First Look: Enigma Playing Cards by Enigma Cards

Launching NOW on Indiegogo are the Enigma Playing Cards. Produced by Enigma Cards based out of Monterrey, Mexico and founded in 2007, is currently Mexico's largest playing card retailer. Founder Héctor Pérez Bejarano has built the company with a passion for cardisty and magic.

We strive to give the best experience possible to our clients when they are looking to buy playing cards, and in this journey we set a challenge to ourselves, how could we reimagine a deck of cards different from what is available right now. 

Enlisting the help of Anagrama Studio, a world-renowned Mexican design team know for their work on architecture and branding, Enigma was presented to them as a challenge.

We were looking to create a deck that would set itself apart from any known deck available in the current market, using elements not commonly used in playing card designs but at the same time we wanted this deck to be our presentation card to the international world of card collecting, magic and cardistry.

The concept of the deck is based on the definition of the word Enigma, a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence. The goal was to bring the "Definition" to the deck without an overly complicated design.

The back design uses horizontal traces to maintain and enhance the movement and flow of cardistry moves. It also suggests the idea of a riddle, a labyrinth, some might think there is something hidden in it. At the same time the back design produces an optical illusion were the spectators brain might try to fill in the empty spaces between the horizontal traces enhancing the decks presence when performing.  

The court cards have been designed with the same minimalist approach as the box, stripping down all the “heavy” elements from the court cards and making them simple and sleek.

The ace of spades it's our mascot, the all seeing eye embedded in a big spade that is being pierced by 2 swords. It's the only eye in the whole deck (all the court cards are missing their eyes).

Enigma is being printed by The Expert Playing Card Co. and single deck rewards start at $14.00 (Includes FREE shipping to the US and Mexico). The project will also have a few stretch goals attached to it, including, embossed tuck box, full custom court cards and a custom seal. Included in the campaign will be some awesome "Enigma" add-on's such as shirts, close up pads, coins and a few other special items.

Enigma is a bold, retro project and we appreciate the time and information Héctor has given us. We would also like to acknowledge the entire Enigma team for their hard work and dedication to this project.
+ Co-founder: Claudia Sepúlveda
+ Design Team: Maria Rosa Pérez Bejarano
+ Operation Managers: Jose Luis Cantu Gonzalez, Noe Cantu Gonzalez and
+ Sponsored Cardists: Raul Torres, Luis Faz, Fran CG and Saúl García has given us.

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Claim Your FREE Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards! Just pay for shipping.

Enigma Cards funded the Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards back in 2017. However, the delivery of the decks surpassed the estimated fulfillment date. It took a while, but the Torch Red Enigmas have finally delivered to backers this year. Founder Héctor Pérez Bejarano told Kardify,

Back in 2017, I was blessed with the funding of my second deck of cards, back then I was still learning the details of how to run a kickstarter campaign and how to print a deck of cards. Unfortunately I ran into problems due to my lack of experience and ended up delaying the Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards for over 2 years.

Due to the support of some of the backers and some notable members of the community, Héctor had the opportunity to fix his mistake and fulfill the project.

Sincerely I think I could write a full book on the experience I had, plenty of things happened that opened my eyes to how playing cards should be done and why people buy them.

That's why Héctor wants to turn the Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards into a chance to give back to the community.

Starting today until the end of the year 2021, Anybody who want to try The Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards will be able to get a free deck by using the code: KARDIFY at checkout at www.enigmacards.com, you will only need to cover the shipping cost. All the decks will be shipped from Gamblers Warehouse in an effort to make the decks as accessible as possible to everyone.

This deck has been meticulously crafted for both cardists and magicians in mind. The whole concept of the deck is to capture mystery with a minimalist touch, using bold strokes and a retro influence. The card backs feature horizontal traces that were created to maintain and enhance the motion of card flourishes.



At the same time, the back hides a marking system and comes in Mnemonica stack along with two reveal cards, which allows you to perform miracles right out of the eye-catching tuck box.

I honestly believe this deck needs to be given a second chance, it was made with love for the community, because just like you, i love collecting, doing magic and practicing cardistry. I hope you take the chance to give it a try. Use code KARDIFY at checkout to get your free deck of Torch Red Enigma Playing Cards.

Head to www.enigmacards.com to claim your FREE deck and just pay for shipping.

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Cardistry: Enigma Playing Cards Torch Red Edition Now Funding on Kickstarter

The team at Enigma Cards based out of Monterrey, Mexico is BACK with a brand new version of Enigma Playing Cards. This time, the new version of Enigma deck spots a striking torch red colorway and updated with several enhancements. Founder, Héctor Pérez Bejarano told Kardify,

Since the successful funding of the original Enigma Playing Cards, we have been working nonstop on getting the first version of our deck known in the cardistry and magic community with huge success, so much that people in the community started to ask us if we were thinking about creating a second version of our deck, and on top of that Enigma was featured on Art of Play and the deck is now sold out.

