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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Lawrence Sullivan. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Lawrence Sullivan. Sort by date Show all posts

Review: Lawrence Sullivan and CARC's Legends Playing Cards

The Legends No. 852 playing cards are the result of a collaboration between Honk Kong Magician, Lawrence Sullivan, and Conjuring Arts Research Center.  The Legends No. 852 playing cards, which come in three colors - red, blue and green, were printed by a playing card factory in Taipei, Taiwan. The factory is mainly known for producing playing card decks for casinos in the Far East.  The design was commissioned out to designer Mark Stutzman, who has done with with David Blaine and most recently the Whispering Imps Playing Card project on Kickstarter. For UK and Europe fans the decks can be purchased from JP Playing Cards.  

Legends Playing Cards

With Legends Playing Cards, Conjuring Arts Research Center (CARC) and magician Lawrence Sullivan did what a lot or the majority of playing card companies/designers are afraid to do - they did not print their playing card project Legends No. 852 with United States Playing Card Company. In the industry, Bicycle is considered the standard and anything that doesn't have USPCC's signature on it, are considered by some to be sub-par or are at least put through some heavy skepticism. Some collectors, magicians and/or enthusiasts won't even give a non-USPCC deck a chance. This is what happens when a company has deep historical roots and a very long tradition making decks for some of the best magicians around. Kudos to the USPCC for becoming the giant that they are but TuckCase.com is here to see and prove if the Legends really have something to offer....

The specs:

Name: Legends No. 852 Playing Cards
Company: Conjuring Arts Research Center/Lawrence Sullivan
Release Date: Early 2013
Stock: Overseas Factory/Unknown 
Finish: Embossed
Colors: Red, Blue, Green - Standard court colors
Face: Standard
Size: Poker

On to the review...

Most folks will wonder how the Legends differ from USPCC stock, whether it be Bicycle or the thicker Bee stock. Because of that we will start the review describing the handling and feeling of the cards. The Legends No. 852 playing card stock is slightly thinner than standard Bicycle playing cards. However, the difference is within .5 to 1 card thickness difference. Although the cards are embossed similar to the air-cushion finish that USPCC cards have, the finish is somewhat glossier. Given the glossiness, one would think they are slippier than standard Bicycle cards but that just is not the case. There is almost a "magical" grip to these cards that fan and separate incredibly smooth when you want them to but stay together when you want them to. The edges are also smoother than USPCC cards.

When you first open the tuck case and pull out these cards you quickly notice that these cards have a varnish-like scent to them. After handling these cards for some time the scent does not go away but thankfully the scent does not transfer over to your hands.

The cards only come 54 in a box. They do not come with an ad card or an extra gaff card.

On to the design...

The overall design is not a showy or over the top design but rather it has a classic look and feel with some hidden details that make this deck more than your average playing card deck. The design is done in the same vein as standard Bicycle Rider Backs. Looking at the Legends one would not think the deck looks like a gimmick by any means like some other custom decks give. Despite all that, the Legends feature a design with enormous depth, detail and substance. At a quick glance the deck looks simple and not much different from a Rider back as each deck in the Legends series features one prominent back color - red, blue or green.

The front of the tuck case (as seen above) also includes "Legends" in standard placement with a crest-like symbol donning the majority of the front.  At closer inspection you will see the intricate detail added to these cards and tuck case. You can tell right away where the name of this deck comes from as the back design (both on tuck case and on actual card backs) includes fire-breathing dragons, fierce tigers and other beast-like creatures as well as a lot of fire that swirls in and out of the two-way design.

DSC_0415

The bottom of the tuck case includes a three of hearts reveal:

Legends Playing Cards

Speaking of reveals and as mentioned earlier, the deck design features some hidden details in the design. Coming with a QR Code equipped with a secret link in the flap of the tuck, the link unveils 8 riddles to be solved. These 8 riddles reveal elements that can be used for certain routines. The following riddles include:

  • One way to amaze is found on the tip of a wing

  • Riffle to stoke the flames of fire

  • In the heart of a blind man, the eight is king

  • Dragons reveal smoke and rubies

  • Pearl is to dragon as Koi is to waterfall

  • Hearts are found split in the embers

  • What language do computers understand?

