Deck View: Killer Bee Playing Cards

Bold. Modern. Bees.

Designed by Oban Jones for Ellusionist, the Killer Bee Playing Cards is a combination of modern aesthetic and bold elegance.

The deck features fully custom pip, striking hexagon-styled courts, Ace of Spades and the mesmerising card backs. The minimalist matte black tuck box with gold foil accent is elegant and modern.

Available from JP Games.

News: AURELIAN Playing Cards. The most detailed deck Ellusionist ever made!

Ellusionist has just released what seems to be the company's most detailed deck they've ever made. Based on the leader of the Roman Empire, the Aurelian Playing Cards was conceived by Geraint Clarke and designed by Oban Jones.

This exquisite deck features hypnotic card backs, re-worked courts draped in gold, a bold Ace of Space with gold-ink swords, whips and spears, and the jokers are an homage to the Tally-Ho Cowboys.

The eye-catching tuck is coated in gold foil, leaking into layers of embossing. An oak leaf detailing that resembles the Emperor's Civic Crown can be found inside the tuck box.

Currently available from Ellusionist for $10.

Deck View: Pioneers Playing Cards

Exploration. Discovery. Curiosity.

When Ellusionist first teased PIONEERS on social media, the images generated quite a buzz as it was a departure from their usual modern design. This beautiful deck is fully custom, inside and out. From the distinctive deck seal to the impeccable pips. Every detail and line on the tuck, backs, aces, and jokers was painstakingly hand-drawn by renowned playing card artist Oban Jones.

On the card back is a lady of liberty, with a phoenix at her feet. In her left hand is the flag of the United States – in her right is the lesser-known but equally poignant flag of Chicago. The back design celebrates the 1893 World’s Fair, a spectacle that commemorates the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival to the new world. Also, hidden in the design are 52 easily-readable markings, to use for either magic, mischief, or both. 

The deck is kept secure in an exquisitely constructed tuck box, capturing the texture of the period-accurate paper. Debossed in all the right places, to create a 4th dimension of quality. The deck inside is printed by Cartamundi on luxury-pressed E7 stock for that crushed but durable feel.

Available now on Ellusionist.com. Use coupon code KARDIFY for 10% off your order.

Deck View: Red KNIGHTS Playing Cards

Red. Chess. Elegance.

The Red KNIGHTS Playing Cards by Magician Daniel Madison and Chris Ramsay is one of our favorite deck from Ellusionist. With artwork by the creative Oban Jones, the deck oozes sophistication with its simplistic, elegant and stylish design. Draped in striking eye-catching red, the Red Knight tuck case features a stunning gold foil exterior and interior print.

Everything from the iconic Ace of Spades, the eye-catching Jokers to the card backs and semi-custom faces of the court cards exudes elegance and class. The card backs, Ace of Spades and Jokers have all been updated with a touch of red.

Red KNIGHTS are printed by the United States Playing Card Company with a smooth finish and traditional cut, making this deck feel as good as it looks. Available now from JP Games.

Top 12 Best Marked Deck of Playing Cards for Magic

The custom playing cards market has boomed over the past year, investment in crowd-funded decks have surged and new designs and concepts are pushing the boundaries of the simple constraints of one tuck x four suits x thirteen cards. Marked decks are used in card and mentalism effects and allow for the magician to focus their attention purely on connecting with the people they are performing for. Here are our top 12 picks.

Note that the selection expressed in this top 12 are solely those of the author.

Kings

From Ellusionist, the Kings Playing Cards is the ultimate representation of Daniel Madison and Peter McKinnon joint creative forces. Readily stacked in Mnemonica and fully marked. Also included. a double-backer and two unique and personalized jokers, and on top of that, an Angle Z Gaff card.

MINT Limited Edition

Designed for the workers by 52Kards, the stunning Mint Limited Edition playing cards feature elegant borderless back with beautiful tri-color design, gold line accents, and masks an incredibly intuitive marking system for the clever magician to take advantage of. Printed by the United States Playing Card Company and coated with the legendary Air Cushion Finish.

