Unveiling the Hidden Meanings Behind the Card Suits in Alice In Borderland

Spoilers for Alice in Borderland lie ahead. The second season of Alice in Borderland on Netflix has garnered considerable attention. This Japanese series, filled with a slow-burning mystery and exhilarating twists, has captivated viewers, delivering highly engaging television. The story centers around Arisu, an ordinary but somewhat unmotivated young man who finds himself in an alternate version of Tokyo. In this alternate reality, individuals are compelled to participate in life-or-death games to survive. Arisu and his friends must navigate these games, constantly outsmarting their opponents, all while striving to uncover the mystery behind their predicament and find a way back home.

The games themselves are a fascinating element of the show, with the card suits serving as a crucial component for each game. Each game is associated with a distinct number, denoting its difficulty level, and a corresponding suit inspired by traditional playing cards (clubs, hearts, diamonds, and spades). These suits provide players with a small glimpse into the nature of the game they are about to partake in. Understanding the significance of each card suit becomes essential in anticipating the challenges and risks presented in a particular game. So, what does each card suit represent exactly?

What Do Clubs Represent?

Games categorized under the suit of clubs emphasize teamwork among the players. These games necessitate trust and cooperation among participants for a chance of victory. Although challenging in an environment where everyone focuses on self-preservation, players must work together to survive. Strategy is key as players must devise a collective plan to make it to the end. Arisu excels at these types of games due to his strategic thinking and ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Club games typically take place in large venues, whether massive buildings or outdoor locations. The series showcases various club games, including the Three of Clubs ("Dead or Alive"), which serves as the show's inaugural game. Another notable game is the King of Clubs ("Scoring Points"), where Arisu and his team compete against the King's team, earning points by tagging members of the opposing side.

What Do Hearts Represent?

What Do Diamonds Represent?

The heart games in the show are exceptionally challenging, designed to test the players emotionally and psychologically, ultimately shattering the trust they have built with others in previous games. These games often force players to betray their friends or teammates in order to survive. One game that stands out is the "Hide and Seek" game, known as the Seven of Hearts. This particular game becomes a turning point for Arisu, as he not only loses his friends but also confronts the harsh reality of the world he is trapped in. Additionally, the Ten of Hearts game, titled "Witch Hunt," is another critical hearts game where players are tasked with identifying and burning a suspected "witch" among them. This game leads to a tremendous amount of chaos and results in the collapse of the Beach organization. Lastly, the culmination of the heart games comes in the form of the final challenge known as the Queen of Hearts, which Arisu and Usagi face together.

The diamond suit cards symbolize games that prioritize logic and intelligence. Participation in these games necessitates the utilization of critical thinking, analytical skills, and strategic planning in order to survive. Arisu, Chishiya, and Ann excel in these types of games due to their high levels of intelligence. These games are typically held in intimate settings and do not require substantial physical exertion, as they rely primarily on mental capabilities. "Light Bulb," the Four of Diamonds game, places players in a room that gradually fills with water and approaches dangling electrical wires, while they must determine which switch will illuminate a light behind a door. Chishiya's participation in the King of Diamonds game involves another logical puzzle that requires mathematical knowledge and analytical strategy.

What Do Spades Represent?

On the other hand, spades games focus on physicality and evaluate a player's strength and endurance. These games incorporate various forms of physical activities such as running, fighting, and climbing. Unlike other game genres, combat-oriented spades games often permit the utilization of weapons. Usagi excels in these games due to her remarkable athleticism as a climber, while Kuina demonstrates proficiency in martial arts.

The range of spades games varies from an intense version of tag, as seen in the show's Five of Spades game, to highly perilous challenges like the Seven of Spades game ("Boiling Death"). In this game, a geyser erupts, causing destruction to the stadium and generating scalding water. To achieve victory and survive, players must successfully escape from the dangerous circumstances. Additionally, the King of Spades game serves as a formidable obstacle in Season 2. The King, a ruthless mercenary, targets players and is eventually defeated (following a prolonged and arduous battle) in the penultimate episode.