Kickstarter: AREA 51 Playing Cards by 3rd Dominion

Another interesting deck from 3rd Dominion currently funding on Kickstarter. This time, the theme is based on the secret U.S. Air Force military installation located at Groom Lake in southern Nevada. 

There are two editions on offer during the campaign, human and alien. Both decks are fully custom with the designers detailing their take on each of the levels found in the facility. The Human levels in the playing cards project are represented by a classic deck with unique aces and jokers and the Aliens levels is represented by a weird deck with unique aces and jokers. 

The futuristic card back design is made in the shape of an abstract platform, the activities of which are hidden from human eyes. Mesmerizing! 

The cool Aces are represented in the shape of abstract structures and flying devices. The custom courts share a similar design style to the Aces and card backs with a cool sci-fi vibe.

The decks are packaged in a majestic black shaped tuck box that is designed based on shapes of flying objects (real-life and fictional art objects) with abstract mystic symbols and ornaments on blue/red foil! 3rd Dominion wanted to create something unusual, which has not been created before in playing cards, to go beyond the classical design, while creating a very easy-to-use object.

The decks will be printed by Noir Arts (NPCC) and pledge starts at $13 on Kickstarter.

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5 Things You Should Know About THE ART OF THE CON deck by 3rd Dominion

Currently funding on Kickstarter by 3rd Dominion, the Art of the Con Playing Cards are inspired by famous con artists throughout history. The semi-custom deck features portraits of famous con artists, gamblers and scammers of the 16th-20th centuries, each with their respective stories.

Here are 5 things you should know about the Art of the Con Playing Cards:

1. The theme
According to the designer, Andy Kurovets,  "The history of playing cards is closely connected with con artists, gamblers and scammers. Playing cards were often used to make money fast. Deception is as old as humanity. This artistic project is inspired by famous con artists."

For example, do you know who is the king of con artists? Who sold the Eiffel tower? Twice!
Victor Lustig. He convinced the scrap metal dealers that the upkeep of the Eiffel tower was too much for Paris and that the government wished to sell it for scrap. He sold them the Eiffel tower. TWICE

2. The biggest secret
The biggest secret of the deck is hidden in a simple but effective marking system on the card back

3. Marking system
3rd dominion has used unique, but clever and easy to read marking system, based on special symbols. "We have developed unique symbols that allow you to determine The Numbers, Indexes, and Figures quickly and easily. Card marking is the process of altering playing cards in a method only apparent to marker, such as adding visible marks to a card. It may be used for magic tricks."  The early concept here, of the marking system.

4. Idea and artwork.
The idea of creating these cards is to combine the system of marking cards on the back and portraits of famous con artists, gamblers and scammers of the 16th-20th centuries on the court cards. The marking system was designed by Andy, where the main theme in the design are watches and the original idea comes from the watch industry.




5. Cards design
The court cards are decorated with portraits of famous con artists, gamblers and scammers of the 16th-20th century.

Spades: famous con artist of the 20th century
Hearts: famous con artist of the 19th century
Diamonds: famous con artist of the 18th century
Clubs: famous con artist of the 17th century and early.


The Art of the Con Playing Cards will be printed by the United States Playing Card Co. and pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

Shamanic Journey Playing Cards by 3rd Dominion Now on Kickstarter

Another interesting deck from the 3rd Dominion currently funding on Kickstarter. Launched yesterday, the Shamanic Journey playing cards has already hit its funding goal of $12k, and it's now 143% funded.

The deck describes the Shamanic Journey. According to the campaign page,

A shaman uses the shamanic journey to go to the other worlds. It's a magical, highly animated worlds. These “spirit flights”. Into nonordinary reality where the helping spirits reside.

The unique tuck boxes feature ornaments that are filled with hidden abstract images of lizards and birds, as well as invisible, UV-glow images of wolf, shamans, and skeletons. Inside, the deck is fully custom with hand-illustrated court cards, jokers, bold Ace of Spades, and detailed card backs.



