning was used as a measure against card marking.

Burn cards:

• The top cards taken from a deck, which are discarded without being played.