A Sculptural Elegance: Venus Playing Cards

The new TCC Fashion’s Venus series stands at the intersection of classical art and modern luxury... drawing deeply from the timeless allure of the Louvre’s Venus de Milo. Released during Black Friday, this series consists of 2 editions: Platinum and Onyx.

The Platinum Edition introduces the goddess through refined embossing that echoes her noble profile and signature S-shaped posture. Light itself becomes part of the design... broad fields of hot-foil gilding reflect the golden beams cast beneath the Louvre’s glass dome, giving the tuck case the presence of a sculpted artifact rather than simple packaging.

On the back of each card, an elaborate arrangement of acanthus leaves and volutes winds into an elegant S-curve. The composition feels organic, as though it might continue growing beyond the card’s edges. Both the faces and backs comes with dual-sided metallic foil that produces a warm antique-bronze sheen, offering a tactile richness that elevates every handling experience.

Inside the deck, the remaining eleven Olympian deities appear through intricate line engravings framed in ornate European motifs. Even the indices carry artistic intention: each one expands into a small gilded flower, a symbolic bloom frozen forever in time to reflect the beauty of imperfection. 

Meanwhile. the Onyx Edition reimagines this concept with a bold shift in tone. It preserves the core artistic direction of Venus Platinum but magnifies its presence through larger illustrative compositions, new textural treatments, and a dramatic palette of black and silver. 

The artwork gains depth through enhanced lighting effects, pushing the series into a new chapter that feels both contemporary and reverential. Each card continues to blend story, symbolism, and design, with the 2025 production marked by its own limited numbering.

Together, the Venus Platinum and Venus Onyx editions form a complementary pair: one radiant and statuesque, the other shadowed and modern. Available now on TCC Playing Card for $9.99.

Kardify's Deck of the Year 2025

We’ve wrapped up our annual review, looking back on the events of the playing card industry over the past year. This year... our biggest recognition ‘Deck of the Year’ goes to....

Moonbound by Thirdway Industries. 

Moonbound is 52 Plus Jokers club deck this year and it is a striking collaboration that unites the creative vision of Giovanni Meroni with the craftsmanship of Boschiero & Newton and Legends  Playing Card Company. 

Inside, players and collectors will find gold cold foiling on both the faces and backs, creating a luminous shimmer that highlights the intricate illustrations. 

The deck includes the 52 custom cards along with two Jokers, each rendered with the same meticulous artistry that defines the whole project. Each deck comes housed in a custom die-cut outer sleeve textured and foiled. 

Congratulations to Giovanni Meroni!

Oh... if you want to vote for YOUR favourite deck of 2025, head to the Deck of the Year awards website and select your favourite deck or designer in one of 14 categories! The DOTY's are a celebration of playing card design and those who create them. With a focus on poker-size decks that have come out within the calendar year.

Deck View: Star Wars (Gold Foil Edition) Playing Cards

Force. Iconic. Galactic.

Theory11’s Gold Foil Special Edition Star Wars Playing Cards elevate the fan-favourite deck with an opulent gold-adorned tuck box. The combination of gold foil and clear reflective foil creates clever visual illusions... resembling the Millennium Falcon cockpit on the front and the Imperial Throne Room window on the back.

Inside, the deck remains fully custom, showcasing Star Wars icons across the courts, including Rey, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Palpatine, Kylo Ren, and Darth Vader. The card backs, now appearing as if plated in C-3PO’s signature gold, shimmer brilliantly from every angle.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company.

MPC Serves Up Fries & Cola Scented Playing Cards

Just when you think you’ve seen every novelty deck imaginable, MPC adds something completely unexpected to the menu. Following the success of their Fried Chicken scented cards, they’ve returned with two new limited-edition releases: Fries and Cola scented decks.

Instead of the familiar smell of fresh print, opening these decks greets you with the unmistakable aroma of hot fries or a chilled glass of cola. Using microcapsule scent technology, MPC infused each tuck box and card with fragrance oil that releases whenever the deck is handled. Shuffle, cut, deal... even rubbing the box, releases a nostalgic hit of fast-food comfort.

The decks embrace the theme wholeheartedly. Fries and cola elements form the suits, and each court card holds either a fresh batch of fries or a fizzy drink.

The back design carries bold red colouring, clean borders, and playful illustrations, while the Jokers offer reveal gags hidden in a fries box and a cola glass. 

The tuck boxes are produced from 100% recycled paper and finished with eco-friendly varnish. Despite the quirky concept, these decks remain fully functional, slick to handle, and built for play. They’re fun, surprising, and oddly impressive as a display piece.

Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

Kardify's Cardistry Deck of the Year 2025

Here we go! We’ve wrapped up our annual review, looking back on the events of the playing card industry over the past year. Throughout 2025, the industry saw some innovative releases, and creative deck designs that kept the community engaged and inspired. 

To kick things off... our Cardistry ‘Deck of the Year’. This year the honour goes to Beam Playing Cards by Missing New York.