  • An Lámh Fhoisteanach Abú

For the sake of this review, TuckCase.com will not directly go into pointing out each riddle but we will touch on some of the design elements they are calling out (It is up to the deck handler to put them together). These riddles certainly add to the "Legends" name and create somewhat of a legend or story out of the deck itself.

Legends Playing Cards

The Ace Of Spades continues the theme that the tuck case and back design set in motion by featuring a dragon prominently displayed within a spiked spade shape. The dragon's smokey breath exits the spade forming the deck's name "Legends" across the top. Unlike if the name of the deck was created with a separate banner or disconnected type, the use of the dragon's smoke to create the name of the deck is exceptionally creative as it ties the entire Ace together.

Legends Playing Cards Ace Of Spades

The Jokers feature an actual dragon simmering smoke. There is a city in the background, which is likely Hong Kong. The reason it is Hong Kong is because that is where deck creator Lawrence Sullivan resides. The 852 written in stone at the dragon's feet is actually the area code for Hong Kong. There is a man at the feet of the dragon which symbolizes somewhat of a "no fear" attitude.

Legends Playing Cards

One of the Jokers features a 2 of Spades reveal, which is quite difficult to read unless you really look close. Using it in a routine even may be difficult to point out to a spectator. There is also another interesting reveal that is the word "Ruby" designed right into the smoke of the dragon's breath. This element is also difficult to point out.

DSC_0424

The court cards are standard Anglo American in design and color but have custom faces and elements built in. The addition of the custom faces further differentiates this deck from standard Bicycle cards. Anything more custom would change the traditional feel of the deck.

Legends Playing Cards

DSC_0428

It is important to note that the indices are thick on top and thin on bottom, which creates an interesting but subtle one-way feel design to the cards.

Notice a few of the cards reversed to see the varying thicknesses....

Legends Playing Cards

Other than the one-way design, the number cards are standard.

Notes on Legends No. 852 Playing cards:

  • The No. 852 comes from the area code for Hong Kong, which is where Lawrence Sullivan is based.

  • The actual names of the deck colors are Porcelain Blue, Firecracker Red,  Jade Metallic Green.

  • The cards have a varnish-like scent to them that is much different than USPCC paper-like scent.

  • Very subtle one-way court and number cards.

  • The riddles that reveal different hidden design elements creates a depth to these cards that other cards do not have.

Final Assessment: Despite there being a giant in the industry, some people (Conjuring Arts and Lawrence Sullivan) feel there could be better. With Legends, they set out to find a better product and some may agree they found it. While claiming these cards are better or superior than a USPCC product can be considered fighting words, there is no doubt the Legends offer some stiff competition minus the slightly obnoxious varnish-like scent. Call it a David and Goliath story or some other tale of triumph over the giant, the Legends put up a fight and are here to stay providing magicians and card handler's an exciting alternative to the industries leading brand. It will be interesting to see new card decks produced out of the Taiwan factory that made these cards.

Final Score: 9.8/10

Editors Note: The Legends No. 852 were sent to TuckCase.com from JP Playing Cards in the UK. JP Playing Cards is a leading retailer of custom and standard playing cards in the UK.  

Kickstarter: Legends of the Four Kingdoms by Legends Playing Card Co.


If nothing else Legends Playing Card Company has shown its willingness to push the envelope and try different things with its designs and production, they’ve never been one to shy away from things that were said to be not possible or a slight challenge presented by designers in house or otherwise.

Today, LPCC is jumping into new territory once again, but this time it’s not just about card stock or finishes, this time it’s a complete standalone card game, not only that, but being produced on a Bridge size deck as well. The project is Legends of Four Kingdoms, a playing card strategy game based on an ancient Italian card game, but now with a bit of modernization. Four Kingdoms features a 40 card deck complete with custom artwork on every card and produced on a variation of the Classic Finish to help the handling for its more specific use.


