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. 

Quad Asylum Playing Cards on Kickstarter

Anti-Faro’s latest offering on Kickstarter is a dark, immersive journey into the harrowing tales of psychiatric wards, meticulously designed for the discerning enthusiast. This collection is the culmination of some of Anti-Faro’s most haunting artwork, combined with specialized packaging. 

Every aspect of this deck was thoughtfully planned to evoke the clinical, chilling atmosphere of a forgotten institution. Inside, the court cards feature twelve mysterious inmates rendered in greys and sepia tones, each holding a clue to your escape. 

The indices and pips echo a dark history, utilizing a distressed typewriter font modeled after mid-century institutional forms to ground the deck in a gritty, historical reality.

No detail was overlooked, from the unique straitjacket tuck boxes that require you to physically unbuckle the binding to access the cards, to the Asylum Plaque editions featuring heavy hot-foiled embossing. The satin gold and silver gilded edges provide a tactile, premium finish that feels both worn and dangerously sharp.

Beyond just a deck of cards, the Quad Asylum serves as an interactive puzzle that bridges the gap between art and game. The inclusion of special edition metallic gilding and custom-molded collector’s coins makes these sets a centerpiece for any serious card display.

Printed by the Room One Cards and available on Kickstarter for $17.

Deck View: COPAG 310 Neo (Culture Edition) Playing Cards

Vibrant. Durable. Versatile.

This was one of the first deck from Cartamundi Cards, The COPAG 310 Neo Playing Cards were developed in collaboration with magicians, cardistry experts, and professional poker players. The result is a deck designed to balance durability, flexibility, and smooth handling for both performance and gameplay.

The Culture edition features a distinctive blue, orange, and white mosaic-inspired pattern, paired with vibrant colors that give the deck a contemporary and energetic appearance. The face cards are pretty much standard with subtle recolor to match the theme of the deck. 

The deck contains 52 playing cards and 4 Jokers, printed on premium playing-card stock with a True Linen B9 finish. Built for repeated use, the Neo series combines practical performance with eye-catching visual design.

Just Dropped on Patreon! Kardify Magazine Issue 113

We just dropped Issue 113 of Kardify Magazine 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-September to mid-October. 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:   

+ Tails of Mischief 2: Four decks, one epic landscape: Jack Brutus Penny’s Tails of Mischief 2 turns custom playing cards into a puzzle-packed tabletop adventure. Check it out!

+ Kovadrin: Discover Kovadrin Playing Cards by the Cantrell Brothers, a visually striking deck featuring original artwork and visionary design by Kevin Cantrell.

+ Tiger Vs Snake Vintage: Inspired by vintage matchbox art, Alex Haines pits beast against beast in Tiger vs. Snake, a vibrant, hand-illustrated retro duel built for collectors. Have a look!

+ Draconian Aurelion: Designed by Randy Butterfield, Draconian Aurelion features double-sided gold holographic foil and mesmerizing dragon scales. Have a look!

+ The Hobbit: Funded in four minutes, Jackson Robinson's hand-painted Hobbit playing cards bring Tolkien's legendary Middle-earth adventure to life in exquisite watercolor detail.

+ Top 5 Coolest Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration Cards: Forget the market hype. From ethereal brushwork to cosmic palettes, we break down the 5 most visually breathtaking cards from the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration.

+ Fulton's White Owl: A sweet twist on cryptic autumn nights: Fulton’s White Owl, illustrated by Ethan Kowaleski, emerges as the candy-coated companion to Black Cat. Find out more!

… and more! 46-pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

Oakford Reserve Playing Cards

Final days on Kickstarter, Oakford Reserve Playing Cards by Jody Eklund bring the heritage of American bourbon to the collector market with a fully custom series inspired by historic distilleries, charred oak barrels, and vintage whiskey packaging.

The collection features three editions, each with hand-illustrated artwork depicting distillers, bootleggers, and the characters behind the bourbon trade. Ornate card backs, custom courts and detailed Aces draw on traditional whiskey labels and the visual character of the Prohibition era.

Three editions are aviailable during the campaign. The Classic Edition features metallic inks, embossing and hot-stamped foil on a black tuck box. The Limited Edition adds cold-foil detailing and individually numbered seals, while the Premium Edition combines cold foil with striking green-gilded card edges.

Each deck comes with custom illustrations throughout. Collectors can also opt for the Distiller’s Legacy Set, which includes all three editions in a premium magnetic-closure presentation box with embossed details and gold foil accents.

With its combination of vintage Americana, intricate illustration, and premium production techniques, Oakford Reserve offers a distinctive addition to the growing market for themed and luxury playing cards.

Printed by WJPC and pldege starts at $17 on Kickstarter.

Nocturnal: Raccoon Edition Playing Cards

Nocturnal: Raccoon Edition is the latest offering in the Nocturnal series by designer Destino and produced by EmilySleights52, drawing inspiration from the quiet beauty found within the darkest hours. Following the success of the inaugural owl-themed release, this deck serves as a brilliant expansion of the series.

Inside, the court cards feature recolored, classic illustrations that maintain a familiar feel while embracing the nocturnal theme. Every aspect of this deck was thoughtfully planned and no detail was overlooked, from the custom-designed pips to the elegant two-way back design.

The tuck box is a masterpiece of tactile design, crafted on premium ivory paper stock. The intricate debossing and a hidden 4 of Clubs reveal further amplify the beautiful artistry that defines this unique release.