This intriguing deck has been meticulously crafted for both cardists and magicians in mind. Like the original Enigma deck, the card backs feature horizontal traces that were created to maintain and enhance the motion of card flourishes. At the same time, the back hides the marking system of the deck. The deck comes in Mnemonica stack along with two new reveal cards, which allows you to perform miracles right out of the eye-catching tuck box.

On the design enhancement of the deck, Hector said,

When we decided to improve on the Enigma playing cards, we took the feedback that we got at some events (like Cardistry-Con 2017 and several Mexican Magic events) and got to work. We didn't want to create another simple recolor and we also didn't want to change what made the deck special in the first place. Hence, we decided to add more features to the deck on top of the feedback our fans gave us.

Design elements that were enhanced include, 3 new custom aces, 2 new reveal cards, the black color on the face cards have been updated to cherry purple and the red colors have been updated with a more striking torch red to keep the balance between colors.

The new version will be printed by Cartamundi on their silky smooth True Linen B9 finish and will be limited to an initial print run of 2000. Available now on Kickstarter, pledge starts at $15 and there are also multiple rewards that are waiting to be unlocked once the project hits its stretch goals. Also, add-ons such as close-up pads, collectible pins, custom Ace t-shirts, engraved collector box and a Cardistry tutorial bundle from the Cardistry Con 2017 world champion, Edgar Isaac.

Kickstarter: ENIGMA Playing Cards Relaunches on Kickstarter. Hits Funding Goal!

The team at Enigma Cards based out of Monterrey, Mexico launched Enigma Playing Cards earlier this year on Indiegogo. Unfortunately, the project did not reach the funding goal. After reworking and enhancing some elements of the deck, ENIGMA Playing Cards are now available on the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and is already 101% funded!

Two years ago, Enigma Cards wanted to create a deck that would set itself apart from any known deck available in the current market, using elements not commonly used in playing card designs. To do that, they enlisted the help of Anagrama Studio, a world-renowned Mexican design team known for their work on architecture and branding.

The end-result is certainly intriguing! The card backs use horizontal traces to maintain and enhance the movement and flow of cardistry moves. It also suggests the idea of a riddle, a labyrinth, some might think there is something hidden in it. At the same time, the back design produces an optical illusion were the spectators brain might try to fill in the empty spaces between the horizontal traces enhancing the decks presence when performing.



The court cards have been designed with the same minimalist approach as the tuck, stripping down all the “heavy” elements from the court cards and making them simple and sleek. The ace of spades features the all-seeing eye embedded in a big spade that is being pierced by 2 swords.

You’ll also notice that the tuck box has taken more of a classy and elegant approach compared to the initial launch. It will feature the "spot UV" process that allows printing over black paper, leaving a shiny black print with an embossed effect over a black matte paper. On the front, the logo and the eye will be adorned with silver foil.

ENIGMA is being printed by The Expert Playing Card Co. and single deck starts from $10.

Cardistry: Find Out More About AMCM. Mexico's Inaugural Magic and Cardistry Event

AMCM (Abierto de Magia y Cardistry México) is a Magic and Cardistry event held in México City on April 28, 2018. This inaugural event was jointly organized by the AMCM team (Mano Santa and Enigma Cards) for the Cardistry and Magic community in Mexico. AMCM was designed to be the equivalent of Cardistry Con, the event was sponsored by Cartamundi, Art of Play and Cardistry Touch.

The one-day event brought the Mexican magic and cardistry communities together and everyone interacted with each other, share new ideas, display moves, and tricks and meet new people. Hector Perez, founder of Enigma Cards told us,

Our intention was to unite both communities to help them grow. We had more than 100 people a the event, and had the fortune of having Cardistry Touch as well as part of the Chilean Cardistry Community at the event.

During the AMCM event, there was Magic and Cardistry exhibitions courtesy of Cardistry Touch and Mano Santa. On the same day, there were 5 different deck reveals- 2 by Enigma, 1 by Mano Santa, 1 by Sunrise Playing Cards and 1 by Cardistry Touch!

Finally, Cartamundi produced a one of a kind commemorative deck exclusively for the Mexican Community, the Gran Reserva Deck (only 150 exists!), sporting a True Linen B9 finish and the colors of the Mexican flag.

Participants of the event got to bring home a deck. For those who are interested, there are some Gran Reserva Decks still available at the Enigma Cards store, all the proceeds from selling GranReserva Decks go directly to fund next years AMCM event.

