Deck View: Chaos Maelstrom Playing Cards

Mythic. Gilded. Chaotic.

Chaos Maelström playing cards is a dazzling edition of the Chaos deck series by Thirdway Industries. Every detail is infused with brilliance: holographic gold cold foil shimmers across both sides of the cards, the edges gleam with holographic gilding, and the tuck box itself, is layered in gold foil inside and out. Each deck is sealed with a numbered stamp, and at its center stands the emblematic gold Cat, ruler of Chaos.

Inside, the courts are alive with mythological monsters, from sirens and fish-men to dragons and other otherworldly beings, each tied to the chaotic realms. The Blackness of Spades is home to terrifying creatures banished by Order. The Depths of Hearts swirl with violent currents and unpredictable friendships. Diamonds lead to Tartarus, a realm of fire, torment, and maddening bureaucracy. The Clubs rise in the Emerged Lands, forests and mountains where endless battles rage with no clear purpose.

Here, control is an illusion. Chaos is freedom, unpredictable, wild, and alive. At the summit of Olympus, one deity reigns above all: the Cat. 

Printed by King Star and available now on Thirdway Industries for $75.

ORIGIN Playing Cards

A new deck has entered the playing card world, ORIGIN Playing Cards, designed by Australian creator Christabel Budiman, blends minimal symbolism with bold custom details to create a design meant to stand apart from the average deck.

At the heart of the design is a star motif, a recurring symbol that threads through the back design and face cards. The geometric lines and radiant symmetry give the deck a sense of clarity and precision, while subtle accents create a layered, modern aesthetic. The overall look is sharp, striking, and unmistakably original.

One of ORIGIN’s defining features lies in its custom twos. Inspired by the popular Asian card game Big Two, where the number two holds the highest rank, these cards have been specially designed to highlight their importance. This creative decision not only ties the deck to cultural tradition but also reimagines the hierarchy of the deck itself.

The faces maintain a balance between usability and customization. Standard indices ensure readability, but custom pips, courts, and details carry the deck’s central theme forward, offering a visual consistency that works equally well in play, performance, or collection.

The tuck case continues the minimalist approach, designed with clean lines and refined finishes. Together with the back design, it reflects the fusion of contemporary design and cultural inspiration that defines the deck.

Printed by RoomOne Cards and pledge starts at $20 on Kickstarter.

Spellbinder Playing Cards: 54 Artists, 54 Cards, One Deck

Spellbinder is a unique collaboration showcasing the vibrant talent of Australia’s art community. Every card in this deck, from the Aces to the Jokers, features a completely original artwork from a different illustrator... a mix of emerging creators and established artists, all brought together in one stunning deck on Kickstarter.

The back of each card features a holographic pattern inspired by magical circles, with a central hexagram surrounded by interlocking rings and intricate lines, creating a mesmerizing effect that ties the deck together. 

The tuck box itself is designed like a classic hardbound book, opening to reveal the names and social media handles of all 54 contributing artists, giving collectors a tangible connection to each creator.

The deck is a celebration of Australia’s artistic community, giving each artist a platform to be seen and supported. Backers can even purchase high-quality A5 prints of their favorite artwork directly from the contributing artists, with all proceeds going straight to them.

Printed by WJPC and pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.

Pre-Order For Nutcracker Playing Cards Opens Soon

The timeless tale of The Nutcracker comes alive in a new form: the Nutcracker Playing Cards, designed with stunning detail by Jackson Robinson.

Like the OG Nutcracker playing cards, each card is a work of art, with court cards inspired by the story’s enchanting characters, from the Nutcracker Prince to the Sugar Plum Fairy... making every hand feel like a scene from the stage. 

The tuck box catches attention with elegant gold foil, a festive design choice that captures the warmth and wonder of the season while elevating the deck as both a showpiece in your collection and for festive family game nights.

Two editions will be available during the pre-order a Limited Edition and a Gilded Edition, each hand-numbered for authenticity. Collectors who preorder will also receive their deck hand-signed by artist Jackson Robinson, making this release even more special.

Pre-order open at 11 September, 12pm Eastern. King Wild VIP members will get an email at 11am for early access. Only 150 of each edition will be available.