This is a beautifully crafted deck and strikes a balance between artistic storytelling and the functional needs of sleight of hand artists and collectors alike. 

Printed by WJPC and available on Kickstarter for $13.

Fultons October V2 Returns in Pumpkin Orange for 2026

Fultons brings back its October Playing Cards for 2026 with the new V2 Pumpkin Orange edition, marking the 13th year of the popular autumn-themed series.

Described on the product page as the most Halloween-focused October edition yet, the deck features an all-new tuck box illustrated by acclaimed artist Steven Noble, with the striking Pumpkin Orange colorway reinforcing its seasonal character.

The cards include custom pips and court cards, giving the traditional playing-card format a distinctive October treatment. 

It is housed in an embossed tuck box printed on paper made in England, adding another premium detail for collectors.

After more than a decade as a seasonal staple, October V2 continues Fultons' tradition of creating atmospheric, Halloween-inspired playing cards, with the 2026 Pumpkin Orange edition offering collectors a fresh take on the series. Available now for $14 on Fulton's Playing Cards Store.

FORMA Playing Cards

Geometric. Dynamic. Expressive.

FORMA Playing Cards are a visually dynamic deck designed specifically for cardistry by Uruguayan designer Ale Urrutia and TCC. The deck takes its name from the Spanish word for “shapes,” reflecting its strong geometric inspiration.

Half a year in development, FORMA is built around basic geometric forms such as circles, triangles, and squares. The artwork was created using real paper-shaped objects, giving the deck a distinctive tactile and dimensional quality while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance.

The cards comes with a bold blue, red, and white colorway, combining geometric shapes and patterns with a carefully balanced mix of muted and vibrant colors across the faces. The dynamic designs are particularly suited to cardistry, creating striking visual effects during fans, spreads, spins, cascades, and other flourishes.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company.

Theory11's X-Men Playing Cards

Theory11's X-Men Playing Cards brings Marvel’s legendary mutant team back to the 1990s, with a vibrant deck inspired by the bold comic-book artwork and larger-than-life style from the 90's.

The deck features completely reimagined artwork throughout, bringing characters including Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, Beast, Jean Grey, Professor X, Magneto, Nightcrawler, and Jubilee into a custom playing card design. Fans can also expect plenty of Easter eggs hidden throughout the deck.

Visually, the cards comes with explosive colors, dynamic comic-inspired graphics, and the energetic look of classic X-Men issues. Each card is designed to feel like a small piece of the mutant universe rather than a standard deck with licensed characters simply added to it.

Inspired by both the classic comics and the renewed popularity of the franchise through X-Men ’97, the deck offers a nostalgic celebration of the Children of the Atom for collectors and fans alike. Available now $12.95 on Theory11.

Just Launched on Kickstarter, Aoi Koi Playing Cards!

A beautiful fusion of Japanese art, traditional symbolism, and contemporary playing-card design, Aoi Koi Playing Cards by Stacey Jay Kelly invites collectors beneath the surface of tranquil Japanese temple ponds. Inspired by the elegant blue koi known as Asagi and the traditional indigo-dyeing technique Aizome, the deck embraces a rich palette of blues, delicate detailing, and shimmering foil effects.

The tuck box immediately establishes the deck’s luxurious character, featuring a continuous koi pattern that flows around every corner, complemented by holographic foil, glittering fish scales, and a textured red seal. 

Inside, deep navy coloring provides the backdrop for blue temple-style stamps with a subtle iridescent glow. The card backs continue the theme with a mirrored koi design, where layers of blue ink interact with holographic foil to create shifting highlights across the fish’s fins and scales.

The custom faces bring Japanese cultural influences to life throughout the deck. The ace cards feature blue koi swimming through their central pip designs, surrounded by shimmering water and the traditional Seigaiha wave pattern. 

The Kings portray Japanese warriors in intricately patterned robes before traditional Shoji screens, while the Queens depict Geishas beneath Wagasa umbrellas. The Jacks represent younger Kabuki actors, accompanied by flowering water lilies. 

Two differently colored Jokers showcase mirrored koi designs, while every pip card features a Goshuin-inspired composition referencing the sacred stamps and calligraphy found at Japanese shrines and Buddhist temples.

Backers have several editions to consider. Alongside the main holographic deck, a Slim Edition offers a format half the width of a standard poker-sized deck. The limited Furoshiki Edition combines both the holographic and slim decks with a 100% cotton Furoshiki scarf and a small signed art print. The set is presented in an embossed display box crafted from fibrous navy card and finished with a red band.

Printed by Legends Playing Cards Co. on Classic Finish. Pledge starts at $20 on Kickstarter.

Butterfly (Wedding Edition) Playing Cards

Butterfly Playing Cards has marked a special occasion with the release of the Butterfly Wedding Deck, created to celebrate the wedding of founder Ondrej and his partner, Hanka last month.

The deck is a borderless, unmarked edition featuring a gold-foiled back design and completely custom faces. The Jokers portray Ondrej and Hanka, while the couple also appears at the center of the Ace of Hearts. The Two of Hearts features their daughters, Josefina and Rozalie.

Printed by Room One on 270gsm Sleight Stock with a traditional cut. Only 200 decks are available for individual purchase, with a maximum of 12 decks per customer. Ondrej originally printed 500 decks, with more than 100 given as gifts to wedding guests and the remainder held for personal use and occasional promotions.

The decks can also be signed by Ondrej, with up to two signed decks available per order. Available now on the Buttefly Magic Store fot $28.