NOC V3

[vmagic]

Got an email from Blue Crown and yes it's happening! More NOC, same 5 colors. No idea how this isn't going to be any different than the previous versions. Oh I know, they are doing the same as the Black NOC, V1 courts, V2 backs, anything for a buck eh?

[Don Boyer]

They're making version 3 because version 2 was so popular, it sold out.  I don't see why you should be getting your nose bent out of shape over it, Victor.  There's a big difference between "anything for a buck" and "meeting consumer demand".

[vmagic]

If that is the case then they should just print more v2 or get larger print runs. Creating a new version like this is so that collectors will buy the new version.

[Don Boyer]

If that is the case then they should just print more v2 or get larger print runs. Creating a new version like this is so that collectors will buy the new version.

But that's the problem, Victor - you and many other collectors feel this compulsion to buy every version of every deck, when the truth of it is that you can be picky and choosy.  If you're so against them making a version three, the simple solution is to express your dissatisfaction by not purchasing it, plain and simple!  I went on a rant about this only moments ago in the topic about the Zenpure deck or some other deck, I don't remember.

Buy what makes you happy - and NOTHING ELSE.  You control the hobby of card collecting, NOT the other way around.  You are never compelled to purchase so much as a single deck of cards, EVER.

If car companies used the logic you want TBC to apply, we'd still be driving around in vehicles like the Plymouth K-cars or the Ford Pinto or the AMC Pacer!  There would be no design innovation.  Clothing retailers using that logic would be making the same fashions that were in stores the day you were born!  Sure, things such as the Bicycle Rider Back and the Fruit of the Loom Briefs probably haven't changed much since that day, but plenty of other things have - life isn't still life, it's living, breathing, CHANGING all the time.

In fact, the entire custom deck hobby as it exists today WOULD NOT EXIST if card companies did as you dictate, never changing their designs.  We would have a few mainstay designs that have been around for close to if not more than a hundred years, and NOTHING ELSE.  USPC would love it if the market would accept it - it's cheaper and easier for them to make the same designs over and over and over, ad infinitum.

[vmagic]

But what could they possibly change in this design?

[Don Boyer]

But what could they possibly change in this design?

Who knows?  Perhaps they won't change a thing?  Maybe just a different box?  Or a new Ace of Spades?  There's no shortage of elements they can tweak - or not tweak - and still call it version 3.  We'll just have to wait like the other punters to figure it out, right? 

[vmagic]

I thought you of all people would know, or might already have these, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[John B.]

people dont just send Don everything before it comes out. he is not a part of blue crown.

[Don Boyer]

I thought you of all people would know, or might already have these, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Even if I did, would I be at liberty to talk about it?  (I don't.)

I haven't actually spoken with anyone from TBC for some months now.  I do get in touch with Kevin now and then, but he's now living maybe ten hours away by car...

[Paul Carpenter]

I think I know, but as with Don, am not at liberty to say if I did. So don't ask me,  ya goons!

[Sher143]

What is so great about these Noc decks? This isn't a rhetorical question; I really want to know.  It seems like they have standard courts and just have one solid color on the back. Are the Ace of Spades and jokers that great to warrant buying this deck?

[Paul Carpenter]

I think it's because they are pretty inexpensive and simple, so magician types in particular like them as they don't cause any confusion when performing. I personally think you can have a little style and not draw attention, but to each their own!

[Sher143]

Ohh,  okay. Now I understand.  Thanks,  Paul!    I was looking at these and assumed they were aimed at collectors,  but it seems like their simplicity is to target magicians and that's totally fine. I guess the many versions would suck for collectors who feel the need to buy everything,  but it should be no problem for other collectors who only buy what pleases them. I don't care much for this deck so I don't care how many iterations of these will be available in the future since I am not compelled to buy any of them.  But I guess that's just me.

[Don Boyer]

What is so great about these Noc decks? This isn't a rhetorical question; I really want to know.  It seems like they have standard courts and just have one solid color on the back. Are the Ace of Spades and jokers that great to warrant buying this deck?

Beyond having a solid color for a back design, which to the spectator would indicate no way to hide a marking system (and they'd be wrong!), it's among the least-expensive, frequently-stocked decks on the market with Magic Finish coating.  They are indeed targeted more for magicians than collectors, though that doesn't stop collectors from buying them!

I think it's because they are pretty inexpensive and simple, so magician types in particular like them as they don't cause any confusion when performing. I personally think you can have a little style and not draw attention, but to each their own!

I agree on that.  The primary thing for a "magician's deck" is to look enough like what a spectator might have at home to put them at ease - it's one of the major reasons that most T11-designed faces are recolored variants of the Anglo-American standard.  Zenneth Kok uses bog-standard faces for his own deck designs, right down to the Ace of Spades.  Back designs can be a bit more interesting, but again, some like the simple, flat, solid color.  There are some cardists that prefer a perfectly ordinary or bland back design for their decks, in order for the cardistry moves to be the center of attention and not the flashy-looking cards.

Even all that I wrote above you couldn't exactly call "rules of magician's cards".  Sometimes you pick a deck suited to the audience.  If I entertain kids, they love when I use "The Dog" deck from USPC.  If my audience is a little more goth/emo, maybe something out of the Big Blind Media library would be of more interest.  A bunch of college kids would probably get a kick if I performed for them with the Red Plastic Cup deck.  And so on, and so on.

Different audiences, different circumstances, different performers - different decks.

