Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complete set of playing cards: A "deck of cards" refers specifically to a standard pack containing 52 playing cards, typically divided into four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) with thirteen ranks each (Ace through King). It is the standard equipment for many card games.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Please shuffle the deck of cards before we start the game.
  • A standard deck of cards has four suits.
  • He pulled a new deck of cards from the box.

Advanced Usage

• "To be stacked in someone's deck": To be unfairly arranged or biased in someone's favor.
  • The odds seemed stacked in his deck from the very beginning.
• "A fresh deck": A new, unopened, or recently shuffled pack of cards.
  • Let's open a fresh deck for the tournament.

Variants and Related Words

• Pack of cards (n): A synonym for "deck of cards," more common in British English.
  • He bought a new pack of cards.
• Card deck (n): An alternative phrasing with the same meaning.
  • The magician fanned the card deck expertly.

Synonyms

• Pack: A pack (of cards).
• Deck: A deck (of cards).

Related Phrases

• To cut the deck: To divide the shuffled deck into two parts, typically before dealing.
  • It's your turn to cut the deck.
• To have the deck stacked against you: To face a situation where circumstances are unfairly unfavorable.
  • With no experience and little funding, he felt the deck was stacked against him.

Related Idioms

• Not playing with a full deck: (Informal, often offensive) Used to suggest someone is not very intelligent or is mentally unstable.
  • His strange theories make some people think he's not playing with a full deck.
• To hold all the cards: To have all the advantages or control in a situation.
  • In the negotiations, the larger company held all the cards.

Noun

1. a pack of 52 playing cards