Welcome to Magic Seats
Established May 2020
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My collection of playing cards is mainly Bicycle decks. Also some Theory 11, USPCC and KickStarter decks. Many of these decks were reviewed as part of the vlog and includes links to the videos. All decks were purchased between May 2020 and December 2020.
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Back to Collectables page here.
Bicycle - Amplified
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When buying and reviewing this deck, I found it a bit similar to the Bicycle Chroma deck.
The Bicycle Amplified deck will enhance the flow of a cardist's flourishes, fans, and spreads with its unique card back design. The coordinating card faces are subtlety designed, allowing for a completely functional deck of stylish playing cards as well as a beautiful cardistry deck for any collection. Featuring vibrantly colored Court cards, a custom Ace of Spades and unique card back design Embossed dot pattern on the front and back of the tuckPrinted on classic Bicycle brand card stockClassic Air-Cushion Finish for ease of shuffling and optimum performanceMade in USA.
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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Bicycle - Arch Angels
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This deck is possibly my favourite Bicycle playing cards. I love the design and quality. Feel great to handle and not so expensive that you cannot buy a few to practice cardistry.
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View my vlog review here.
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This premium deck of cards features some amazing artwork! Based on mythology the designs were hand worked over 6 months and the result is an incredibly good looking deck.
A combination of light and dark, good and evil, angels and demons.
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Available on Amazon here.
Bicycle - Architectural
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Probably my second favourite Bicycle deck. I was so impressed with these cards as the design effort was amazing. Every card has a unique design and depicts an architectural wonder of the world.
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When first opening to review, I was really amazed. View my vlog review here.
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These cards were initially an Amazon exclusive in the UK - Bicycle architectural wonders of the world is a celebration of the great works of architecture throughout history as seen through the eyes of an artist who truly appreciates beautiful structures. Each card front showcases a hand illustrated, famous piece of architecture from across the globe. When all stacked up, the deck is an exploration of 54 of the world's most marvelous structures.
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Available on Amazon here.
Bicycle - Autobike No 1 (Blue)
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This Bicycle autobike No 1 deck is an interesting addition to my collection.
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An American original Bicycle brand celebrates over 130 years of playing card history with the reproduction of an early card back design called AutoBike No. 1. The original deck was printed from 1902 to 1906 and produced only in red and blue colors. The tuck and back designs illustrate the intricate style of the early Bicycle and Russell & Morgan brands. Card back is a reproduction of original art from 1902, and faces feature Bicycle retro designs Printed on premium Bicycle brand cardstock Classic Air-Cushion Finish for ease of shuffling and optimum performance Made in USA Enjoy the excitement of showing off this early design!
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
Bicycle - Black Tiger (reds)
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I really lked these cards and they were a bit of a surprise on openings. Black front and backs with red font.
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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Bicycle Black Tiger is a very versatile 52-card deck featuring reversed color on card backs and faces. Divided into 4 suits and 13 ranks, this stunning deck is surely ideal for games, collectors, as well as magic tricks.
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Printed on premium Bicycle brand cardstock, playing cards slide smoothly and bring a professional look to the table. The quality of these cards helps to maintain durability, while the patented Air-Cushion finish ensures years of play from a single deck. The back of each card features a symmetrical image of cupid riding upon a bicycle.
Bicycle - Chainless (Blue)
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Another classic Bicycle card deck reproduction.
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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These cards are the classics; unique and archetypal designs from an era of simple fun and elegant design.
Interesting to note that the chain has remained an integral part of bicycles since they became popular and it is only in the last 5 years that major companies have started experimenting with belt drives and internally driven (chainless) bicycle.
Bicycle - Chroma
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I was a little dispoointed with this deck as so similar to the Bicycle Amplified deck.
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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Featuring a vibrant four-color back design with an array of colorful shapes, Chroma will make your flourishes, fans, and spreads more epic than ever!
The Chroma card faces have been colored to give depth and visual appeal when performing cardistry or while playing your favorite card game.
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Featuring recolored Court cards, a custom Ace of Spades and unique card back design
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Package features eye-catching foil accents
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Printed on classic Bicycle® card stock
Bicycle - Dragon (Blue)
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This deck remains sealed. Though pictures of the cards that I have viewed have an interesting oriental design.
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Available on Amazon here.
No vlog review of this deck as still sealed and unopened.