Brooklyn Red Edition

The Brooklyn 101 Back Playing Cards are brought to you by the Brookyln Playing Card Co. The company's vision was to create a functional deck of cards for the working magician, performing direct and impossible magic. The result is a timeless blend of tradition and innovation. The deck features a custom vintage design, reimagined Jokers, custom Ace of Spades bearing the silhouette of the Brooklyn bridge. Printed by the Expert Playing Card Company on their improved Classic Finish stock,

Mirage Dawn Edition

Patrick Kun's Mirage Dawn Edition features a crimson/gold colorway, which compliments the original Mirage Dusk edition perfectly. The court cards are fully custom. The eye-catching tuck case was printed with stunning gold foil on a brand new premium pearlescent paper and gold champagne ink covers the interior of the box, and closed-off with a matching gold perforated seal. Also, the deck includes a subtle marking system. Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. and comes in Juan Tamariz’s Mnemonica stack.

The Code

Smart and intuitive. Theory11's the Code is more than a method. From the mind of Andy Nyman, instantly divine the name and location of a selected card - with no forces, no sleights, no memorization, and without even looking at the chosen card. Easy to read, multiple applications and most important of all, Bicycle Mandolin back that looks almost identical to standard Bicycles. Official Winner of The Thurston Spirit of Magic Award 2014.

Keepers Red Edition

Conceived by Adam Wilber and illustrated by Oban Jones, the Red Edition Keepers are a follow-up to the original Blue Keepers released by Ellusionist early in 2016. Designed for the worker in mind, the new deep red colorway has been specifically chosen to invite trust, and go unnoticed by the audiences. As such, the deck features recognizable pips and faces of a standard deck.

Rouge

The DMC ELITES: ROUGE is simply the best deck DMC has ever produced. The immediate feature of the deck, and the thing that makes it most exciting to every magician who handles one is also the most cunningly hidden: the unique world-class optical marking system. The markings can be read from up to six feet away - and yet under intense scrutiny remain invisible until the secret marking is revealed. Printed by Cartamundi.

Butterfly

Conceptualised by Ondrej Psenicka and designed by Swedish graphic designer and magician Stefan Eriksson, this groundbreaking deck features a unique marking system hidden in its beautiful back design. It has standard faces as it is intended mainly for magicians who prefer standard faces as they are familiar and easily recognizable by the audience. The cards are printed in Belgium by Cartamundi on their brand new card stock.

Aquila Standard Edition

A collaboration between Three of Clubs and Kardify Projects, Aquila Standard Edition Playing Cards are meticulously designed by Indonesian graphic artist, Ade Suryana. This exotic deck features fully custom back design, eye-catching Ace of Spades, diptych Jokers and stunning courts. The Standard Edition comes with unique Marking System, the tuck is embossed and adorned with a touch of gold foil. Printed by Legends Playing Card Company.

Marksmen

Meticulously developed by acclaimed mentalist Luke Jermay, the Marksman Deck has been designed with the professional performer in mind. It’s not just a marked deck: with one glance at the back, you’ll know the card’s identity, the one after it, how far away the mate is, and FIVE other hidden features. It features an array of information expertly hidden in its Mandolin Back design.

Ultimate Marked Deck

Yes, the Ultimate is the marked deck you have been dreaming of! Manufactured in the recognizable "Rider Back 808-R" Bicycle Cards by the United States Playing Cards Company. That means you don't have to mark the standard Bicycle decks yourself and you can hand out the deck without fear of detection. Available in red and blue.

Cadenza

Designed by Hong Kong magician NKW with the working magicians in mind, the deck features a classic, timeless floral back design. Cadenza comes with 3 different marking systems, each with its own features and functions. Available in two colors: blue and red, giving it a vintage feel to the deck. Printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on diamond finish, the deck comes in Mnemonica order out of the box.

Honorable mention: GT Speedreader, Madison Dealers by Ellusionist, Phoenix Deck, NOC v3 by House of Playing Cards, and While Lions by David Blaine.

