In certain cultures, it is considered an emblem of misfortune or even death. For some people, drawing this card in a game can be interpreted as a warning of negative events ahead; others will carry one with them for protection from malicious spirits. Some people believed the spade itself represented the tool used to dig graves. US troops believed that the ace of spades was a frightening and evil omen for Viet Cong soldiers. To intimidate them, the troops carried the cards to show the enemy that wherever they went, death would soon follow.