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Writer's picturePeter Berthoud

Kargo (Early Pepys Editions)

Updated: Dec 27, 2022

Kargo or Card Golf, Golf at the Card Table


First Published: circa 1935, Castell Brothers Ltd., 184 Strand, London

Illustrator or Designer: Bruce Angrave


Contents: 53 Cards, Introduction to the Game + Rules Booklet


Kargo Early Pepys Edition With Title Card to Slip-Case
Kargo Early Pepys Edition With Title Card to Slip-Case

The early Pepys editions use Kum-Bak's card designs and blue backs. Initially at least they must have been using Kum-Bak's existing stock. The slip-cases are also identical apart from the title cards and paper labels to the rear. Pepys also followed Kum-Bak by including a rules book and an Introduction to the Game booklet with these slip-cased editions.


Pepys also issued the game with red-backed cards and a red paper label on the box. I haven't seen a Kum-Bak pack with red backs before. I don't know if the red and blue editions were published at the same time.


One very unusual pack is this luxury or presentation green padded version. The cards are gilt-edged, the box is hinged.


Kargo - luxury or presentation green padded version, closed.


Kargo - luxury or presentation green padded version, open showing blue backed cards and rule book.

A brown padded box with the hinge on the short side and gilt edged cards is also known to exist.


Rex Pitts' feature on the Pepys editions of Kargo has images of two sealed of his sealed packs, see World of Playing Cards. His feature on the Story of Pepys Games, also at WOPC, is well worth reading for the background to the game.


The game in the green padded box featured here was part of Rex Pitts' personal collection.


Game & Version Details


​Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Blue, Box Contents


Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Box Front With Title Card, Blue



​​Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Box Back With Paper Label, Blue


Kargo - Pepys Early Version Card Back, Blue



​Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Red, Box Contents



Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Box Front With Title Card, Red


Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Box Back With Paper Label, Red


Kargo - Pepys Early Version Card Back, Blue



Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Rules Front


Kargo - Pepys Early Version, Rules Back


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