I have to admit when Lawrence first mentioned the Bridge sized project I was intrigued but had my reservations as well. But one has to keep an open mind with things, so I patiently waited to see for myself. When I received the decks, well, without getting into the game itself, the deck is cool as hell. It has all those details and design you would expect from a Legends deck, but in a compact package. The tuck has a beautiful color pallet and nice gold foil accents that lend to the theme of the game really well. The tuck also features a “Flip Cover” opening with a small tab closure, on the inside of the flap you’ll find a glimpse of the card art as well as some gold script which reads “Legends of Four Kingdoms – Welcome to the most addictive strategy game of all time” 


There were a lot of questions running through my head while looking at this offering, so what better place for answers than from the source itself, Lawrence Sullivan.

What inspired Legends to go the direction of a standalone card game?
I was approached by a friend who loves card games, which was the perfect opportunity to collaborate and create custom packaging that really makes the game stand out!

You mentioned the game was inspired by an ancient Italian card game, how important was it to find the right game mechanics for Four Kingdoms?
Very. The challenge was to maintain the traditional and strategic qualities of the game while making it dynamic and intelligible. On top of this we had to fit it into a solid storyline so that every play makes sense in terms of the four kingdoms war.

Why the decision to print Four Kingdoms as a Bridge Sized deck?
Bridge cards are a close match in size to Italian game cards. Compact and easy to pocket, we also printed some special test cards alongside this deck, that you can pledge for in the higher reward tiers!

What can people expect from the game itself?
A lot of fun game play and compelling artwork right from the start, and as you progress you learn new strategies to increase your skill. L4K is a game of odds in terms of the chances that your opponent has a card that can do the most damage in relation to the one you want to play.
Advanced players can keep track of the game, how many cards are still in the deck, how many leading kingdom soldiers have already been played, and so on. This information will help players form a more complete strategy.

Will there be an expansion into this genre for Legends, whether it’s other games or expansions on existing ones?
Right now L4K is planned as a single and quite limited release of around 1,300 decks available. Depending on demand, we may release further editions down the road, and we are absolutely planning to experiment with new games and packaging design!

What do you hope people take away from the Four Kingdoms project?
Legends of Four Kingdoms wants to be a fun way to connect with people. In addition to being a collectors deck, it provides an interactive experience you can share with friends or random people you meet when travelling. At LEGENDS, we love playing cards, and strive to create the highest quality decks in the world, and L4K is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with new ideas that we think our customers will enjoy.


Legends of Four Kingdoms is now LIVE on Kickstarter so if you’re a fan of card games or looking for something unique for your collection, be sure to check out this very cool release from Legends Playing Cards.

We want to thank Lawrence Sullivan for the opportunity to bring Four Kingdoms to our readers, it’s a real honor and we can’t wait to see what else will be coming from Legends in the near future.

You can also check out all of Legends Playing Card Companies previous custom playing card releases on their Official Website.  

Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Ade Suryana of Aquila Playing Cards


The Aquila Playing Cards is a collaboration between Three of Clubs and Kardify Projects. This meticulously designed playing cards is inspired by the Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Bali, Indonesia. This large mythical bird with eagle-like features has been featured in many cultural and religious mythologies, and has become a cultural symbol in Bali and Java.

This custom deck of playing cards is designed by Indonesian graphic artist Ade Suryana and will be printed by the Legends Playing Card Company (LPCC). In between preparing for our Kickstarter project, I had a quick chat with Ade about his design background, the inspiration behind Aquila, LPCC and his thoughts on Kickstarter.

Can you tell us about yourself, Three of Clubs and what is your design background?
My name is Ade Suryana. I was born in Tomohon, North Sulawesi of Indonesia. I love drawing and painting since the age of 5. I always get support from my parents and frequently attend the drawing competition (and of course I won some of them, haha). I was introduced into playing card by my uncle since I was 7 years old. We live in different town, he visit me once a week on Sunday and everytime he came, we always play a game with playing card. I remember when I was in elementary school, I love to make a small size of playing card and sell it to my friend at school. I use markers to draw the indices and pips and made the tuckcase from cardboard.

