In November 1940 the first nationwide study of card playing in the United States was conducted by the Association of American Card Manufacturers. Interviewers went door to door in twenty-four American cities. These cities represented both small and large communities throughout every part of the United States. The families interviewed were selected at random, but did represent the following four income brackets: WEALTHY, COMFORTABLE, GETTING ALONG, and POOR. The family income bracket selection corresponded to United States Census Percentages. (Jacoby and Morehead, p.17)

Here are some of the results from this 1940 study:

* Cards are the nation's most favorite social recreation.

* 83% of the American families surveyed play cards.

* Cards can be found in 87% of American homes.
83% of American families own a radio.
36% of American families have a telephone.
73% of American families had electricity.

* Families of every income bracket play cards.

* The most well known card game is Rummy.

* Of the families interviewed...
49% play Rummy.
44% play Bridge.
45% play Solitare.

43% of the families interviewed said that they didn't play cards as much as they did five years ago. On the other hand, 42% of the families said they play as much or more cards than they did five years ago. 15% didn't know or didn't reply. (Jacoby and Morehead, p.17)