This innovative deck is a brand-new way to experience a deck of cards! A collab with Room One Cards, the deck was first released at the inaugural 2025 Asia Card Convention (ACC). 

Definitely a unique deck  that’s both visually stunning and immersive experience. The deck features custom-designed card backs, courts and jokers, and beautiful power Aces. 

Congratulations to the team at Missing and Room One!

Daniel Garcia's Maze Deck

Daniel Garcia has long been celebrated for his inventive approach to magic, and his newest release, the DG Maze Deck, carries that reputation forward with style. Created by Vanishing Inc. in collaboration with Garcia himself, the deck is designed from the ground up as an everyday carry that hides a remarkably clever secret.

At first glance, the card backs display a striking geometric “Maze Design”- bold, modern, and visually engaging. But built seamlessly into that pattern is a marking system that reveals both suit and value instantly to those who know where to look. 

There’s no decoding, no memory work, and no straining for microscopic cues. The system is meant to be readable even from across the table, yet remains completely invisible to spectators, even under close scrutiny.

The deck also features a custom Ace of Spades along with several extras: a King of Diamonds with a yellow-and-red back, a Four of Spades with a red back, and two duplicate Jokers, useful tools for performers who rely on subtle switches and structured routines.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company on premium crushed stock, the DG Maze Deck handles with the smooth, flexible feel magicians expect from a working deck. Available now from Vanishing Inc for $20.

Top 5 Most Funded Kickstarter Playing Cards Project of 2025

 

Crowdfunding has changed how creators bring their ideas to life by allowing people to gather support from backers worldwide. In the world of playing cards, Kickstarter has become a hub for innovative and beautifully designed decks that capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

We’ve compiled a list of the top five most funded Kickstarter playing card projects for 2025, showcasing the incredible creativity and support that these campaigns have garnered. These projects highlight the unique designs and themes that resonate with backers, making them some of the most successful campaigns in the playing card community. Dive in to see which decks have captured the hearts (and wallets) of the crowdfunding community this year.

5. Odd Fellows From the Sanctuary
Funding $128,379
Stockholm17

The story of Stockholm17's Odd Fellows continues at 17 Sinner’s Street but this time, behind the walls of a crooked British pub called The Sanctuary, where a gang of petty criminals disguised as members of the clergy prepares for their most daring heist. 

4. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Funding $134,234
Prodigal Entertainment

The Infinite Improbability Deck is a fully custom deck of playing cards inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Designed by surrealist artist Jack Brutus Penny, this officially licensed deck blends iconic characters, absurd humor, and intricate art into one improbably beautiful package.

3. Cerberus the Hellhound
Funding $134,930
JinJade

Designed by Jin, this eye-catching deck is forged in the shadows of the underworld- Cerberus, the legendary Hellhound, has prowled through Greek myths for centuries.

2. Horror Night
Funding $135,730
ARK

Drawing inspiration from urban legends, myths, and classic horror icons, ARK's Horror Night Playing Cards brings monsters to life with neo-classical gothic illustrations and richly detailed, hand-drawn artwork. The  deck comes with stunning holo foil and a warm orange glow that evokes an eerie, lurking presence.

1. Magician's Last Secret
Funding $147,318
Room One

The Magician’s Last Secret Playing Cards is a lavish tribute to the golden age of stage magic, where velvet curtains, whispered intrigue, and sleight of hand ruled the night. Inspired by legendary illusionists like Houdini, each  deck blends vintage poster artistry with modern usability

Deck View: Arcane Tales Playing Cards

Enchanted. Illustrated. Playful.

Arcane Tales is the second entry in Thirdway Industries’ Tales series, a collection inspired by classic fairy tales, fables, and timeless storybooks. Designed by Giovanni Meroni, the deck brings together magical characters drawn from beloved stories like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, all reimagined in Meroni’s bold, narrative-driven style.

With elegant metallic inks, Arcane Tales is fully custom and richly illustrated, offering a world of wizards, faeries, enchanted creatures, and iconic archetypes. Each suit represents a different realm of magic: the spellcasters of Spades, the romantic legends of Hearts, the wild forest spirits of Clubs, and the mythic mountain dwellers of Diamonds. 

The deck also includes two alternative court cards featuring different characters, adding even more storytelling potential. Printed by USPCC on Bicycle stock and available now from Thirdway Industries store for $16.

Just Released on Patreon, Kardify Magazine Issue 103

Issue 103 of Kardify Magazine is now on Patreon! Patrons who pledged $3 or more will be able to download the latest issue from our Patreon page. This issue compiles selected articles published from mid-November to mid-December. Deck images, articles, and news to keep you informed and up-to-date with the latest playing card news, releases, and previews. If you love playing cards, you will love Kardify Magazine!

Also, don’t forget to check out our other cool reward tiers on Patreon! The tiers include monthly desktop and smartphone wallpapers, a mystery deck shipped to you every 4 months of ongoing contributions, social media shout-outs, and multiple sponsorship tiers! Check it out!