I moved to Yogyakarta, Central Java of Indonesia at 2004 when I attend to college to study IT. Talk about my design background, I have never attend formal college for design. I learned about graphic design from my brother. He is an illustrator and graphic designer and also my teacher in design. At the moment, I’m a freelance graphic designer for 4 years based in Yogyakarta, mostly designed logo for business and individuals. Back in 2013, I won a small contest of VJose Playing Cards at August 2013, later on September 2013 I collaborate with my friend Joao Pereira to submit my design and we won Bicycle Club 808 Contest Design-A-Deck-Rematch.



I’ve been collecting modern playing cards for 3 years and enjoyed the art of playing cards. Being in a playing cards community, I met two people this past year that have the same passion and vision, later we formed. Three of Clubs- myself as a designer, Akmal Luthfi (Magicican, Photographer, Video Editor) and Krisnapati Bayu (IT Professional, Content Creator , Deception Artist). We’re based in Indonesia. This is the first time we’ve been working together for a playing card project. We have one vision to spread our culture into playing cards and also create high quality playing card that could be accepted, enjoyed and used by playing cards enthusiast such as magicians, cardists and collectors.

What is your inspiration behind Aquila Playing Cards? How did you come up with the idea?
The idea of the deck itself came from Akmal Luthfi when we’re been talking about playing cards. Back in 2009 I visited Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Bali, so I think this will be a great idea to spread our culture into playing card. Later I start to build a concept design based on his idea. Garuda also described as a myth in our culture, so we create a concept of “The Myth” into a Marking System based on Krinapati Bayu idea which will be featured in The Standard Edition of AQUILA.

How much time did you spend working on the deck?
Couldn’t really say exactly how much time I spend on this deck. If I'm counting it's probably three months from the first line I drawed on this deck. I started the first rough design concept at January 2014, and spend 8-10 hours a day, most at night to designing and tweaking.



If funded, this will be the first Kickstarter project printed by Legends Playing Card Company. How did you come to this decision to use LPCC and were there any challenges when you approached them?
Legends Playing Card Company is known for their breakthroughs in quality and card handling. Legends #852 sold out the bulk of its inaugural print run of 11,000 decks in days, and are highly coveted among collectors, magicians, and poker players for the “glass-like” edges, durability, and printing precision. This was followed by a close partnership with The Expert Playing Card Company and CARC to create the Exquisite decks, and working together to innovate and create exciting new projects.

Well, after some research I found that LPCC could fulfill what we need for Aquila deck project, particularity in the areas of card stock, finishing and handling. The other thing that really impressed me is the consistency of the card borders, which are perfectly centered even with a thin border under 3mm.

As an artist, working with LPCC was extremely smooth and fast from the first time I submitted the artwork through to the final approval. The guidance from Lawrence Sullivan was really detailed and the communication was excellent. Being able to collaborate with Lawrence Sullivan from LPCC was such a great experience.

What are a few of your favorite reward levels and why?
I’ve to say my favorite reward level is the Limited Collector Set and Mixed Dual. As a collector for myself, mostly I would buy 2 decks, 1 to be opened and 1 for displayed. And the collector box is nice item for displayed.



Playing card projects on Kickstarter has grown exponentially over the past few years? What are yout thoughts?
Kickstarter has become a great platform for artists and other creators. I have seen a lot of playing cards projects on Kickstarter and I think it is mutually beneficial for both creators and backers to create and enjoy the art of playing cards. Although there are several funded projects that failed to delivered because they set goals that are too low and can not cover the cost of production and delivery. For me as a creator, "PLAN" is the most important thing and ensure the artwork has been approved by the manufacturer before launching a project. It will save your time in a production phase when the project is funded. I have seen a few projects of playing cards that have not been approved by the manufacturer when they launched a project, and ended up with a few design changes, even the worst there are a few projects that can not be manufactured by the same manufacturer that has been promised in the campaign.

With that being said, there are always the greatest, the good, the bad and the worst playing cards projects that I’ve seen on Kickstarter. Backers are more selective, and the decision to bring a worthed project is in the creators hand.

Finally, what are your three favorite playing cards?
+ Monarch from Theory11: I love the linework design and the tuckcase. Classy and elegant.
+ Exquisite by EPCC & LPCC: This deck of playing cards represent a breakthrough in quality and card handling. The consistency of the card borders which are perfectly centered really impressed me, aside from the top notch of the card stock and finishing.
+ Federal 52 Series by Jackson Robinson: The art detail that has been put on this deck are amazing. I would describe the deck with two words : Playing cART :)

Thanks Ade!