On the future of the event, Hector said,

It was the first of many events to come we hope next year it is even bigger and has more surprises.

Images courtesy of Enigma Cards. 

Deck View: Enigma Playing Cards

Intriguing. Labyrinth. Riddle.

This is the first deck by the team at Enigma Cards based out of Monterrey, Mexico. Enigma Playing Cards was successfully funded on Kickstarter back in 2016 and it is an intriguing deck!

Enigma Cards wanted to create a deck that would set itself apart from any known deck available in the current market, using elements not commonly used in playing card designs. The card backs use horizontal traces to maintain and enhance the movement and flow of cardistry moves. It also suggests the idea of a riddle, a labyrinth, some might think there is something hidden in it.

The court cards have been designed with the same minimalist approach as the tuck, stripping down all the “heavy” elements from the court cards and making them simple and sleek. The ace of spades features the all-seeing eye embedded in a big spade that is being pierced by 2 swords. The tuck box features "spot UV" process leaving a shiny black print with an embossed effect over a black matte paper. On the front, the logo and the eye are adorned with silver foil.

Printed by the Expert Playing Card Co on Classic Finish. Available from engimacards.com. For other cool decks, check out from JP Games Ltd.

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Kickstarter: 45s Playing Cards by Mano Santa and Enigma Cards

The 45s Playing Cards was originally teased during the AMCM (Abierto de Magia y Cardistry México), a Magic and Cardistry event held in México City last month. Since then, it has gained popularity on social media, primarily on Facebook and Instagram. The deck is designed by cardistry group Mano Santa (Instagram: @mn.snt) and produced by Enigma Cards. According to the Kickstarter campaign page,

It’s been some time since we wanted to make a deck of playing cards, this deck sums up what we love about cardistry, music, and design. This being our debut deck means a lot, we’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction of the community, we really love this deck and hope you too.

In terms of design, the deck took references from pop culture and elements from the past decades with the idea of connecting the packets through different card backs.

The concept went through a lot of experimenting with shapes, sizes, and colors change a lot of times, we tried to do something different, colorful and overall fun.

Crafted for the card flourishes in mind, the final back design is comprised of three connected design- the horizontal, the vertical and the curve.

What we like about this mix of shapes is that every time you perform a cut it’s different, that it goes not just into showing a cut but actually enjoying it more through connecting and experimenting with the different back designs.

The team wanted to keep the deck simple. With that in mind, the tuck box has very few elements that mirror the main back design scheme with the color lines, with a bold series of numbers on the front. One cool thing we noticed was the possibility of arranging the back design into a very cool uncut sheet design!

A post shared by ManoSanta (@mn.snt) on May 31, 2018 at 6:25pm PDT

The 45s Playing Cards are currently seeking funds on Kickstarter and pledge start at MXN$300 (USD$15) for a single deck.

Deck View: Enigma (Torch Red Edition) Playing Cards

Red. Mesmerising. Striking.

Created by Enigma Cards Enigma (Torch Red Edition) Playing Cards spots a striking red colorway. This intriguing deck has been meticulously crafted for both cardists and magicians in mind. Like the original Enigma deck, the card backs feature horizontal traces that were created to maintain and enhance the motion of card flourishes. At the same time, the back hides the marking system of the deck.

The deck comes with custom aces, 2 reveal cards, and instead of black ink, the custom face cards have been updated to cherry purple and the red colors have been updated with a more striking torch red to keep the balance between colors.

Printed by Cartamundi on their silky smooth True Linen B9 finish and will be limited to an initial print run of 2000.

Deck View: Enigma Puzzle Hunt (Red Edition) Playing Cards

Magic. Puzzles. Ciphers.

Enigma Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards is an innovative deck designed by David Kwong, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor & magician, and Dave Shukan, master puzzle-maker. ENIGMAS combines mystery, secret messages, and codes within puzzles within puzzles. All these in a custom-themed deck based on an estate shrouded in mystery called Riverbank.

Inside, the hunt is embedded within four very special cards found within the deck, each with its own puzzle for you to solve. Solving all four puzzles will unlock an incredible, multilayered, eight-step puzzle hunt. Combine answers from every puzzle you've solved along the way and you will reveal the final, meta-puzzle answer!

The deck is FULLY functional and beautifully illustrator Billy French. Billy has masterfully captured all of the bizarre and beautiful elements into the ENIGMAS design. The card backs are adorned with historically accurate imagery from the Riverbank estate, like its windmill and lighthouse. The face cards look pretty much standard and familiar, however, they date back to the early 1900s.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company. If you love puzzles AND Playing Cards, the Enigma Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards is definitely for you!