Two decks are on offer during the campaign- Underworld and Upperworld, each with a different colorway on the tuck box. 2 deluxe foils adorned the unique tucks, blue/pink for the Underworld deck, and blue/orange for the Upperworld deck. The highly detailed tuck also features UV glow, embossing, and custom seals. 

The two decks share the same court cards, but the backs have different color palettes and the aces and jokers are unique.



Both decks will be printed by Noir Arts with Premium Linen finish and pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter. Limited edition of 2000 of each edition.

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Watchmakers: Dynasties Blossom Playing Cards

Unearth the captivating history of watchmaking dynasties and their remarkable ascent with these premium playing cards by Andy Kurovets of 3rd Dominion. Now funding on Kickstarter, this project pays homage to the venerable masters of horology, the watchmakers.

These exquisite cards are the result of meticulous craftsmanship, intricate illustrations, and the touch of a master. They stand as a testament to the art of watchmaking, which doesn’t just measure time but weaves together the strands of history and order.

These custom playing cards echo the very spirit of watchmakers, the true custodians of time. The court cards pay tribute to those who, for generations, made intricate mechanisms accessible to all while guarding the secrets of their craft from the outside world. It’s a realm of concealed gears, intricate lenses, precious gems, and the intricate dance of time.

The design remains consistent across various decks, with the distinguishing feature being unique color combinations. However, the card backs hold a secret. 3rd Dominion crafted an intelligible marking system based on distinct symbols, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly identify numbers, indexes, and figures.

For the magician, the unique card marking system ensures the secrets of the game stay hidden, visible only to those who understand. These distinct marks are discreetly positioned on the obverse back of the cards while maintaining their uniform appearance.

These premium playing cards are printed by NPCC and encapsulate the legacy of watchmaking dynasties. Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

ABBOTS Playing Cards by 3rd Dominion

3rd Dominion, the Ukraine-based playing card company that has always been synonymous with futuristic-looking playing cards and cool origami tuck boxes has released their latest Kickstarter campaign: Abbots. The deck is inspired by a story of a world where robots and humans coexist, and the robots unlock a secret code that gives them access to powerful technology.

The entire project has been conceived from a futuristic vision, and it’s especially evident in the tuck cases. The cases have a unique opening system based on origami construction principles and are embossed, and adorned with foils. 

Additionally, cryptic prints have been incorporated into the cases, which are actually Moiré patterns that allow you to see small animations using a transparent plastic card with a printed grid. 

Four different editions are available during the Kickstarter campaign: Keeper, Architect, Classified, and Conqueror, with color variations on the designs and a few different cards depending on the version. 

The Keeper and Architect editions share the same back and court cards with shades of blue, while the Classified and Conqueror use shades of red. The cards have been completely customized following the technology setting with geometric and angular shapes. 

The aces and jokers are different in the four editions, and the use of metallic inks enhances the designs on the faces and backs.

The decks will be printed by Noir Arts. Pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.

Big Brother 2024 Is Watching You Playing Cards

The “Big Brother 2024 Is Watching You” project by 3rd Dominion is an intriguing and innovative deck inspired by George Orwell’s iconic novel, 1984. Conceptualized and designed by the creative minds at 3rd Dominion, this deck is currently seeking funds on Kickstarter with less than a week to go. Remarkably, the project is already more than 200% funded!

The phrase “Big Brother Is Watching You” was coined by Orwell in the third paragraph of the first chapter of 1984, where he described an omnipresent government surveillance system. This theme of pervasive observation is central to the design of our playing cards, capturing the essence of Orwell’s prophetic vision which remains highly relevant today.

The “Big Brother 2024 Is Watching You” deck features three editions: Silver, Gold, and Cobalt Blue. Each deck is poker-sized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The design is cohesive, maintaining a darker tone that is both visually appealing and suitably unsettling.

From the court cards to the Ace of Spades and the mirrored card backs, the design integrates the Big Eye motif seamlessly. Each deck comes with a numbered seal, signed by the designer, making it exclusive to Kickstarter backers. Additionally, the decks are shipped in protective boxes made from recycled materials, emphasizing our commitment to the environment.