Funds received from the magazine will help us keep the site running and growing, and bring new quality content to you. Our aim is to support designers by backing crowdfunded projects and supporting magic and playing cards retailers with their new releases. If you want to support us, please head over to our Patreon page. If you have an idea for an article you would like us to pursue, do get in contact with us. We hope you enjoy the read. In this issue:   

+ Room One X RIPNDIP: RIPNDIP is back in the playing card scene, this time a collab with Room One with two brand-new decks: The Pink One and The Flippy One.

+ Dairy: A fully custom deck by X-Decks steeped in retro charm, a tribute to 1950s advertising, where wholesome smiles meet a faint hint of suburban unease. Check it out!

+ ANYONE Tally-Ho: With rich cardistry history, the Tally-Ho Circle Backs inspired Anyone and USPCC to create Tally-Ho x Anyone, a refined evolution of a classic.

+ Peaky Blinders  This Theory11 deck is inspired by the critically acclaimed television series. With a blend of artistry, and a nod to the notorious gang of 1919 Birmingham, these playing cards are not just a deck; they are a statement. 

+ Assassin's Creed II: The officially licensed deck by Room One returns, re-engineered with new colorways, upgraded finishes, and a complete visual overhaul. Find Out More!

+ Hamilton: Theory11 marked the groundbreaking musical Hamilton’s 10th anniversary with a specially designed custom deck that not only pay homage to the iconic production but also bring the spirit of Hamilton directly into your hands!

+ Imported: Take a look at A. Haines's modern reinterpretation of the Golden Era of traditional decks. Fully custom and entirely hand-drawn, this beautiful deck embraces a nostalgic retro palette.

… and more! 50 pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

God of War (Blades of Chaos Edition) Playing Cards

Dyenamik’s officially licensed God of War: Blades of Chaos Edition is a deck forged as fiercely as the weapons that inspired it. Built around Kratos’ legendary dual-chained swords, the deck commands attention with red-hot foil, intricate linework, and a visual intensity that feels unmistakably tethered to the franchise’s world of gods and monsters.

The tuck box is definitely eye-catching! Reflective foils catch the light like metal pulled fresh from the forge, while raised embossing carves texture into every curve and chain. It’s a striking collector’s piece... part relic, part display artwork- designed to dominate a shelf with the same presence Kratos brings to the battlefield.

Inside, the cards continue the narrative with illustrations of Kratos’ allies, adversaries, and family, each illustrated by Abraham Garcia in a bold modern linocut style. The aesthetic blends mythic gravitas with handcrafted sharpness, evoking the grit and mythology that define the series. Every face card feels like a vignette from Kratos’ journey, translated through expressive black-ink carving.

The deck is printed on premium casino-standard black German-core paper with linen finish. Available now at Dyenamik.com for $27.

Gunslingers Playing Cards by Joker and the Thief

Now on Kickstarter, Joker and the Thief rides back into the frontier with Gunslingers Playing Cards, a deck steeped in the folklore of the Old West. Inspired by outlaws, ghost stories, and desert myths, the deck reimagines the brand’s iconic Joker and Thief as two elusive riders whose calling card... the Ace of Spades appears wherever they strike. 

The back design illustrated by Pedro Oyarbide draws from late-19th-century American decks, merging classic symmetry with frontier grit. Two editions are offered during the Kickstarter campaign: a Standard version in deep reds and greens, and the Outlaw Edition with gold metallic ink that catches the light like treasure.

Each suit reflects a different face of frontier life: Diamonds embody ambition and its cost; Spades represent lawmen obsessed with justice and revenge; Hearts honour the land’s original warriors and seers; Clubs portray drifters and desperadoes who haunt saloons and shadows.

The deck’s Jokers bring the myth to life one living, one spectral... riding beneath a blood-red sunset.

The tuck boxes continue Joker and the Thief’s reputation for premium presentation: the Standard uses rugged letter-pressed textures, while the Outlaw Edition elevates the design with black stock, foil stamping, and embossing.

Printed by King Star, Gunslingers Playing Cards blends atmosphere, craftsmanship, and myth into a deck made for handling, displaying, and collecting. Pledge starts at $24 on Kickstarter.

A Decade of Excellence: Milestone Playing Cards

Crafted in celebration of Kardify’s 10th Anniversary. For the past decade, we’ve been a premier destination for playing card enthusiasts, delivering the latest news, reviews, and insights from the world of playing cards. With over 150k monthly pageviews and a community of 35k followers across all social platforms, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated readers and supporters for making this possible.

To celebrate this milestone, acclaimed designer Brendan Hong created Kardify’s exclusive 10th-anniversary commemorative deck. Milestone Playing Cards are a testament to a decade of dedication, creativity, and passion. Celebrate a decade of excellence and don’t miss out on owning this limited edition deck.

Printed with quality materials for durability and style by Kings Wild Playing Cards Co. Only 800 standard & 200 gilded decks produced exclusively for Kardify’s anniversary celebration. Available NOW exclusively on JP Games Ltd.