Have a Look at the Madison X Engima Playing Cards

The MAD ENIGMA Playing Cards mark the return of a contemporary favorite, reimagined in soft silver foil with a deeper, signature Mad red accent. 

This special edition, a collaboration between Daniel Madison and Hector Perez of Enigma Cards, pays tribute to the original Enigma deck while introducing subtle new details for collectors and performers alike.

Printed in Mnemonica stack, the deck includes a duplicate 9 of Clubs and two new Jokers, blending practicality with artistry. 

The design remains true to the elegance of Hector’s original vision, enhanced only by Madison’s refined touches... a discreet Mad symbol and a hidden 9 of Clubs within the King of Diamonds’ hand.

Madison, an early admirer of the Red Enigma deck, describes the project as,

 a dream come true... not only that the Silver Edition exists, but that I was able to help bring it to life alongside Hector.

Available now from the Madison Store for $24.

  

Albatross Nautical Playing Cards on Kickstarter

Launching on Kickstarter on January 21st, the next project from A Haines is Albatross Nautical Playing Cards. The creator, A. Haines Playing Cards. brought us Imported Playing Cards and Osprey & Goshawk Vintage Playing Cards returns to tell the 19th Century tale of the Sailing Ship Albatross . This project features three separate custom decks and a collectable coin, as well as add-ons. 

Albatross No. 5 Playing Cards – Standard Edition

This deck features all custom artwork throughout , a matte tuck printed with an aged patina and utilising red foil, Courts inspired by antique Spanish and French suited decks, and a bold but fun classic back design in a deep aqua green. 

Albatross No. 6 Playing Cards – Gilded Edition

This edition displays the Sailing Ship Albatross in its ghostly form: an enigma roaming the Seven Seas, preceded everywhere it goes by a cloud of thick, ominous fog. The tuck is black and printed using silver and green foil, while the cards themselves feature black backs and a rich, glossy black gilding, while the Courts and Ace of Spades have been changed to a spectral version of their former selves.

Albatross No. 231 Playing Cards – Workers ’ Edition 

This is a no - nonsense workers’ version of the deck featuring standard artwork, a clean monochrome red on white design evoking classic decks of years past , and stripped - back elements such as no inside tuck print, no sticker seal etc. Designed purely for those who use their decks like magici ans, cardists and performers.

The campaign will feature Early Bird offers for the first 24 hours and a host of goodies such as a 2” Decision Coin, uncut sheets and woven morale patches will be available to add to your pledge. 

Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on Classic finish. Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.

Innovative Deck Turns Playing Cards Into a 'Puzzle Hunt'

IF you love puzzles AND Playing Cards, the Enigma Puzzle Hunt Playing Cards is definitely for you! This innovative deck is designed by David Kwong (Instagram: @davidkwong), New York Times crossword puzzle constructor & magician, and Dave Shukan (Google Site), master puzzle-maker.

Magic, secret codes, and ciphers. ENIGMAS combines all of these exciting elements within puzzles within puzzles. All these in a luxury deck of a custom themed deck based on an estate shrouded in mystery called Riverbank. According to the Kickstarter campaign page,

ENIGMAS are themed on a fascinating historical place -- a mysterious estate outside of Chicago called Riverbank. Over one hundred years ago, the scientists at Riverbank worked on cryptography projects: the estate was filled with secret messages and codes. And exotic animals like alligators, peacocks, monkeys and bears roamed the property!

The hunt begins with four very special cards found within the deck, each with its own puzzle for you to solve. Solving all four puzzles will unlock an incredible, multilayered, eight-step puzzle hunt. Combine answers from every puzzle you've solved along the way and you will reveal the final, meta-puzzle answer. A true puzzler’s paradise!

The deck is FULLY functional and beautifully illustrator Billy French. Billy has masterfully captured all of the bizarre and beautiful elements into the ENIGMAS design. The card backs are adorned with historically accurate imagery from the Riverbank estate, like its windmill and lighthouse. Owls, representing wisdom and learning, are perched on the bookshelves, guarding its secrets.

The ENIGMAS face cards look pretty much standard and familiar, however, they are far from that. To keep the ENIGMAS deck authentic with its historical past, The United States Playing Card Company has provided the historical artwork for the cards' faces that date back to the early 1900s. How cool is that?! Squeezer Court Cards!

Enter through the gates, guarded by eagles to enter the exciting world of ENIGMAS. The elegance of ENIGMAS begins with the tuck box. It was carefully and meticulously designed to be the perfect home for these beautiful playing cards.



Produced in collaboration with Chris Chelko, ENIGMAS will be manufactured by The United States Playing Card Company using sustainable forest paper, starch-based laminating glue, and vegetable-based printing inks.

NOW on Kickstarter for $15.

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