The 1994 and 2004 decks feature unique tuck box design and construction, deluxe foil and embossing, silver (metallic) ink for card backs, numbered seals signed by the designer. Each edition boasts a meticulously crafted tuck box with the iconic Big Eye design, symbolizing constant surveillance. Both the outer and inner prints are of high quality, ensuring a luxurious feel.

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

Deck View: 3rd Dominion (Alien Edition) Playing Cards

Futuristic. Abstract. Mysterious.

3rd Dominion's Area51 (Alien Edition) Playing Cards leans fully into its sci-fi theme, inspired by the mystery of Groom Lake and extraterrestrial lore. This red coloway deck pushes beyond traditional design, featuring surreal interpretations of the facility’s hidden “levels.” 

The card backs use an abstract, platform-like structure, giving the deck a distinctly otherworldly feel. Aces and courts follow suit, showcasing strange flying devices and geometric forms that reinforce the alien narrative. The tuck box is equally unconventional, shaped and styled around UFO-like forms, finished with striking red foil and cryptic symbols that enhance the sense of secrecy and intrigue.

Printed by Noir Arts Playing Card Company, the deck combines experimental design with usability, offering a bold departure from classic playing card aesthetics.

Watchmakers Playing Cards

Horology. Intricate. Craftsmanship.

Watchmakers playing cards by Andy Kurovets of 3rd Dominion is a homage to the venerable masters of horology, the watchmakers. These exquisite cards result from meticulous craftsmanship, intricate illustrations, and the touch of a master.

The court cards pay tribute to those who, for generations, made intricate mechanisms accessible to all while guarding the secrets of their craft from the outside world. The design remains consistent across various decks, with the distinguishing feature being unique color combinations.

For the card backs, 3rd Dominion crafted an intelligible marking system based on distinct symbols, allowing you to quickly and effortlessly identify numbers, indexes, and figures. These premium playing cards are printed by NPCC and encapsulate the legacy of watchmaking dynasties.

We Just Released Kardify Magazine Issue 78 on Patreon

Now available on Patreon… Kardify Magazine Issue 78!  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-October to mid-November. 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:   

+ Excelsior II: From Kings Wild Project, continue to be captivated by the allure of playing cards that will transport you back to the opulent era of classic card games. Find out more!

+ Mandalorian V2: Star Wars fans rejoice! Theory11 has released V2 of the Mandalorian playing cards featuring completely custom artwork. Check it out!

+ 52 Plus Joker 2023 Club Deck: Check out this beautiful deck! This year’s club deck is a collab between Brendan Hong and the Expert Playing Card Co.

+ Cardistry-Con 2023: Produced by Art of Play in collaboration Dan and Dave for Cardistry-Con London, these cards showcase a distinctive and minimalist design crafted specifically for the art of flourishing.

+ Where Cards Fall: This unique playing cards-theme puzzle game offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story, presented as brief memories of a young protagonist’s life.

+ Watchmakers- Dynaties Blossom: Unearth the captivating history of watchmaking dynasties and their remarkable ascent with these premium playing cards by 3rd Dominion.

 + Escape Velocity Blue Edition: A beautifully crafted deck inspired by the incredible history of space exploration, honoring the brave heroes who defied gravity and ventured into the great unknown. Have a look!

+ 52 Plus Joker Diamond Awards: Find out who won the prestigious 52 Plus Joker Diamond Awards this year.

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

We Just Dropped Kardify Magazine Issue 99 on Patreon!

Kardify Magazine Issue 99 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-July to mid-August. 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:   

+ Bicycle Quiccs: A cool deck by RunIt Decks uniting the world renowned artistry of Quiccs with Bicycle through his Bulletpunk Universe. Check it out!

+ Reign of Kings: This beautiful deck by Jody Eklund immerse you in a world of medieval intrigue, where power shifts like the wind but legacy remains. 