Aquila will be available in two editions: Standard and Limited Edition (LE). Both decks are completely unique and 100% customised. The LE deck is limited to 1,500 and features an embossed tuck, custom deal and gold foil. These beautiful deck will be printed by LPCC at the highest quality stock with Legends 'Diamond Finish'. Pledge starts from $12.

If you like our interviews, please remember to Like Us on our Facebook page.


News: Legends Playing Card Company Releases Gnostic Playing Cards


Hand illustrated by mentalist & magician Stuart Palm, Gnostic Playing Cards have been released by Legends Playing Card Company today July 16, 2014. According to the press release, Gnostic Playing Cards is "a deck of playing cards designed to inspire passion in those who pursue hidden mysteries. Ancient Gnostic imagery and alchemical symbols have been interwoven into exquisite hand-illustrated artwork. The elements of the design are a product of his research into Gnostic imagery and represent a love for hidden knowledge and ancient wisdom."

Gnostic is one of the first decks on the playing card scene to use foil within the tuck case, which is a feature that truly raises the bar in playing card design and production. Gnostic features thin 2mm white borders and a two-way back design - both of which are fan favorites of magicians and cardists alike. Gnostic comes in two deck colors, lapis blue and rose gold and black. There is also a limited edition red deck that will be available solely through the Conjuring Arts Research Center.

Gnostic Playing Cards are the latest release to come out of Legends Playing Card Company, which is based in Asia and run by Lawrence Sullivan. Lawrence is the mastermind behind the original Legends Playing Cards, which were release almost two years ago. The popularity of the original Legends lead to the creation of this brand new contender in the small world of playing card printing. 





Kickstarter: Memento Playing Cards Relaunch


[Update] Memento Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter

Memento Playing Cards is inspired by the history of playing card design. Each card in a playing card deck has evolved and gone through many changes over the centuries. This intriguing deck addresses these changes by going back to basics and using prominent works of art as templates.

Valerio Aversa launched the original Memento Project at the end of May 2014, unfortunately this unique deck didn’t quite reach its funding goal. Valerio spent the last 6 months enhancing the deck and project, and the good news is... he will be relaunching very soon!



For the relaunch, the funding goal has been lowered to $10k and like the first project, will feature both the Shadow edition deck and the Light Edition deck as a stretched goal.

We had a quick chat with Valerio about lessons he learned from the first launch.

Every single time I think about the first time I launched the project I feel like it was done too much in a hurry, I was so excited to see my deck online that I skipped a few fundamental steps:

1. Marketing has to be done before the project and not only during the campaign.

2. The printing company, this time I gave myself more time to think and contact various printers. I ended up with Lawrence Sullivan of Legends Playing Card Company (LPCC).  He is a professional, he always respond to my emails within hours and it is quite important when there are hundreds of emails. He gave me all the technical support I needed to verify and make this deck better than can I possibly imagine.



3. Indirectly related to the second point. LPCC has decided to open a Kickstarter account to work with artists from all over the world, this includes me. Before that, I found myself struggling to find a way to put my deck on Kickstarter. I guess this is a wonderful opportunity for me and for every one in the position a year ago! The deck has seen a lot of design modifications but for those ones you can see the images of the new deck and make your own conclusions.

We want to wish Valerio the best of luck on a successful campaign. Memento will relaunch within the week. Pledge starts from $15 and free world wide shipping is included!

Follow Memento Playing Cards on Facebook for updates or Kardify's Facebook page for links and information on all things playing cards.


