40 Stars app for iPhone and iPad

“Cuarenta” is the name of the game that means "40" in Spanish and is called this simply because this is the number of cards used from the pack, as well as the points required to win.

This is a unique, strategic, game, played almost exclusively in Ecuador. It has been played for generations, with over 8m people currently playing regularly, across the country. "40" is mostly played by people from the mountainous regions, including the cities of Guayaquil, Cuenca and Quito (the capital).

When Quito celebrates its foundation party on the 6th of December of each year (a week of street parties, etc.) companies hold large “Cuarenta” tournaments, when people play public tournaments almost all day, every day.
Despite a rich history there still remains a mystery around whom, when or how the game was created.
- Why is it only played in Ecuador?
- When did it become a national game with its own tournaments?