Deck View: Royales Players Scarlet Rouge (Limited Edition) Playing Cards

Luxurious. Exclusive. Sophisticated.

The Royales Players Limited Edition designed by Lee McKenzie is an exclusive Kickstarter release designed for serious card players, dealers, and collectors. The Scarlet Rouge edition features a full-bleed casino-style card back in a rich scarlet red, accented with shimmering metallic gold ink. 

Inside, the cards feature redesigned casino-inspired faces and custom court illustrations, with enlarged indexes and pip details for improved readability during gameplay. Bespoke typography adds a distinctive touch, while metallic gold detailing throughout the faces, pips, and courts reinforces the deck's premium appearance.

The luxurious presentation continues with a matte scarlet-red tuck box decorated with gold and white foil stamping, complemented by intricate foil embossing and a blind-embossed design. A custom three-sided wraparound seal in black, white, and metallic gold completes the packaging, giving this limited edition an unmistakably exclusive finish.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the deck uses premium crushed Bee-style card stock, an embossed Air-Cushion finish, and traditional cut.

Final Day on Kickstarter, Old Paris Playing Cards

Stepping back into the 15th century, the Old Paris deck by Ian Cumpstey offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of French playing card design. This project serves as a sophisticated reconstruction of the legendary Guymier sheet, successfully bridging a historical gap by completing the missing court card set through rigorous research and period-accurate illustration.

Ian has redrawn the court cards with a commitment to authenticity, utilizing gouache painting techniques to emulate traditional stencil coloring. By studying fragmentary evidence from the British Museum and the V&A, the deck features the classic named court cards...  such as the hero Hogier and the formidable Argine. Restored to their intended glory.

The aesthetic choice extends to the pip cards, which adopt a minimalist, one-way design that honors the simplicity of early woodcut aesthetics. Complementing the historical allure, the tuck box mimics the charm of vintage card wrappers, housing a deck that feels less like a modern accessory and more like a discovered antique.

Every aspect of this project was thoughtfully planned, ensuring that the linework and color palette harmonize with the legacy of the Paris pattern. This release strikes a natural balance between academic archival work and the tangible satisfaction of a playable, luxury-grade deck.

For those captivated by the lore of named court cards, this campaign also features an accompanying 100-page book detailing the history of these regal figures. It is an essential companion for collectors who value the intersection of cardistry and historical research.

Printed by Ivory Graphics in England, this book/deck set is currently available on Kickstarter for $25.

Winners of the 52 Plus Joker Diamond Award 2026 Announced!

The prestigious 52 Plus Joker Diamond Awards were revealed last weekend at the 2026 52 Plus Joker Convention in Niagara Falls, NY. The Artist of the Year went to Lorenzo Gaggiotti of Stockholm17. This is Lorenzo's FOURTH Diamond Awards for the Artist of the Year Category. Incredible!

Cavaliers by Lee McKenzie took home the Deck of the Year award this year! This elegant deck is inspired by the iconic artistry, craftsmanship and rich spirit of Cuba’s legendary cigars. Alive with rich gold ink and flourishing detail in a deliberately decadent old-world style. 

Congratulations to Lorenzo, Lee McKenzie and all the nominees for their incredible work!

Stacey Jay Kelly Unveils the Exclusive 2026 Club Deck for 52 Plus Joker

Announced last weekend at the 52+Joker Convention held at the Hilton, Niagara Falls, the 2026 Club Deck by Stacey Jay Kelly stands as a profound tribute to the 52+Joker community, meticulously designed to celebrate its unique cultural heritage. Every element, from the symbology to the structural presentation, reflects a deep commitment to intentional storytelling.

Crafted with an uncompromising focus on luxury, the ENTHUSIASTS deck features a coffee-fiber matte slipcase adorned with sophisticated gold foil and striking embossing. The primary tuck box is equally impressive, offering a custom die-cut design with blind-embossing and precise foil accents that immediately command attention.

Inside, the court cards provide a fully customized experience that honors the diverse spirit of the 52+Joker. Stacey’s artistry is further elevated by delicate foil accents across the faces of every card, ensuring that visual allure remains a constant throughout the deck.

Functionality meets high-end aesthetics through the inclusion of four-corner indices and a custom, no-tear, non-destructive seal. The result is a deck that feels balanced in the hands, successfully bridging the gap between artistic exhibition and professional-grade card performance.

As Stacey notes, this project serves as a testament to creative freedom, resulting in a truly unique addition to any high-end collection.

Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on their signature Classic Finish stock and available exclusively to members on the 52 Plus Joker club website. With a strictly limited print run of only 1,000 units, this release represents a rare opportunity for members to secure a piece of modern playing card history.