News: Draconian Brimstone Playing Cards Is Now Available To Pre-Order


Midnight Card Company teased the Draconian Brimstone through its various social media pages last week. Like the original Draconians, the Draconian Brimstone is inspired by a time of legendary dragons and features beautiful dragon scales, hypnotic borderless back design and eye-catching redesigned tuck.
Meticulously designed by Randy Butterfield and printed by the Legends Playing Card Co, Brimstone will be a FINAL Draconian deck and only available as an add-on within the Grinders' BackerKit.
The newly designed Brimstone Tuck will feature a Reddish-Orange Foil, and a Grey Pantone Ink that will have a UV Spot Ink overlay. The Cards will use the same Classic Finish as the original Draconian design.
The Draconian Brimstone started as an idea sparked in my mind by Legends' owner, Lawrence Sullivan. The idea was simple - Black Draconians. It excited me so much, I couldn't get it out of my thoughts until I saw it come to fruition. I HAD to see it become a reality for all of us! 
The Brimstone Deck is currently in the prepress stages with Legends and fulfilled with the Grinders decks. The Draconian Brimstone Pre-Order will ONLY be through the Grinders campaign ($4 Brmstone add-on tier), so don't miss out!

First Look: "Fuego!" Playing Cards by Cellar Window Part II


[Update] Fuego! Playing Cards are now live on Kickstarter.

Part one of our First Look of Fuego! Playing Cards generated quite an interest amongst the playing card community. In the second part, we look into the details pertaining to this vibrant deck and the inspiration behind the artwork.


The Fuego! Playing Cards deck is the debut deck of Cellar Window (CW). It will be printed by Lawrence Sullivan's Legends Playing Card Co. in their traditionally cut European card stock and Emerald Finish. Every card on the Fuego! deck is custom made with very thin borders because of LPCC's precise cutting and each suit represents a different social class of the period from the rebels of the Spades to the elites of the Hearts.


Special attention is also given to the back design in that appeals to the talented cardist as well as the serious collector with it's minimalist approach coupled with an intricate touch. Staying true to the Latin aesthetics, the Fuego! deck has a carefully selected color palette with a focus on the contemporary design feel.


The Fuego! Playing Cards deck is influenced by the works of Mexican political printmaker José Guadalupe Posada and his Calaveras. It also has it's roots in the colorful and vibrant tradition of the Day of the Dead. With the small detail of the suits being different social classes this gives a particular weight to CW's other inspiration, the Latin phrase "Memento Mori". A simple reminder of our inescapable mortality no matter what standing we have in society and for all of us to strive to change our life for the better in light of this predicament.

This project will be available via Kickstarter on May 5th. We wish the team at Cellar Window great success with Fuego!.

[Update] Fuego! Playing Cards are now live on Kickstarter.

To keep up to date on the latest happenings from Cellar Window, visit them on their webpage.

Deck View: Legends 852 V1 Playing Cards

Detailed. Revolutionary. Timeless.

In 2011, the Legends 852 V1 playing cards is the deck that redefined quality and set the standard for durability and performance for custom decks. Conceived by Lawrence Sullivan between 2009 and 2011, with guidance from Bill Kalush, design advice from David Blaine, and artwork by Mark Stutzman, it became the first widely acclaimed deck printed outside of USPCC to deliver a completely new, consistent handling experience

The deck is bold yet richly detailed with a classically ornate look blended with modern elegance, drawing inspiration from both Asian and Western mythology. The mirrored-back design is instantly recognizable even at a distance with a distinctive diamond-shaped theme.

From tuck case to seal, every element received the same attention to detail. While later Legends decks featured die cuts, embossing, and foil accents, the original 852 still carried an understated elegance and a finely printed stamp seal.


Exclusive Release of Legends Sterling Edition Playing Cards


JP Games Ltd and Legends Playing Card Co are doing an exclusive collaboration release of the NEW Legends Sterling Edition Playing Cards.



Eight years ago Bill Kalush, David Blaine & Lawrence Sullivan collaborated to bring the original Legends deck to life. Since then they've produced many custom decks for artists and companies around the globe, including our very first (and Legends) first crowdfunded deck, Aquila.



The Sterling Edition is designed once again by Mark Stutzman. The beautiful deck features a shimmering silver cold foil back and traditional Legends faces. 



Legends Sterling is housed in a gorgeous tuck with embossing and foiling which features a diamond cut-out showing off the Legends logo from the backs.