[post_ad]

Deck View: Pioneers (Red Edition) Playing Cards

Discovery. Liberty. Curiosity.

Following the success of the OG Blue Edition, Pioneers Red Edition Playing Cards brings a bold new colorway to Ellusionist's vintage-inspired series. Designed by Oban Jones, the deck remains fully custom, with every detail... from the tuck box and card backs to the pips, aces, and jokers, painstakingly hand-drawn.

The card back retains its intricate artwork featuring Lady Liberty, a phoenix, and references to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, while concealing a fully marked system for magicians. The striking red colour palette gives the deck a fresh look while preserving the original's period-inspired aesthetic.

Housed in a tuck designed to resemble vintage paper stock, the Red Edition is printed by Cartamundi, delivering smooth handling and durability for collectors, magicians, and everyday play.

EXCLUSIVE First Look at Ellusionist's Pioneers Playing Cards

Earlier this week, Ellusionist teased their brand new deck, PIONEERS on Instagram (@ellusionist). The images generated quite a buzz with over 320 comments! The Pioneers deck is a celebration of exploration, scientific discovery, and innocent curiosity from a bygone era. These beautiful decks are fully custom, inside and out. 

From the distinctive deck seal to the impeccable pips. Every detail and line on the tuck, backs, aces, and jokers was painstakingly hand-drawn by renowned playing card artist Oban Jones.

The back design is a celebration of the 1893 World's Fair. A 600-acre spectacle that commemorated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival to the new world.

On the back is a lady of liberty, with a phoenix at her feet. In her left hand is the flag of the United States - in her right is the lesser-known but equally poignant flag of Chicago. 

The tuck box is constructed of exquisite laid card, capturing the texture of period-accurate paper. Debossed in all the right places, to create a 4th dimension of quality. 

Also, hidden in the design are 52 easily-readable markings, to use for either magic, mischief, or both. 

The deck inside is printed by Cartamundi on luxury-pressed E7 stock for that crushed but durable feel. Available NOW from ellusionist.com for $19.95 for a set.

[post_ad]

News: Ellusionist Releases the Latest Version of Sleepers Playing Cards

Yesterday, Ellusionist released for sale the latest version of Sleepers Playing Cards, the Insomniac Edition. This is the second release in the series, following the original back in 2015.

This minimalist deck has been designed by Oban Jones and features brand new pips, ornamental minimalism card backs and a gorgeous blind embossed tuck box.

According to the product page,

Every line, dot and letter is used to it's full potential. Beauty and function colliding.

The result is a practical deck of playing cards with simple and bold aesthetics. The Insomniac Edition has been crafted with cardistry and magic in mind.

Available now for $10 from ellusionist.com

News: Ellusionist Releases the Red Edition of Knights Playing Cards

The Knights Playing Cards by Daniel Madison and Chris Ramsay are one of our favorite deck from Ellusionist. With artwork by the creative Oban Jones, the deck oozes sophistication with its simplistic, elegant and stylish design.

Ellusionist has just released an all-new colorway of the Knights that you will want to get your hands on. Draped in striking eye-catching red, the Red Knight tuck case features a stunning gold foil exterior and interior print.

The card backs, Ace of Spades and Jokers have all been updated with a touch of red.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Co. A crushed stock, coupled with a smooth finish and traditional cut, make this deck feel as good as it looks.

Deck View: KNIGHTS Playing Cards

Chess. Elegance. Checkmate.

Released during the 2016 holiday season by Ellusionist, Magician Daniel Madison and Chris Ramsay have teamed up to bring this elegant deck to life. KNIGHTS Playing Cards is a semi-custom designed deck by Oban Jones. As an avid chess player, I love how this deck looks! Everything from the iconic Ace of Spades, the eye-catching Jokers to the card backs and semi-custom faces of the court cards exudes elegance and class.

