Tarok

Tarok is a term that can refer to several distinct entities, most notably a language and a people from Nigeria, and a type of playing card.

The Tarok language, also known as Icheke, is spoken by the Tarok people of Plateau State, Nigeria. It belongs to the Chadic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. The language has several dialects, and its speakers are primarily found in the local government areas of Langtang North, Langtang South, and Wase.

The Tarok people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Jos Plateau region of Nigeria. They have a rich cultural heritage, with distinct traditions, social structures, and historical narratives. Historically, the Tarok were known for their warrior prowess and their ability to resist colonial encroachment. Their society is traditionally organized around kinship and age grades.

In the context of card games, particularly in Europe, "Tarok" refers to a specific type of playing card deck and the games played with it. Tarok decks typically have 54 cards and are a variation of the Tarot deck, though the imagery and purpose differ. Tarok card games are popular in Central European countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy. These games often involve trick-taking mechanics and unique card values.