Also, the first 40 Legends Sterling orders will receive a FREE Legends printed deck from JP Games. You'll receive one at random from the following: LUXX, First, Second & Egyptian Edition Legends, and finally Memento Black. 


Available for £9.99 from jpgamesltd.co.uk.


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Collections: Legends Version 1



"Lawrence Sullivan, a Holland-born magician with 23 years of sleights and flourishes up his sleeve, took it upon himself to raise the bar on playing card deck standards. With input from William Kalush, director of the Conjuring Arts Research Center, the smallest details of an individual card were redesigned from the ground up."

Simply amazing cards, as a novice in magic and cardistry it struck me as impressive that "I" could tell the difference everyone was talking about. The intricate "Dragon" back design is just incredibly detailed and eye catching. The somewhat standard faces help keep the look of the deck familiar for working professional. The handling of the deck is were most will be impressed, they are just very smooth and easy to work with. Just beautifully designed and full of amazing secrets to discover, if you've hesitated on trying the Legends I would highly recommend giving them a shot, you won't be disappointed.

Available in 3 colors: Red, Blue and Teal Green. Becoming harder to find in the market place, but well worth the small premium when you do.








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. To see more of  Sparkz- Anthony's collection please visit anthonysparkz.blogspot.com 

EXCLUSIVE: Classic Twins 48 Hour Brick Sale from EPCC


Coming to the Conjuring Arts Research Center from Expert Playing Card Company, the new "Classic Twins"

Expert Playing Cards mantra has been to innovate, always innovate. And even while innovating they always keep the working sleight of hand performer in mind and proudly introduce some revolutionary new playing card features with a series built for performance, the "Classic Series".

About a year ago Lawrence Sullivan at Legends Playing Card Co. discovered an interesting new playing card stock. After extensive testing he christened it the "Classic Finish". The new Classic Finish has a different embossing pattern and feel than the Master Finish, and many will find it to be more like standard American made cards. The cards are a bit thicker (only a tiny bit) and a little more flexible than the stock used for EPCC's Master Finish. It is of the same equally high quality as the Master Finish but still somewhat different in feel and performance. As important as the handling and feel are, it was critical to EPCC to also be able to cut these cards with the precision and perfection that are now expected from the Expert Playing Card Co. The new "Classic"decks made from the new stock share the excellent edges that the Master Finish has always had.

EPCC introduces the Classic Finish with a 3 deck series fittingly called "The Classic Series". It includes Classic Twins, Classic Black and later Classic Gold.


The Classic Twins are also an introduction to an EPCC exclusive two deck twin box. This convenient tuck box made of fine stock (embossed and printed using UV spot coating for exceptional detail) holds two poker packs and still maintains the proportions of a single deck tuck. These two decks feature a beautiful back design (one red deck and one blue) and the new Expert Classic Faces. EPCC have had these retro-style faces drawn by hand and they resemble the faces used on many standard decks today but have their own Art Nouveau style. Magicians using these cards don't need to fear that their audiences will think them suspicious but they are different enough from standard to be extremely appealing.


The Classic Black deck is a limited edition featuring the same back design as the Classic Twins but printed in black ink. The faces are also the same as the Classic Twins. The tuck is another EPCC innovation. After years of development and experimentation they are introducing a new synthetic tuck material! This is a paper that is made synthetically and is waterproof and extremely durable. It will hold up much longer than a paper stock and allow the working professional true protection for his pack. For the Classic Black deck they have taken the stock which is a naturally a milky white and printed it completely black inside and out. All the text and image on the box is also done in black but raised from the surface of the box by using spot UV coating. This is an amazing tuck for an amazing deck.



So know that you've gotten to know the "Classic" line up, what will be available and when?

The release will be Wednesday October 29th at 1PM EDT and for 48 hours ONLY, you will be able to purchase the Classic Twins along with 1 (One) Classic Black deck in one great package, at an amazing price. The official price for the Classic Twins is $9.99.... but for the first 48 hours you can get a brick of them (in a newly designed brick box containing 6 Twin Pack), along with a FREE Classic Black deck for $54.99 which includes FREE shipping anywhere in the U.S. (There will also be discounted shipping for International buyers).

So mark your calenders and take advantage of the huge savings!
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