Cardistry: Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards

[Updated] The Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter.

The first edition of Odyssey Playing Cards was recently nominated for the Best Cardistry Deck of the Year. The vibrant nebula color palette and the diagonal white stripe sets this deck apart from other cardistry decks,

Designer Sergio Roca has been teasing the Boreal Edition, the follow-up to First Edition. According to Sergio,

Boreals is the result of a lot of time trying to create something different to every deck of cards in this world but keeping the essence of Odyssey and Feel the Universe. Me as a Cardist and card designer, wanted to design what my followers deserve, not just a simple recolor but a second edition with a substantial change.

One of the most prominent feature of Odyssey is the diagonal stripe that crosses from the corners. The Boreals Edition has a turquoise blue nebula inside this stripe and edges instead of the white stripe of the First Edition.

Sergio continued,

This nebula colors references the Auroral Borealis which is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. Something amazing right? 

This color tonalities and shapes has been carefully selected to make an elegant, classy and modern deck of cards for everyone who loves to feel the universe in their hands.

Boreals consists of 54 cards and features custom suits, aces, courts, 2 custom Jokers and a minimalistic tuck. The updated stripe will allow cardists to create and discover new shapes and enhancing displays for their card flourishes.

[Updated] The Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter.

Launching on Kickstarter on August 8, Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards will be printed in Taiwan by the Hanson Chien Production Company (HCPC) on a new and exclusive paper stock called luxury stock. This is thinner than Classic Stock used in the first edition Odysseys.

Kickstarter: Flaminko Playing Cards’ Burger deck is Now Live!

Flaminko Playing Cards’ Burger deck is now live on Kickstarter, aiming to secure AUD$13.5k (~USD$10.7k) in funds. An AUD$18 (~USD$14) pledge awards you one deck while AUD$162 (~USD$128) pledge guarantees you 12 decks!

Melbourne-based designer Nick Zeitoun has always loved burgers and is inspired by its balanced nutrition and as a design. Nick told Kardify,

It is great fun to draw and design different types of burgers! The iconic presence and bright colors mean with burger design everyone can recognize and enjoy it. 

In using burgers Nick is trying to craft an entry level deck,

Hopefully creating a small bridge where more people, after being pulled in by the design, would ultimately then really come to appreciate the quality of the cards and other playing cards! 

This fun and dynamic deck feature an entirely custom made burger decal with unique faces and jokers. This deck will be housed in an embossed, matte, full-colour tuck box and will be printed by Cartamundi on their 310gsm black core stock with B9 Superluxe finish. NOW on Kickstarter!

Magic: Jeremy Hanrahan's Hofzinser Poker is Back!

Subtle. Visual. Powerful. The Hofzinser card is a diabolical gaff from the 19th century (first utilized by Johann Hofzinser) that allows you to conjure an extra layer of deception to your performance. Imagine being able to change a card’s value with little to no sleight-of-hand. Now imagine being able to change 5 cards instantly with no sleight-of-hand.

This is possible with Jeremy Hanrahan's Hofzinser Poker.

Effect: You explain that card cheats have altered playing cards so they can actually see through the back of a playing card. Five cards are held up to a light one at a time to prove that you can actually see through the back of a playing card under certain lighting conditions. At the end of this display, you ask the spectator if they would bet on that particular hand with it being filled with such low-value cards? They, of course, will say no. You then turn the cards over to reveal a royal flush. No sleight-of-hand required. Instant reset.

What you get: Comes with 5 custom Hofzinser cards matched in a set. See why this effect sold out at Magi Fest and Blackpool. Comes with in depth pdf instruction. You will be able to perform this amazing effect right after reading the detailed pdf.

What we think: Endless possibilities and very deceiving. These are made from standard bicycle decks. With that, can be incorporated into any routine if needed and can lay dormant for others. They don't look out of place.

Who should buy: If you are looking for something mysterious, deceptive and astonishing for your routine, this one is for you.

Each set of Hofzinser Poker cards is crafted and assembled individually. As such, Jeremy's website will only carry 25 units at a time. According to Jeremy,

After careful consideration, I have decided to offer Hofzinser Poker again in small batches. The initial launch was overwhelming and I learned a lot about my brand and how I wanted it to be seen by my customers. I plan on only releasing small batches at a time.

Available for $29.95. If you are interested in purchasing, head to gaffguy.com. We are told stocks ARE limited.

Deck View: Mako Playing Cards

Black. Gray. Orange.

Mako is the first cardistry deck produced by Gemini Playing Card Co. featuring an eye pleasing black back designed specifically for the cardist in mind. Designed by Toomas Pintson, Mako comes with standard faces to make it appear as an everyday object.

Mako is housed inside a unique black/gray/orange colorway tuck case. This is definitely a change from standard black or white tucks. Printed by The United States Playing Card Co. Mako is the best handling deck Gemini Playing Card Co. has produced featuring soft Bee crushed stock. In addition, the decks have been Traditionally cut.

Available now from geminidecks.com. Also, for more cool decks... check out JP Playing Cards.