There are a few surprises on the minimalistic matte white and stunning gold foil tuck. These hidden features on the tuck exterior and interior embody the aesthetics and practicality which appeal to magicians, gamblers, and chess players alike. KNIGHTS are printed by the United States Playing Card Company with a smooth finish and traditional cut, making this deck feel as good as it looks.

Available now from JP Games.

News: Ellusionist Releases New Keeper Playing Cards, In Red

New from Ellusionist, the Keeper Red Edition Playing Cards was conceived by Adam Wilber and illustrated by Oban Jones. The Red Edition Keepers are a follow-up to the original Blue Keepers released earlier this year.

Designed with the worker in mind, the new deep red colourway has been specifically chosen to invite trust, and go un-noticed by the audiences. As such, the deck features recognizable pips and faces of a standard deck.

The only tweaks being a custom Keeper Ace of Spades and the faces of the Jack and Queen of Clubs. An everlasting tribute to the creators' beautiful Wife.

The finish & design are similar to the originals, but now marked. Available now from Ellusionist for $7.

Deck View: Keeper (Green Edition) Playing Cards

Green. Lighthouse. Ocean.

Since it's St Paddy's Day weekend, I thought a green deck for this weeks' deck view would be cool. Conceived by Adam Wilber and illustrated by Oban Jones, the Sea Keeper green edition decks are the third in the popular 'Keepers' series of playing cards by Ellusionist. Designed for the worker in mind, the beautiful classic design in green colorway has been specifically chosen to invite trust, and go unnoticed by the audiences. As such, the deck features recognizable pips and faces of a standard deck.

The Keeper Ace of Spades and the faces of the Jack and Queen of Clubs have been tweaked. The design is similar to the originals but marked. Printed on Cartamundi's famed B9 stock for durability, with a true linen finish.

Available now from JP Playing Cards.

[post_ad]

Top 12 Playing Cards of 2021

What a year for playing cards! We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such an inspired community of artists, designers, cardists, magicians, and collectors! We've compiled our favorite decks for 2021 right here. This will be the third of four articles counting down to our Deck of the Year reveal next week.

Top 5 Cardistry Decks

Top 5 Collector Playing Cards

Top 12 Playing Cards of 2021

Deck of the Year 2021

If you think we've missed your favorite deck, let us know in the comment section below. Note that the selection expressed in this top 5 are solely those of the author and the list is in no particular order.

Kingdom & Kinghood

The KINGDOM & KINGHOOD decks are based on the royal theme of the Middle Ages and its illustrations are drawn from the luxurious style of the Renaissance period. Throughout history, the royal element has always been the most luxurious and noble symbol. The decks are fully custom, from the Aces, Jokers, and the Court Cards. The illustrations are drawn using the classic Sgraffito painted technique. Each illustration was first drawn and colored carefully on the paper and then using high-precision scanning transferred into digital images, the whole process over 3 months to complete. 

Harry Potter

Theory11's stunning decks showcase all of your favorite Harry Potter characters in four spellbinding color editions, representing the four houses. Theory11 features completely custom artwork in every aspect of the design, with the Aces, Jokers, box design, and court cards inspired directly by fan-favorite characters and events in the Wizarding World.  

Wayfarers 

Joker and the Thief's Wayfarer embodies the spirit of travel and adventure with a bold, and commanding design. Inside, the Wayfarers courts are gorgeous and fit the overall theme beautifully. Each suit of the Wayfarer’s court cards represents nature’s elements, with each royal having dominion over that aspect of reality. Packaged in an incredibly luxurious tuck box, Wayfarers showcase an incredible bronze embossed foil with white pigment foil impressed into the premium black paper stock. 

Black Market

This Thirdway Industries' Black Market can only be purchased with a password. The deck is the official deck of a fictional secret trade society, whose target is to make a lot of money selling extraordinary items to members. Beautiful artwork, incredible details, and a cool narrative! Like all Thirdway decks, there are secrets to discover! 