[Sher143]

What is so great about these Noc decks? This isn't a rhetorical question; I really want to know.  It seems like they have standard courts and just have one solid color on the back. Are the Ace of Spades and jokers that great to warrant buying this deck?

Beyond having a solid color for a back design, which to the spectator would indicate no way to hide a marking system (and they'd be wrong!), it's among the least-expensive, frequently-stocked decks on the market with Magic Finish coating.  They are indeed targeted more for magicians than collectors, though that doesn't stop collectors from buying them!

The Nocs are marked? Or they've been marked in the past? How?

[Don Boyer]

What is so great about these Noc decks? This isn't a rhetorical question; I really want to know.  It seems like they have standard courts and just have one solid color on the back. Are the Ace of Spades and jokers that great to warrant buying this deck?

Beyond having a solid color for a back design, which to the spectator would indicate no way to hide a marking system (and they'd be wrong!), it's among the least-expensive, frequently-stocked decks on the market with Magic Finish coating.  They are indeed targeted more for magicians than collectors, though that doesn't stop collectors from buying them!

The Nocs are marked? Or they've been marked in the past? How?

In the version 2 decks, they made slight tweaks to the backs to mark them, but only for identifying the suit, not the value.  There's a video that explains the marking system they have for download, but I think only customers who bought the deck can download it.  Pick up a v2 deck, look it over long enough, and you'll find the marking system - I never even watched the download.

[john]

So Alex posted this on his Facebook/instagram page. Considering it has a sideways tuck, I think these are more likely than not EPCC. Pretty cool if you ask me.

[Expert P.C. Co.]

So Alex posted this on his Facebook/instagram page. Considering it has a sideways tuck, I think these are more likely than not EPCC. Pretty cool if you ask me.

I think you just might be on to something John! And the point of this deck isn't so much for collecting as it is to be used by magicians and cardistry folks. They are pretty great.

[Paul.Middleton]

Looking forward to this one from a business point of view- Nocs sell very nicely and being printed with the same stock and finish as the Exquisites should only increase sales! great news.

[john]

So Alex posted this on his Facebook/instagram page. Considering it has a sideways tuck, I think these are more likely than not EPCC. Pretty cool if you ask me.

I think you just might be on to something John! And the point of this deck isn't so much for collecting as it is to be used by magicians and cardistry folks. They are pretty great.

I for one will be a fan! I love both versions of NOC's and I love all my EPCC decks I have. Seeing them together should make for one great working deck. Would you be able to provide any more info on it? Or are we going to have to wait for TBC?

[K]

Look like this is the new trend, having a sideways flap

[Paul Carpenter]

Look like this is the new trend, having a sideways flap

If you print a deck with EPCC, it doesn't require any hoops to jump through and is a fun change of pace.

[Fess]

These are back in stock at The Blue Crown at the $5 price point and should be showing up everywhere else again pretty soon. I think it's great these saw a second print run! More access is fantastic. 

[HolyJJ]

They're referring to it as V3S... kind of like an iPhone.

They've hinted improved handling by mentioning that there's an improvement to the cardstock.

[chas0039]

The main difference that I have read is they are now not made in the USA, but in Taipei.

[HolyJJ]

Chas0039, even the original NOC V3 was printed in Taipei.

The Blue Crown/HOPC has started to get more serious in the past 12-18 months -- they've printed most of their decks with Expert Playing Card Company, who have printed decks for them from China (the Nautical decks) and Taiwan.

I'm going to get a few more NOC V3S decks from Legends, just to see first hand how differently the cards handle to the first printing.

[Fess]

I'm going to get a few more NOC V3S decks from Legends, just to see first hand how differently the cards handle to the first printing.

I wonder if you'll actually be able to notice a difference. They're still Master Finish. Maybe the stock is a little thinner. I'm interested to see what you think JJ.

[chas0039]

Chas0039, even the original NOC V3 was printed in Taipei...

Sorry, I am not that well versed and most of the discussion talked about V1, V2, and this V3.  I didn't know there was an earlier V3.  And you mentioned Legands,  I get the feeling they are the same people as Art of Play, which means, if I read correctly, Dan & Dave.  Is this the case?

[HolyJJ]

Fes, the NOC V3S are indeed still master finish... but hey, the  guys at LPCC and EPCC have always been experimenting when it comes to things like inks, and subtle variations. 

I think a good example is the Legends series cards (V1, V2, and EE) -- all used diamond finish, all three editions had different thickness (V1 was the thinnest, where as V3 was thickest) and slickness. 

Therefore, the enhancements can be one or more of various things... it could be thickness, it could be different ink, or it could even be a slight variation to the coating. Whichever it is, I fully expect it to be impressive. I'll definitely post my thoughts on them once I get a few more

Chas0039, no need to apologise about anything brother -- after all, even I'm not up to speed on past releases for a lot of deck series'. For example, the popular Smoke and ‎Mirrors series from D&D... most people know the details of every single edition, where as I don't!

Legends and Art of Play (well, D&D) are entirely separate entities... D&D are based in the states, and whilst they do design and sell decks, they aren't actually printers. Legends PCC is based on Hong Kong, and as well as selling their in house decks, they take customs orders and print superior quality decks via factories in Taiwan and PRC.

A lot of people mistake Expert PCC and Legends PCC to be the same company... and whilst they do collaborate, they are *not* the same.

[Rob Wright]

I'm just glad I was able to sell my extra V3s for $10 a piece already