Poker cards refer to the standard deck of playing cards used in the game of poker. The standard poker deck consists of:

1. 52 cards

2. 4 suits (Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades)

3. 13 ranks in each suit (Ace, 2-10, Jack, Queen, King)

The key features of poker cards are:

1. Numerical values - The ranks range from Ace (high) to 2 (low), with the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) ranking above the numerical cards.

2. Suits - The four suits (clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades) have no inherent ranking, but some poker variants use suit rankings.

3. Deck composition - A standard poker deck has 52 cards, with 4 suits of 13 cards each.

Poker cards are used for a variety of poker games, such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and others. The ability to understand the values and ranks of poker cards is essential for playing and understanding the game of poker.

The name "poker" for the card game likely comes from the French word "poque", which was a similar card game played in the 17th century.

Here's a brief history on the origins of the name "poker":

1. Poque - This was a French card game that involved bluffing and betting. The word "poque" is thought to have derived from the German word "pochen", meaning "to brag" or "to knock".

2. Influence of German settlers- In the 1800s, German settlers brought the game of "pochen" to the United States, where it evolved into the game we now know as poker.

3. Transition to "poker" - As the game spread and became more popular in America, the French name "poque" gradually transitioned to the English pronunciation of "poker".

4. Poker terminology - Many of the terms used in poker, such as "bluff", "ante", and "flush", have roots in the French and German words associated with the game's origins.

So the name "poker" is derived from the French word "poque", which was a similar card game that likely had influences from the German word "pochen". As the game developed and spread in the United States, the name transitioned from the French to the English spelling and pronunciation we use today.

The evolution of the name reflects how the game itself evolved and was shaped by different cultural influences over time.

The standard size of a poker card is:

1. Width: 2.5 inches (63.5 mm)

2. Height: 3.5 inches (88.9 mm)

This size is also commonly referred to as the "bridge" size, as it is the same size as the standard playing cards used for the game of bridge. Some key points about the standard poker card size:

1. This size provides a balance between being large enough to be readable, but small enough to be held comfortably in the hand during play.

2. The 2.5 x 3.5 inch size has become the industry standard for all types of playing cards, including not just poker but also bridge, gin rummy, and other card games.

3. Casino-grade poker cards are typically made of a durable, plastic-coated paper material that can withstand heavy use.

4. Home/recreational poker sets may use a slightly thinner or more economical card stock, but still maintain the 2.5 x 3.5 inch dimensions.

5. The standard size allows poker cards to fit neatly into standard card holders, decks, and casino dealing shoes used in poker rooms and casinos.

In summary, the common, accepted size for a standard poker card is 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, which has become the industry standard for playing cards of all kinds.

Most standard playing card decks have 52 cards, but some decks may include additional cards beyond the standard 52-card deck. The two most common extra cards are:

1. Jokers - Many decks include 2 Joker cards, which brings the total number of cards in the deck to 54.

The Jokers are often used as wild cards in certain card games, providing more flexibility and additional options for players.

2. Promotional/custom cards - Some decks may include an additional 1 or 2 promotional or custom cards, such as advertisements, logos, or images. This brings the total number of cards in the deck to 53 or 55.

These extra cards are not part of the standard 52-card deck and are usually included for special purposes, such as:

1. Trading Cards and 2. Trading Card Games (TCG)

3. Customized decks for specific games or events

4. Wedding Guest Book Alternative

5. Promotional giveaways

6. Magic tricks and card flourishes

In summary, the standard poker deck has 52 cards, but some decks may include 2 Jokers for a total of 54 cards, or additional promotional/custom cards for a total of 53 or 55 cards. The extra cards beyond 52 are not part of the standard playing card set used for most card games.