+ A.Haines (Year Two) Deck: Released as a Patreon reward deck for collectors who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and originality. 

+ Cyclopean Experimental LTD1111: Have a look at Stockholm17’s bold and visionary reinterpretation of the classic playing card deck. This limited edition release defies convention with its striking diamond-shaped design!

+ The Secret Tale of Cleopatra: This deck is the fourth chapter in the Dutch Card House Company’s storytelling deck series, which also introduces a strategic solo and duo game. Find out more!

+ The Golem: By 3rd Dominion, these decks merge ancient legend with masterful craftsmanship, transforming the Jewish folklore of the Golem into an ultra-limited series of hand-printed playing cards. 

+ Legends #852 V1: This deck by Legends is bold yet richly detailed with a classically ornate look blended with modern elegance, drawing inspiration from both Asian and Western mythology. Check it out!

… and more! 52-pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

GHOST OF KYIV: Guardians of the Ukraine Playing Cards

GHOST OF KYIV: Guardians of the Ukraine playing cards are designed by Andy Kurovets of 3rd Dominion in collaboration with NPCC, both based in Ukraine.

This fully custom deck is inspired by the Ukrainian pilot who’s assumed to be a myth. He quickly became a symbol of resistance after the story of his bravery emerged during Moscow’s “military operation” in Ukraine. 

The deck sports the color of the Ukrainian in yellow and blue with each edition available in 2 different tuck cases- Wierd and Classic.

The Weird decks come with 3 deluxe foils on the unique tuck box (gold, blue, and silver), embossed and unfolds when the tuck is opened. Meanwhile, the Classic decks come with the classic tuck box design adorned with gold foil and embossed.

Inside, both editions share the same cards. The face cards are fully custom with modern pip designs, bold Ace of Spade, courts feature fighter pilots, and the Super Joker is the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The cards are printed with gold metallic ink to give them a touch of luxury. The decks will be printed by Noir Arts with Premium Linen finish and the pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

Area 51 V2 Technobeasts Playing Cards

Technology. Abstract. Futuristic.

Area 51 Technobeasts playing cards by 3rd Dominion is a sci-fi-themed deck based on the secret U.S. Air Force military installation located at Groom Lake in southern Nevada. The deck design is fully custom based on shapes of flying objects, real-life and functional art objects with abstract symbols and ornamentation. The mesmerizing card back is made in the shape of an abstract platform, the activities of which are hidden from human eyes.

The cool unit Ace of Spades is represented in the shape of abstract structures and flying devices. The custom courts share a similar design style to the Aces and card backs with a futuristic sci-fi vibe. The deck is packaged in a cool tuck box that is designed based on the shapes of flying objects in a blue colorway. 

The deck is printed by Noir Arts (NPCC).

The Golem Playing Cards on Kickstarter

The Golem Playing Cards by 3rd Dominion merges ancient legend with masterful craftsmanship, transforming the Jewish folklore of the Golem into an ultra-limited series of hand-printed playing cards now seeking funds on Kickstarter. 

Designed by Andy Kurovets, each deck features a unique tuck box made with traditional linocut printing, enhanced by deluxe foils, deep embossing, and intricate outer and inner artwork. Inspired by the mystical tale of the Golem of Prague—a clay figure brought to life through sacred rituals—this collection captures the symbolic stages of its creation. 

Four fully custom decks are available: Formation, representing the shaping of the body from pure earth; Purification, reflecting the spiritual cleansing before animation; Inscription, symbolizing the holy words or divine names that grant life; and Activation, embodying the mystical awakening and command of the creature. 

Each stage is paired with its own distinctive foil—copper, aquamarine, violet, or silver—bringing depth and richness to the design. Exclusively offered to Kickstarter backers, these decks come in collector’s boxes crafted from black cardboard and stamped with a gold-foiled Golem logo. 

Printed on premium German linen card stock by NPCC, with gold or silver ink on the card backs, every deck is individually numbered and signed by the designer. Pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.