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Legendary creatures from the world of fantasy are in your hands with the Dragon Playing Cards. Dragons are among the most popular and enduring of the world's mythological creatures and are part of tales in many cultures from Europe to China. The dragon can be a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for those who are worthy and often plays an important role as a guardian of treasures.
Court card faces feature intricate and unique hand-drawn designs. Printed on premium Bicycle brand cardstock Classic Air-Cushion Finish for ease of shuffling and optimum performance Made in USA
Bicycle - Metalluxe Foil Back Cobalt (Blue)
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This is a nicely presented deck of cards and the foil print is certainly eye catching.
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Available on Amazon here. My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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Exclusively from the United States playing Card company, The patented technology gives these poker cards The ideal flexibility and durability, just like a standard rider back card. Stamped with real metal to achieve a dazzling brightness, each card presents a bright luminescence and colour. Printed on premium card stock, this cover features the brand's classic air-cushion finish to ensure a durable, scale-free performance. Made in the United States. Bicycle is recognized worldwide for its collection of collection cards with special themes and customisations adored by a large community of collectors. The bicycle friends & family decks have a high quality in all materials, from cases printed with reliefs and special inks to the application of foil in the same cards. Always under the premise of the Brand's own air cushion finish and with the Made in USA label, these attractive designs cover diverse themes created by renowned artists. All this makes the bicycle collection decks of bicycle not only a small treasure for collectors, but they are considered as the best decks of cards for magic and card is try.
Bicycle - Tragic Royalty
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A lovely deck of cards with designs that are truly impressive.
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Available on Amazon here.
My vlog review of this deck is available here.
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Special edition of top quality Bicycle cards. It even has special backlight effects! Bicycle Tragic Royalty is a specially designed deck from the world famous top brand company Bicycle. This deck is poker sized and has a standard index.
The design of the face cards is particularly remarkable. The kings, queens, and jacks have a tragic look which give this deck that unique twist. This deck even has special effects integrated into the cards that can only be seen under backlight.
Bicycle - Vintage Classic
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Though I had seen these cards previously, it was when I saw Richard Jones perform online with this decks that I new that I had to buy them.
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I picked them up at a reasonable cost on Amazon here.
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I love the aged and faded look of the cards, giving them an old vintage look.
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I like these so much, I will most likely use and have them next to my mat ready. In all honestly, they are designed to look used, so why not actually give them some real wear. I can always buy another deck if I want a sealed deck to keep.
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Purchased: April 2021
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KickStarter - APE Playing Cards
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This particular deck for some reason did not hit its funding on KickStarter. I was able to buy privately as I really liked the design of this deck. Still sealed as unopened.
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Created by Magician and Cardist Ash Marlow, A valued member of the magic community. With much input from like minded friends, every single bit of advice or suggestion has been listened too and taken on board during the process in creating this beautiful deck. Suitable for magicians, cardists and card collectors.
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The Ape is associated with evolution and as magicians or cardists no matter what level, we are always looking to evolve and become a master of our craft. Evolution is a important part of progression and these cards are a reminder that every day is another chance for improvement.
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Included in each and every deck is not only this unique custom Ace of Spades but a matching gimmick where the custom designed Spade Pip has been removed. A perfect hidden extra for visual performances.
KickStarter - BluePrint
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This deck was only available on KickStarter and is now sold out. This was one of my earlier KickStarter purchases that also took the longest to arrive at nearly 6 months. Still sealed as unopened.
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Described as an architectural design in blueprint. An interesting design that caught my eye. Though this deck took nearly 6 months to arrive from ordering. Quality of the deck was generally good.
Designed by Enrica Martiné, these unique playing cards feature imagery inspired by the traditional mechanical drawing style of blueprints. Each card is printed in an indigo blue with fine white line art, while the face cards, backs, and boxes will have accents of metallic silver ink thanks to already reaching a stretch goal.
A limited run of 1000 blueprint decks with mine sealed as no 0287.
KickStarter - Circle Game
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This deck is no longer available and was only on KickStarter. Still sealed and unopened. The description describes the deck as follows:
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This deck is named “CIRCLEGAME” for two reasons. First, some series decks published many different versions but only with changed colors. In cardistry community we call it “color game”. I call this “circle game” now because circle designs are very good for flourishes and various circle decks come out every year.
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As the slogan ”Keep it simple, make it real”goes, the back design is quite simple with only an “O” on it. The size matches “X”, so they are a special dual set. In particular, this deck is the only one deck that is not “X” series.
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Box will use the same crafts as NIHILISM, darker, rich texture matte paper box, emboss on white parts. Also many different interesting words wait for you to discover.
