First Look: The Mint Collection by 52Kards

[Update] The Black Mint Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter. Deck funded under 40 mins.

Earlier this month, 52Kards announced the merger with Toronto-based magic studio Jon Noir. The merger brings Christofer Lacoste into the 52Kards team. We believe the merger opens up many opportunities and will further capitalise on an already strong platform targeting young aspiring Magicians.

Along with the merger news, 52Kards are preparing to launch its first custom deck. Over 2 years in the making, the Black Mint Playing Cards (formerly known as the Rion Collection) will be coming to Kickstarter on February 1st 2016.

Designed for the workers, these playing cards provide a merger of form and function. The elegant back design is aesthetically appeasing to the eye without attracting any unwanted attention; and yet they mask an incredibly intuitive marking system for the clever magician to take advantage of. Also included are several gaffs to help the working magician perform special effects that will not be possible with an average deck.

The Black Mint deck will be printed by the United States Playing Card Company on the highest quality card stock available. It will be coated with the legendary Air Cushion Finish to provide for the smoothest spread, fans, and shuffles. Pledge starts from $10 per deck and there will be early bird tiers and stretched goals waiting to be unlocked.

[Update] The Black Mint Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter. 

To join the wait list, head to 52kards.com/mint. Images courtesy of 52Kards.

Deck View: Density Playing Cards

Patterns. Shapes. Stylish.

Designed by artist Roni Lagin, Density Playing Cards are a limited fully custom-designed deck where suit symbols are manipulated into intersecting shapes and patterns. The deck features intricate line-work, fine details and a unique approach to face cards.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Co on their famous Bicycle grade stock, Density contains 52 fully custom playing cards, two custom joker and a stylish custom tuck. Density Playing Card will excite magicians, poker players and any playing card enthusiast.

For more cool playing cards, check out JP Games.

Collections: Union by Theory 11

Union from Theory 11 continues the winning formula that the company seems to have adapted over the last year. While not all the decks may appeal to you, there is no denying Theory 11 has a nice selection of functional eye candy for everyone as of late.

As a theme Union oozes American in every way, the design features elements and icons all harking to a patriotic time and place. Presented on a heavy stock tuck with a beautiful Bronze foiling and embossing give the deck a really nice impression at first glance. Designed by Jay Fletcher, Union does a wonderful job of bringing a very historic feel to the concept.

The deck itself handles as you would expect from Theory 11, made in the USA using FSC-certified paper, vegetable-based inks, and starch-based laminates. The color palette of the deck is a nice vibrant, yet a bit muted scheme, but it lends itself well to the concept and period it's representing. The spot cards Red suites have been replaced by a nice calming orange throughout the deck, while the dark suits retain their classic black coloring.

The court cards look fantastic in the color scheme of the deck along with a very theme appropriate design, very Americana, yet keeping the classic concept of court cards intact. Each unique court card does a nice job of depicting characters fitting the time period as well as bringing the design together with the wardrobe and elements you would normally see on a mirrored court card. The Ace of Spades features a Eagle with outstretched wings and the top of the spade being composed of the Ole' Stars and Stripes. The deck also features two Jokers featuring a Turkey design that just keeps the "Home made Apple Pie" feel constant in this presentation.

The back design is perfectly fitting for this deck, a two way back featuring an eagle in flight along with very familiar patriotic symbolism. Very iconic line work and framing bring the design together really well and the muted Gold tone just lends to the look and feel of the concept. Overall Union is a fun, well conceived deck with beautiful element and line work. The Americana feel is just amazing and I can see this deck being a great gift for any History buffs in your life. It's no mystery I'm a big fan of Theory 11, but with the wide variety and the perfect use of the "Bling" factor on there decks, not to mention, an affordable price tag, it's hard to go wrong with Union or any other Theory 11 deck now a days. Head on over to Theory 11 and pick up a few and while your there, check out the Ironside Edition :)

The Collection segment is produced by Anthony Ingrassia of Kardify. No part of this article, images or video can be reproduced without written permission from the author and Kardify.com. 

Deck View: Branle Playing Cards

Culture. Historical. Europe.

From NoirArts, Branle Playing Cards are a beautifully crafted deck with custom pips, Ace, backs and face cards. As the name would suggest, the deck is inspired by Branle, a 12th-century French chain dance adopted by European aristocrats, especially in France and in England.

The gorgeous deck portrays history and culture of the 16th - 17th centuries. Each royals have been beautifully illustrated and each suit represents a different European country: the peaks - Britain, hearts - France, clubs - Spain and diamonds - Eastern Europe. Also, Branle features a premium card stock tuck with printed tuck interior.

Each deck will have numbered custom seal. Printed by NoirArts Playing Card Co, Branle features NPCC's Casino Classic Black Core Card stock with Linen Finish a soft stock which handles reasonable well but requires a short break-in period. Only 700 decks were be printed.

Available from NoirArts. For more cool playing cards, check out JP Games.