Blue Jay 

Blue Jay Playing Cards is the second installment in Meadowlark's custom playing card series. This beautiful deck is designed in collaboration with Elettra Deganello. Fully custom, the back design took some of the core features from the Meadowlark Deck and redesigned it to maintain its uniqueness. The Dentistry sub-theme was also incorporated in a fun yet sophisticated way. For the face cards, the Blue Jay was drawn in a fashion to be cohesive with the rest of the deck including the court cards, Aces, and Jokers. 

Pioneers

The Pioneers deck by Ellusionist is a celebration of exploration, scientific discovery, and innocent curiosity from a bygone era. These beautiful decks are fully custom, inside and out... from the distinctive deck seal to the impeccable pips. Every detail and line on the tuck, backs, aces, and jokers was painstakingly hand-drawn by renowned playing card artist Oban Jones.

Alice in Wonderland

Take a trip down the Rabbit Hole in Wonderland with Alice and the wildly unusual and whimsical characters of the beloved story, 'Alice in Wonderland'. Each card in Kings Wild's Alice playing cards is meticulously designed in exquisite detail by Jackson Robinson. With intricate borders and colors throughout the deck.

Royales

From Kings & Crooks comes a fully custom-designed deck of cards inspired by an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and fortune at an iconic, fictional casino. The luxurious deck is fit for the elite high-roller tables of vintage-era Monte Carlo, an intoxicating place of grandeur that attracts the beautiful, billionaires, and the crème de la crème of high society. Elegantly playful but ultra-sophisticated, the Royales celebrate a fine line between modern-minimal and old-world-classic style. 

52 Plus Joker Club Deck 2021

This limited edition deck is a fantastic representation of the world’s greatest playing card collector’s club, 52 Plus Joker. Designed by Stockholm17, the deck features a meticulously crafted tuck with two-piece tuck construction. You will notice a special Spade die-cut on the front of the tuck. Gold hot foil on the tuck and a numbered custom-shaped label make this deck look incredible! Inside, the deck comes with fully customized courts and jokers. Gold cold foil has been used on both sides of the cards, making them look absolutely stunning!

Atlantis

Atlantis Playing Cards is a gorgeous deck by Riffle Shuffle inspired by the mysterious and majestic lost city of Atlantis. Insides, the intricate card backs are divided into symmetrical sectors. They are presided over by two big triangles featuring the head of Zeus surrounded by heavenly light shining upon the rest of the scene. The custom court cards offer us a rare look into what the people of Atlantis might have looked like. The royals are dressed in sophisticated, richly decorated clothes in blue and gold. The bold Ace of Spades sports a blue and silver colorway consistent with the color palette of the deck.

Marvelous Hummingbird

The Marvelous decks are inspired by the marvelous Hummingbird feathers. The deck is conceptualized by Kellar O'Neil and masterfully created by designer Chris Tipton. The tuck box of the deck is extremely striking with sculpted embossing, and multiple holographic foils beautifully mimicking the iridescence of the hummingbird feathers. Inside, the borderless card backs feature holographic foil feathers and face cards come in a recognizable classic style but refined and customized for the theme and feature highlights of holographic foil as well. 

Republic

UUSI's REPUBLIC Playing Cards is a custom playing card deck based on Finnish/Nordic folk art and design. The deck sports a predominant beige/black colorway with a seamless pattern inspired by traditional Finnish design on the card back. The court cards, Ace of Spades and Jokers are fully custom yet at the same time very familiar and immediately recognizable. 

Honorable mention:  Gourmet by Alba Zapata, Wizard of Oz by Kings Wild Project, Avengers by Theory11, Pinocchio Vermillion by Elletra Deganello, Fulton's Day of the Dead by Fulton's Playing Cards, Galaxia by Thirdway Industries, Fontaine Fever Dreams by Fontaine Cards, ARW V2 by Luke Wadey, The Grand by Riffle Shuffle, Room 237 by Penguin Magic, Butterfly Seasons by Butterfly, The Cut by Kings Wild Project and Lepidopterist Patina by Art of Play.

Note that the selection expressed in this top 12 are solely those of the author and the list is in no particular order.

[post_ad]