Ten of the best card games in literature

For the Guardian, John Mullan named ten of the best card games in literature.

One novel on the list:

Oscar and Lucinda, by Peter Carey

The eponymous protagonists of Carey's novel, set in the 19th century, meet on a voyage from England to Australia. They are brought together by their shared love of gambling, enjoying a long, sexily tense, one- on-one game of poker for penny bets. Never will either be happier.

Read about the other books on the list.

Oscar and Lucinda also appears on the Guardian's list of ten of the best unconsummated passions in fiction and Elise Valmorbida's top ten list of books on the migrant experience.

--Marshal Zeringue