KickStarter - El Toro
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Originally financed on KickStarter but now also available on Amazon here. My Vlog review is here.
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El Toro was the April deck featured in the Kings Wild Shorts playing card subscription.El Toro is a fresh, unique and hand-illustrated deck of standard size playing cards inspired by traditional Mezcal Spirit labels. Pulling from the simple but beautiful Mezcal bottles for our playing card designs, El Toro features a strikingly simple tuck case, that grabs your attention with Spanish style cards that have highly contrasting colors and bold typography. Relying heavily on the eye-pleasing aesthetic of straight to the point typesetting, El Toro uses a simple serifed font to communicate its message.Inside the tuck case, you will find a complete set of custom court cards that carry on this simple and playful approach to Mezcal bottle playing card designs. Each member of El Toro royal Court stands out with their own quirky personality and refreshing faces. Clothed in stylized 15th-century Spanish royal clothing, you will surely love fanning these cards in your next poker game or family game night.The enlarged indexes and pips allow for extremely easy readability and make a great alternative to that boring set of standard cards you are used to playing with.El Toro Mezcal bottle playing cards were printed by The United States Playing Card Company and the tuck case was beautifully letter pressed by Clove St. Press in San Diego.
Theory 11 - Derren Brown
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One of my favourite decks with a great tuck box.
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In collaboration with Derren Brown, theory11 presents a tribute to art, design, and the psychological art of illusion. From stage to screen, two-time Olivier Award winner Derren Brown has mesmerised millions worldwide - from the UK to his New York Broadway debut: Secret. Over the past two years, these playing cards have been crafted with passion, precision, and art direction by Derren Brown. Wrapped in gold and green to resemble an antique tome, these cards are an elegant tool for magic, card games, collectors, and beyond.
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Made in the USA at The United States Playing Card Company with FSC-certified paper derived from sustainable forests, using vegetable-based inks and starch-based laminates.
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Sold by Amazon here.
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My vlog review of this deck is available here.
Theory 11 - High Victorian Reds
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A beautiful red edition of theory11's High Victorian deck sold in the US exclusively through Target stores and now available in the UK for the first time. I was really impressed with this deck and it is another fave.
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Sold by Amazon here and described as follows:
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Finely crafted, premium playing cards for the inquisitive mind. Premium playing cards, designed in London by Joe White. Made in America.
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High Victorian Playing Cards were inspired by the intricate, breathtaking style of the Victorian era. Every element was designed from scratch with painstaking, relentless attention to detail. Every single playing card within the High Victorian deck was designed from scratch - even the Aces, Jokers, and court cards exude the grand excess of ornamentation quintessential to the Victorian era. In a word: breathtaking. The red edition has a brand new box and muted red back design while the card faces remain the same.
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My vlog review is available here.
Theory 11 - NPH Neil Patrick Harris
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Possibly my favourite pack of cards that I own twice. One sealed and the other opened. Lovely design and an art deco feel.
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Sold by Amazon here and described as follows:
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A legendary deck of premium playing cards that exudes elegance and sophistication - with art direction from Hollywood actor Neil Patrick Harris. NPH Playing Cards are elegant, intricate, and visually stunning. Every aspect was handcrafted with relentless, unrivaled attention to detail. As with everything, there's more than meets the eye - with secret symbolism within the deck. Look closely and you may discover much more. With a combination of artistic influences, NPH Playing Cards are a tribute to Neil's love of mystery, magic, games, and theater. For every purchase of NPH Playing Cards, $1 will go to (RED)'s fight against AIDS, which can provide more than 3 days of life-saving HIV medication. Every deck makes a difference.
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My vlog review is available here.
Theory 11 - Star Wars Light Side - Blue
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While a massive Star Wars fan, I found this particular deck disappointing. The designs of the front facing cards are the same in the light and dark editions.
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Sold by Amazon here and described follows:
Available in either the light side (blue) or the dark side (red). Which will you choose? Each deck has all custom court cards featuring some of the best known characters, these are the same on both decks.
The artwork is fantastic with these with lots of references to the films. Printed in the US by USPCCC. Available in Light Side, Dark Side and as a two deck set. Also included is a Cascade card bag that will hold up to three decks.
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My vlog review is available here​.
Theory 11 - Star Wars Dark Side - Red
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While a massive Star Wars fan, I found this particular deck disappointing. The designs of the front facing cards are the same in the light and dark editions.
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Sold by Amazon here and described as follows:
Available in either the light side (blue) or the dark side (red). Which will you choose? Each deck has all custom court cards featuring some of the best known characters, these are the same on both decks.
The artwork is fantastic with these with lots of references to the films. Printed in the US by USPCCC. Available in Light Side, Dark Side and as a two deck set. Also included is a Cascade card bag that will hold up to three decks.
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My vlog review is available here​.
USPCC - Grid Series 2
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This desk forms part of a 3 part series. I really need to pick up the first one in the series. The Grid 2 deck is my least favourite of the two decks that I own with the series 3 deck being my favourite.
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Sold by Amazon here and described as follows:
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Each card has a set of alignment with the numbers and letters that sit on the edge of the circle so that they appear to have the same alignment, whilst not always sitting in exactly the same place on each card. As a graphic designer more than an illustrator, as well as a card collector, Luke wanted to find a way to combine two of his biggest passions and make a collection of decks that truly stand out from the crowd. Dynamic typography and bold color really bring this deck to life. Doing away with traditional pips and instead adopting a typographic format, each card acts like a miniature poster, with bold words setting the theme, rather than illustration and numbers. The design is minimal but functional -- even the back of the card is super stripped back to just the name of the deck, with full color bleed for real impact of color. The 'picture' cards each have a diagonal line introduced as a minimal graphic, yet it symbolizes the diagonal nature often found on traditional picture cards where the suit is duplicated and rotated.
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My vlog review is available here.
USPCC - Grid Series 3
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This deck forms part of a 3 part series with this deck being my favourite entry of the series. Sold by Amazon here and described as follows:
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The final deck in the Grid collection by Luke Wadey is here and packing a real punch! With bold and brave typography creating visually impactful graphics throughout the deck and tuck, Grid Series Three is the perfect way to complete the collection.
- Printed by USPCC on the ever-successful classic stock with embossed finish
- 1933 decks printed, never to be printed again
- Created by Luke Wadey
- Fully custom, 56 card typographic deck with custom tuck and seal
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My vlog review is available here.
USPCC - NOC Reds
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This deck is the red NOC set of cards. A simplistic but nicely presented deck of cards.
Available from Amazon here.
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Since 2012, simplicity and elegance have defined the NOC series. With each edition, we strive to make it better and better. Teaming up with USPCC, we believe this is our best version yet! Our NOC Original series by House of Playing Cards comes in FIVE brilliant colors. Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, and everyone's favorite- Black! These playing cards are MARKED for suit - that's right - you can tell if it's clubs, hearts, spades, or diamonds just by reading the marking system on the back. The NOC's have proven to be a top choice for workers, card collectors, and card enthusiasts.
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My vlog review is available here.
USPC - Rorrisons Sinners Playing Cards
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This was actually a surprise deck. I ordered a Merchant of Magic mystery box and this was the deck of cards that was included inside.
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While I have kept sealed, the cards online are described as follows:
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Rorrison's Sinners bring a touch of the Masonic to the playing card world.
From start to finish it took us over a year to get this deck to the finished result, the deck is full of Masonic symbolism and imagery, which culminates in a truly stunning deck.
The deck strays away from conventional playing card design with a unique colours and back design. The tuck box is a soft matte finish and sports black embossed lettering giving the feeling of real luxury.
Sinners were printed by The United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) in Erlanger, Kentucky as they consistently deliver well made and quality decks.
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Puchased: May 2021
USPCC - The Undressed Deck
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Not really sure why I bought this particular deck. I think it was the possibility to do an interesting magic effect with them. Still sealed and unopened. Available on Amazon here.
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I originally sourced via Kickstarter but listed as USPCC as printed by them.
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I no longer purchase cards via KickStarter, often more expensive and can take up to 6 months to arrive.
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A standard deck of playing cards in which all the cards have gone naked! By Edi Rudo and team. In the Undressed Deck , you'll discover what the cards really look like under their fancy clothes! We took all the cards from the original Bicycle Card design and ditched the clothing ! We re-designed every King, Queen, Jack and Joker! As a bonus card, we've added a fully dressed king and queen for magicians to unleash their creativity. There's nothing steamy about this deck . It's intended for all ages and cultures. The cards are printed by USPCC in the USA using sustainable forest paper and vegetable-based inks . The linen finish and triple coating make these cards extra smooth and durable. Need some socks? Make sure to also check out the Undressed Deck socks!
PLAYING CARDS
Back to Collectables page here.